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politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » Trump’s big pre-Iowa gamble: pulling out of Thursday’s TV d

SystemSystem Posts: 11,687
edited January 2016 in General

imagepoliticalbetting.com » Blog Archive » Trump’s big pre-Iowa gamble: pulling out of Thursday’s TV debate in ongoing row with Fox News

The big overnight WH2016 news is that Donald Trump has pulled out of the final TV debate before voting actually starts in the elongated process to choose the party nominees

Read the full story here


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Comments

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    MTimTMTimT Posts: 7,034
    Don't really seeing this hurting Trump. I am a political nerd, and even I am not intending to watch this debate. With so many in the bag already, debate fatigue setting in.
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    SimonStClareSimonStClare Posts: 7,976
    edited January 2016
    Morning all.

    Trump sticks two fingers up to Fox and their stupid ratings war – shouldn’t do him any harm.
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    DecrepitJohnLDecrepitJohnL Posts: 13,300
    David Cameron pulled out of our debates and won. Of course, we do not know the Conservatives would not have a bigger majority if he'd taken part. The bar was not set high.

    Will it hurt Trump? No doubt after the debate, news reporters (television and print) will give Trump the chance to refute any attacks on him.
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    DadgeDadge Posts: 2,038
    Iowa's a pretty conservative place and my instinct is that Iowans, especially the ones who haven't decided who to vote for, won't take too kindly to Trump playing games like this. Of course you can say this is the typical Trump that everyone knows and (ahem) loves, but people haven't completely taken leave of their senses, and this arrogance can wear away at support.
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    Not sure if PB readers are following Scott Adams' analysis of Trump's tactics? Confronting Fox News can be intended to improve his positioning with Democratic swing voters.

    http://blog.dilbert.com/post/138125409321/trump-fox-news-and-megyn-kelly-explained-master
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    CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 59,703

    David Cameron pulled out of our debates and won.

    He didn't pull out of any debates he'd already agreed to do IIRC?

    He just set out what he wanted to do and pretty much stuck to it - and of course the position of an incumbent is usually much more powerful than any candidate.....

    No idea how this will affect Trump, do we know how women respond to him?
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    rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 54,003
    So long as there is no overwhelming victor from the debate, this will do him no harm. The risk is that, without Trump there, another candidate ends up dominating the debate and ends up the De facto anti Trump
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    AlastairMeeksAlastairMeeks Posts: 30,340
    Looks like a good way of generating headlines to me.
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    SimonStClareSimonStClare Posts: 7,976
    edited January 2016

    David Cameron pulled out of our debates and won.

    He didn't pull out of any debates he'd already agreed to do IIRC?

    He just set out what he wanted to do and pretty much stuck to it - and of course the position of an incumbent is usually much more powerful than any candidate.....
    I think you are correct. Cameron always said he would take part, but was critical of the 2010 debate timing and said he wanted a different schedule in the lead up to 2015. The TV channels then conspired to dictate the terms in a fait accompli, so he told them where to get off.
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    Pleasing to see Johanna Konta reach the Ladies Semi-Finals of the Australian Open Tennis.
    *Cough* - was it really just four days ago when I tipped her at 200/1 to win SPOTY 2016?
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    eekeek Posts: 24,983
    Dadge said:

    Iowa's a pretty conservative place and my instinct is that Iowans, especially the ones who haven't decided who to vote for, won't take too kindly to Trump playing games like this. Of course you can say this is the typical Trump that everyone knows and (ahem) loves, but people haven't completely taken leave of their senses, and this arrogance can wear away at support.

    Trump will be actually in Iowa hosting a rally to raise money for a wounded soldiers' charity.
    Note the important things here:-

    1) Trump will be in Iowa
    2) Trump will be raising money for a charity not himself....

    No matter what anyone says at the debate. Attacking him for not being there when he is at a prior charity engagement raising money for others won't go down well..
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    DecrepitJohnLDecrepitJohnL Posts: 13,300

    David Cameron pulled out of our debates and won.

    He didn't pull out of any debates he'd already agreed to do IIRC?

