On November 25, 1970, novelist Yukio Mishima, having failed to persuade a bewildered nation to convert to political extremism, committed ritual suicide in despair.
Just saying.
And if a bewildered nation fails to purchase your books ....
"Good morning. In less than an hour, Left-wing Activists from here will join others from around the world. And you will be launching the largest political battle in the history of mankind.
""Mankind." That word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps it's fate that today is the 12th of September, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom... Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution... but from Austerity. We are fighting for our right to live. To exist.
"And should we win the day, the 12th of September will no longer be known as a Labour Party holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: "We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive!"
Camerons best tactic will be to be respectful of Corbyn and not bully him.
But behind the scenes his team will be feeding the media with the dirt.
Yes. Cameron will play the ball, focus his disdain on Labour's policies and the party who elected Corbyn, rather than on the man himself.
That would probably be sensible. If Corbyn is the disaster many think, he will self destruct on his own with little help from Cameron, so important to spread the damage as wide as he can. If Corbyn is not a disaster, then that's still the tactic rather than go for the man and not succeeding because he's doing alright.
Over 60% would be astonishing. I know the others have been poor, so perhaps even some who do not agree with Corbyn's policies or pronouncements think he would be the best choice, but that would still be a shock.
'The idea Labour MPs have a duty to lie about supporting a leader they fundamentally disagree with is ludicrous.'
Silly man, party unity is all important.
Though seriously, tough for someone to bad mouth Corbyn directly right away I'd have thought, and I still think maybe it's best not to say you won't serve in his Shadow Cabinet, but have him not appoint you (as would be likely for those who are contemplating refusing to serve) - they don't get the stigma of having undermined him before he had a chance, nor of serving under him if he does prove a disaster, and there's always time to worm their way back in if he does ok.
Over 60% would be astonishing. I know the others have been poor, so perhaps even some who do not agree with Corbyn's policies or pronouncements think he would be the best choice, but that would still be a shock.
Kendall under 5%?
I don't know why people keep saying this, it's not astonishing at all. It's been said ad nauseam. This was not an electorate it was a selectorate. A large part of said selectorate did not sign up (undecided) to vote in the Labour Leadership election. They signed up for one reason only - to vote for Jeremy Corbyn. And he (in conjunction with the Unions) was the only one who did any serious early campaigning aimed at the wider electorate (who were theoretically all eligible to vote) for the purpose of getting people to sign up. By the time the others started campaigning the election was already decided.
If he'd been a candidate for the Tory leadership in the same circumstances he would have probably won as well!
I trust Labour have ensured only the most loyal of party members are in the hall for theannouncement, people professional enough to look really happy even if they thin Corbyn is a disaster - they don't want a stray shot of Corbyn smiling while Beckett or someone recognizable looks like death in the background.
I know it's a common gag he looks and sounds like a Tory, but I honestly always get Tristram Hunt mixed up with Zac Goldsmith, so the shot of him still momentarily confused me.
This man is so dull. He had one job. Announce the deputy leader. Get on with it.
He's trying to give a rousing speech, but it's just dull. Even when he goes for tub-thumping in welcoming Khan to the stage, it's like he's announcing train times.
And Khan is pausing to expect cheers for announcing that he's from South London.
Labour MP, an avowed antiCorbynista, tells me:"This is just *one* election in *one* part of the Labour party." #ominous
Ummmm. Its the biggest election with every member, affiliate and supporter being able to vote. Isn't that every part of the Labour Party? Or is he trying to claim that the elite should be considered more important than the rest, so they're not represented in a one man one vote democratic election? It's reminiscent of the French First and Second estates refusing to join the National Assembly.
This guy emphasising the importance of the London mayoral election over other elections going on next year in Scotland and Wales - unintentionally significant?
Ironic that this man helped organise the GE campaign and presided over the massive losses in Scotland, the country where he came from.......... Clearly a man in touch with his roots?
If Corbyn has got more than 60% it'll be difficult to get rid of him before the 2020 election.
Maybe not. If 90% of the £3-ers voted for Corbyn then charges of entryism and voting the cemetry will be irrefutable. I think it would undermine him as being completely unrepresentative and the election as completely flawed.
No doubt, shares in popcorn company prices are rising sharply.
Khan didn't get such a loud cheer when he mentioned that he was the son of an immigrant - I suspect there are some Labour people who are uncomfortable with party making a thing out of that.
Khan didn't get such a loud cheer when he mentioned that he was the son of an immigrant - I suspect there are some Labour people who are uncomfortable with party making a thing out of that.
They seemed to like immigrants being given council housing though.
You need to Unmute your TV or take your ear plugs out
Laura Kuenssberg, who is there, says the atmos is like a hotel accidentally booked a 21st birthday party and a wake - in the same room.
A good line that.
Sadiq going off message talking about Labour helping people build a better future - says right there on his podium the message is to 'shape the future'. 0 stars.
Also 'friends, let us rally together' - come on Sadiq, a golden opportunity to use 'comrades' there. I'm disappointed in this hard left takeover already.
Comments
""Mankind." That word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps it's fate that today is the 12th of September, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom... Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution... but from Austerity. We are fighting for our right to live. To exist.
"And should we win the day, the 12th of September will no longer be known as a Labour Party holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: "We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive!"
"Today we celebrate our Independence Day!"
https://twitter.com/BBCAllegra/status/642638519513563136?ref_src=twsrc^tfw
'Bit awkward: at Lab announcement next to seats reserved for Andy Burnham's family and Corbyn supporter Michael Meacher tries to nab one.'
The first comment is also funny.
'Yes, we know you're a Tory Allegra. The way you fluttered your eyes at Osborne in election campaign interviews. Slight giveaway.'
"Senior aide to Liz Kendall says Corbyn has won in the first round with over 60% of the vote."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-34205207
Kendall under 5%?
Andrew Neil tweet
The lunatics have taken over the asylum.
'The idea Labour MPs have a duty to lie about supporting a leader they fundamentally disagree with is ludicrous.'
Silly man, party unity is all important.
Though seriously, tough for someone to bad mouth Corbyn directly right away I'd have thought, and I still think maybe it's best not to say you won't serve in his Shadow Cabinet, but have him not appoint you (as would be likely for those who are contemplating refusing to serve) - they don't get the stigma of having undermined him before he had a chance, nor of serving under him if he does prove a disaster, and there's always time to worm their way back in if he does ok.
And they could have had Peter Dickson on the PA.
It's not like he has any baggage..........
http://show.nojam.com/a2sY/search.php?b=0&j=5&s_Name=&s_Wnnr=0&o_lcl=data_1000__Corbyn___1015_
If he'd been a candidate for the Tory leadership in the same circumstances he would have probably won as well!
PB.com - searing political commentary.
Ie. not very important at all.
Getting the shadow cabinet together might be fun.
Utter madness from Labour.
I've just got back in from the supermarket, and a spider's bitten me on my neck.
Let's wait to see if I get any superpowers ...
And Khan is pausing to expect cheers for announcing that he's from South London.
But I suppose Labour's got that.
Will be interesting to see how voters react in the next round of local government by elections, particularly in marginal seats.
No doubt, shares in popcorn company prices are rising sharply.
This is a glorious day for revolution!
*this is nothing to do with Vanilla refusing to let me comment*
Khaaaaaaaaan!!!!
Hmmm. Calling Mr Dobson?
Sadiq going off message talking about Labour helping people build a better future - says right there on his podium the message is to 'shape the future'. 0 stars.
Also 'friends, let us rally together' - come on Sadiq, a golden opportunity to use 'comrades' there. I'm disappointed in this hard left takeover already.