UK Conference Season 2006

[afleitch]

What did everyone think of Blair's speech?

Good, as most of his speeches are (though I did at one point think he was quoting from a song lyric!) He looked shy and exhausted while Gordon Brown sat there like a powdered up Cheshire cat (at which point my socialist leaning dad swore when it was shown on the news) I felt for him at the end; it's not how anyone should bow out.

[afleitch]

Bill Clinton has made his guest speech (always a crowd pleaser) and it's all but confirmed that John McCain will be doing the honours for the Conservatives. Partisanship aside- to have two of my favourite American statesmen speak at a British party conference is a privilage and an absolute joy

[afleitch]

Bill Clinton has made his guest speech (always a crowd pleaser) and it's all but confirmed that John McCain will be doing the honours for the Conservatives. Partisanship aside- to have two of my favourite American statesmen speak at a British party conference is a privilage and an absolute joy

I wish it were George W Bush, who was going to be addressing the Conservative Party Conference

Dave

He can hardly adress an envelope! (boom boom)

Seriously though, I don't think he would be welcome there, the only poll of its kind in 04 showed majority support for John Kerry amongst Tory voters and I've not met a party member yet who thinks he is a good president or a good conservative

[afleitch]

Having said that, Brown has always struck me as someone who may be on the autistic spectrum from his mannerisms and his relative uncomfort in public and social situations.

[afleitch]

Bill Clinton has made his guest speech (always a crowd pleaser) and it's all but confirmed that John McCain will be doing the honours for the Conservatives. Partisanship aside- to have two of my favourite American statesmen speak at a British party conference is a privilage and an absolute joy

That seems a bit odd. I couldn't imagine Cameron giving a guest speech at the Republican convention. 

Give it time

John McCain was outstanding btw.

[afleitch]

Not sure as I didn't have access to a TV during Conference. Might have been Blair's wife. The description matches.

No, I knew who Blair's wife was when the camera went out into the crowd. She also went up on stage with him at the end and it wasn't the same lady.

Scanning Yahoo images; if it was a green touser suit then it was Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt. The camera probably cut to her when there was applause as the woman has not seen much applause recently

[afleitch]

To me, it seems to be a lot of hot air. The media basically wanted something, anything, to portray the Tories as still being the nasty party and they got it, even if it was some off-the-cuff remark in an obscure fringe meeting.

I would agree with you there. I myself was diagnosed with Aspergers years ago (however weak it is now after years of work) and Osborne was not causing offence. The media has also ran with the 'no tax cuts' party division story as if it was the buzz of the conference hall. After watching the conference and corresponding with people who are actually there they seem perplexed as to why the media have run-away with a small issue.

[afleitch]

I put my hand on my heart and swear to you all that I am not in ' partisan spin mode' here (Okay maybe a little)

David Cameron's speech was exceptional, an in the audience with the dwindling but still formidable blue rinse brigade, brave. His focus on the NHS was unexpected and welcome (and one that got a nod of approval from my Labour voting mum). His foreign policy blue-print was also promising. Under Tony Blair our Foreign Office has becoming nothing more than an extension of the White House, it is no longer independent (which explains part of the now forgotten rumour behind why Jack Straw was removed as Foreign Secretary; as he was not palatable to White House tastes) and no longer represents the interests of Britain first and foremost. I want to see an independent foreign policy that compliments our American ally but is not bound to them. Finally, and again so unexpected it delightfully ruffled the old guards feathers, was Camerons support for all long term relationships as being stable and commendable, including gay and lesbian couples. It means alot to people like myself to hear that said. A well delivered and appreciated speech.

 almost dropped my mug of tea