    He just set out what he wanted to do and pretty much stuck to it - and of course the position of an incumbent is usually much more powerful than any candidate.....
    I think you are correct. Cameron always said he would take part, but was critical of the 2010 debate timing and said he wanted a different schedule in the lead up to 2015. The TV channels then conspired to dictate the terms in a fait accompli, so he told them where to get off.
    According to the Ross account, Cameron wanted a head-to-head with Ed Miliband but Lynton Crosby nixed it. None of this really affects the point about the parallel with Trump in Iowa.
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    SimonStClareSimonStClare Posts: 7,976

    David Cameron pulled out of our debates and won.

    He didn't pull out of any debates he'd already agreed to do IIRC?

    He just set out what he wanted to do and pretty much stuck to it - and of course the position of an incumbent is usually much more powerful than any candidate.....
    I think you are correct. Cameron always said he would take part, but was critical of the 2010 debate timing and said he wanted a different schedule in the lead up to 2015. The TV channels then conspired to dictate the terms in a fait accompli, so he told them where to get off.
    According to the Ross account, Cameron wanted a head-to-head with Ed Miliband but Lynton Crosby nixed it. None of this really affects the point about the parallel with Trump in Iowa.
    What has that to do with your claim that "David Cameron pulled out of our debates"?
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    DecrepitJohnLDecrepitJohnL Posts: 13,300

    Pleasing to see Johanna Konta reach the Ladies Semi-Finals of the Australian Open Tennis.
    *Cough* - was it really just four days ago when I tipped her at 200/1 to win SPOTY 2016?

    A good trading bet but you could probably have got the same price for her to win Wimbledon, which is what she'd have to do in an Olympic year (is it really four years since London 2012?) but maybe I'm just bitter I missed the price.
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    Is the winner of Iowa the one who gets the most votes, or the most delegates? It's not necessarily the same is it?
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    The Prima Donald.
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    Is the winner of Iowa the one who gets the most votes, or the most delegates? It's not necessarily the same is it?

    If it's a caucus race, all shall win and all shall have prizes. The Dodo said so.

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    dugarbandierdugarbandier Posts: 2,596
    Christian said:

    Not sure if PB readers are following Scott Adams' analysis of Trump's tactics? Confronting Fox News can be intended to improve his positioning with Democratic swing voters.

    http://blog.dilbert.com/post/138125409321/trump-fox-news-and-megyn-kelly-explained-master

    most interesting, thanks
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    Richard_TyndallRichard_Tyndall Posts: 30,963
    edited January 2016

    Is the winner of Iowa the one who gets the most votes, or the most delegates? It's not necessarily the same is it?

    The Republicans recently changed their rules so in effect it is the same thing. Delegates are chosen based on the number of votes they get and they now have to vote for the candidate proportionately to the number of votes cast at the Caucuses
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    CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758

    Is the winner of Iowa the one who gets the most votes, or the most delegates? It's not necessarily the same is it?

    The Republicans recently changed their rules so in effect it is the same thing. Delegates are chosen based on the number of votes they get and they now have to vote for the candidate proportionately to the number of votes cast at the Caucuses
    Presumably because of woshisname's shenanigans last time round (the Libertarian) who smartly made sure that lots of the delegates were sleepers who supported him & then saw them break ranks and vote for him rather than the people the caucus goers had voted for?
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    Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    @isaby: A devastating critique of Labour's #BeckettReport by the ever thoughtful @RichardAngell for @TheStaggers https://t.co/tpvdZOr8Oi
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    PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,929
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    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,394
    Pulpstar said:
    Vanilla'ed you.
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    DairDair Posts: 6,108
    edited January 2016

    Is the winner of Iowa the one who gets the most votes, or the most delegates? It's not necessarily the same is it?

    The Republicans recently changed their rules so in effect it is the same thing. Delegates are chosen based on the number of votes they get and they now have to vote for the candidate proportionately to the number of votes cast at the Caucuses
    How can they do that, they don't vote, they caucus. They can't allocate delegates proportionately by votes, only by districts.
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    DavidLDavidL Posts: 51,308
    Christian said:

    Not sure if PB readers are following Scott Adams' analysis of Trump's tactics? Confronting Fox News can be intended to improve his positioning with Democratic swing voters.

    http://blog.dilbert.com/post/138125409321/trump-fox-news-and-megyn-kelly-explained-master

    The dilbert analysis is interesting. Thanks for the link. The key is the story remains all about Trump and there is no one else getting heard.

    It does bring up the woman thing again though. He has to be careful about that, especially if one is likely to be his ultimate opponent.
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    Charles said:

    Is the winner of Iowa the one who gets the most votes, or the most delegates? It's not necessarily the same is it?

    The Republicans recently changed their rules so in effect it is the same thing. Delegates are chosen based on the number of votes they get and they now have to vote for the candidate proportionately to the number of votes cast at the Caucuses
    Presumably because of woshisname's shenanigans last time round (the Libertarian) who smartly made sure that lots of the delegates were sleepers who supported him & then saw them break ranks and vote for him rather than the people the caucus goers had voted for?
    That sounds like Libertarianism to me.

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    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,394
    Christian said:

    Not sure if PB readers are following Scott Adams' analysis of Trump's tactics? Confronting Fox News can be intended to improve his positioning with Democratic swing voters.

    http://blog.dilbert.com/post/138125409321/trump-fox-news-and-megyn-kelly-explained-master

    Welcome to pb.com Christian. Great blog link.

    I like this. The last three sentences are sad but true:

    "At about halftime of the debate you might see Trump say it is too boring to watch and sign off for the night. That gives you a data point to see if viewership drops off around then. And it probably would, no matter what he tweets, simply because the novelty of him NOT being there will wear off. Then all you have is a real debate about the real issues. No one wants that. We have better things to do."

    I also really like this summing up of Trump:

    "People keep asking me to demonstrate my lack of bias by pointing out some of Trump’s mistakes. The problem is that Trump has a skill set that absorbs mistakes and turns them into whatever he wants them to be. That’s his system."
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    Christian said:

    Not sure if PB readers are following Scott Adams' analysis of Trump's tactics? Confronting Fox News can be intended to improve his positioning with Democratic swing voters.

    http://blog.dilbert.com/post/138125409321/trump-fox-news-and-megyn-kelly-explained-master

    Welcome to pb.com Christian. Great blog link.

    I like this. The last three sentences are sad but true:

    "At about halftime of the debate you might see Trump say it is too boring to watch and sign off for the night. That gives you a data point to see if viewership drops off around then. And it probably would, no matter what he tweets, simply because the novelty of him NOT being there will wear off. Then all you have is a real debate about the real issues. No one wants that. We have better things to do."

    I also really like this summing up of Trump:

    "People keep asking me to demonstrate my lack of bias by pointing out some of Trump’s mistakes. The problem is that Trump has a skill set that absorbs mistakes and turns them into whatever he wants them to be. That’s his system."
    I agree. 100%
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    NickPalmerNickPalmer Posts: 21,343
    eek said:

    Dadge said:

    Iowa's a pretty conservative place and my instinct is that Iowans, especially the ones who haven't decided who to vote for, won't take too kindly to Trump playing games like this. Of course you can say this is the typical Trump that everyone knows and (ahem) loves, but people haven't completely taken leave of their senses, and this arrogance can wear away at support.

    Trump will be actually in Iowa hosting a rally to raise money for a wounded soldiers' charity.
    Note the important things here:-

    1) Trump will be in Iowa
    2) Trump will be raising money for a charity not himself....

    No matter what anyone says at the debate. Attacking him for not being there when he is at a prior charity engagement raising money for others won't go down well..
    But he's not saying "Sadly I can't debate as I'm busy supporting soldiers" but "I won't debate because I think one of your questioners is biased".

    It seems risky to me. There are several possible lines for rivals at the debate:

    - Attack him for using any excuse to avoid challenge, "complacent front-runner"
    - Attack him for feebleness. "If you're worried about Kelly asking you awkward questions, how are you going to handle Putin?"
    - Attack him for flakiness. "This is just the latest of his weird decisions. Do we want a flaky President?"
    - Ignore him

    All these lines could fail, but he won't be there to counter any of them. The rivals will be trying them all out on focus groups right now.
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    SandpitSandpit Posts: 49,898
    Charles said:

    Is the winner of Iowa the one who gets the most votes, or the most delegates? It's not necessarily the same is it?

    The Republicans recently changed their rules so in effect it is the same thing. Delegates are chosen based on the number of votes they get and they now have to vote for the candidate proportionately to the number of votes cast at the Caucuses
    Presumably because of woshisname's shenanigans last time round (the Libertarian) who smartly made sure that lots of the delegates were sleepers who supported him & then saw them break ranks and vote for him rather than the people the caucus goers had voted for?
    Yes, that was Ron Paul (father of Rand Paul), who 'persuaded' the delegates themselves to vote for him irrespective of the outcome of the actual vote. Strictly working to the letter of the rules, so they've changed the rules this time to codify what was the spirit of the rules before.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/28/ron-paul-republican-convention_n_1837556.html
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    NickPalmerNickPalmer Posts: 21,343
    edited January 2016
    PS I see Cruz has already seized on line number 2. In fairness, I see Trump is actually reacting to a snide press release from Fox News, and I think he's right that it seems to have been written by "some wise guy". But that's getting lost in the turmoil.

    http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jan/26/donald-trump-boycott-fox-news-republican-debate
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    Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 60,987
    Good morning, everyone.

    Doubt this'll harm Trump. Didn't harm Cameron, and there were fewer debates over here.

    Welcome to pb.com, Mr. Christian.

    Mr. Putney, couldn't back at quite those odds, but there's still 50/1 at Ladbrokes. Konta's up against Kerber next.
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    NickPalmerNickPalmer Posts: 21,343
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    PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,929
    The Donald is once again the story. Trump boycotts the debate.
    That's all there is to it.

    If there is a backlash in Iowa it will mean Cruz narrowly pips him, as this is now a differentiating point between the two.

    It's all about the Donald, but Cruz is at a great price on Betfair at over 8-1. Top up now if you aren't already chock full, it'll crash after Iowa if he wins.
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    blackburn63blackburn63 Posts: 4,492
    Wow, as somebody who has no interest in US politics Trump has got me interested. I wonder how many Americans, like me, appreciate his straight talking and anti establishment rhetoric. I'll admit I know nothing of his policies but I like the cut of his jib, I hope he wins in the same way I was pleased Corbyn did.
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    I didn't watch what I presumed was a hachet job on Trump from Matt Frei last night. Was it any good?
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    Wow, as somebody who has no interest in US politics Trump has got me interested. I wonder how many Americans, like me, appreciate his straight talking and anti establishment rhetoric. I'll admit I know nothing of his policies but I like the cut of his jib, I hope he wins in the same way I was pleased Corbyn did.

    Trump's spat with Fox shows that he's beholden to no-one except the American people and that's his winning ticket.
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    Wow, as somebody who has no interest in US politics Trump has got me interested. I wonder how many Americans, like me, appreciate his straight talking and anti establishment rhetoric. I'll admit I know nothing of his policies but I like the cut of his jib, I hope he wins in the same way I was pleased Corbyn did.

    Trump's spat with Fox shows that he's beholden to no-one except the American people and that's his winning ticket.
    It's really just a spat with a competitor (in the media, if not politically).

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    Authorities in the German city of Cologne are to set up a “safe zone” for women during the annual carnival which begins next week, to avoid a repeat of the New Year sex attacks on women.

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/12122998/Cologne-sex-attacks-Safe-zone-for-women-planned-ahead-of-citys-carnival.html

    That suggests the authorities are admitting there are going to be "unsafe" zones for women that they can't fully control.
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    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,028

    I didn't watch what I presumed was a hachet job on Trump from Matt Frei last night. Was it any good?

    It was interesting, though interviewed critics within GOP and outside also spoke to his supporters at his rallies and gave you a real flavour of how huge they are and backers like Ann Coulter
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    Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 60,987
    Mr. Urquhart, nice of them to set up a Rape-free Zone.

    .....

    Hard to say how accurate this story is (beyond the filmed interruption) but it's said a professor faces legal consequences over this intervention when Merkel's speaking.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8fmg86zsTY
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    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,028
    The way I see it Trump will win Iowa regardless and has already done umpteen debates while being at a soldier's benefit will not harm him either. The Sanders v Hillary race in the caucus though could go to the wire
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    MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 50,125

    Authorities in the German city of Cologne are to set up a “safe zone” for women during the annual carnival which begins next week, to avoid a repeat of the New Year sex attacks on women.

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/12122998/Cologne-sex-attacks-Safe-zone-for-women-planned-ahead-of-citys-carnival.html

    That suggests the authorities are admitting there are going to be "unsafe" zones for women that they can't fully control.

    Such as everywhere that isn't a safe zone.
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    flightpath01flightpath01 Posts: 4,903

    Wow, as somebody who has no interest in US politics Trump has got me interested. I wonder how many Americans, like me, appreciate his straight talking and anti establishment rhetoric. I'll admit I know nothing of his policies but I like the cut of his jib, I hope he wins in the same way I was pleased Corbyn did.

    you admit you know nothing

    The Fox 'question master' is a woman isn't it. That should inform you better.

    And the decision comes after seeking the advice of his Twitter followers .... sounds a bit Corbynish to me.
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    blackburn63blackburn63 Posts: 4,492

    Wow, as somebody who has no interest in US politics Trump has got me interested. I wonder how many Americans, like me, appreciate his straight talking and anti establishment rhetoric. I'll admit I know nothing of his policies but I like the cut of his jib, I hope he wins in the same way I was pleased Corbyn did.

    Trump's spat with Fox shows that he's beholden to no-one except the American people and that's his winning ticket.
    Thanks, that's how I read it.
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    flightpath01flightpath01 Posts: 4,903

    PS I see Cruz has already seized on line number 2. In fairness, I see Trump is actually reacting to a snide press release from Fox News, and I think he's right that it seems to have been written by "some wise guy". But that's getting lost in the turmoil.

    http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jan/26/donald-trump-boycott-fox-news-republican-debate

    Ha - you must be really conflicted. Trump - Fox News. Fox News - Trump.
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    notmenotme Posts: 3,293

    David Cameron pulled out of our debates and won. Of course, we do not know the Conservatives would not have a bigger majority if he'd taken part. The bar was not set high.

    Will it hurt Trump? No doubt after the debate, news reporters (television and print) will give Trump the chance to refute any attacks on him.

    Did he pull out of the debates? Or did he just use his status as PM to ensure he got the format most beneficial for him?

    What on earth was both Clegg and Miliband's up to when they decided to allow the format proposed by the PM's team?

    Insisting on the Greens, SNP, Plaid Cymru and UKIP share the platform with the three main leaders allowed Cameron to stand apart as a reasonable man doing a reasonable job, in the interests of the whole of the nation, and Miliband looking totally isolated and utterly outflanked by Sturgeon.
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    blackburn63blackburn63 Posts: 4,492

    Wow, as somebody who has no interest in US politics Trump has got me interested. I wonder how many Americans, like me, appreciate his straight talking and anti establishment rhetoric. I'll admit I know nothing of his policies but I like the cut of his jib, I hope he wins in the same way I was pleased Corbyn did.

    you admit you know nothing

    The Fox 'question master' is a woman isn't it. That should inform you better.

    And the decision comes after seeking the advice of his Twitter followers .... sounds a bit Corbynish to me.
    Why does a woman make a difference?

    You seem to be concerned about Trump, that increases my interest.
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    flightpath01flightpath01 Posts: 4,903
    eek said:

    Dadge said:

    Iowa's a pretty conservative place and my instinct is that Iowans, especially the ones who haven't decided who to vote for, won't take too kindly to Trump playing games like this. Of course you can say this is the typical Trump that everyone knows and (ahem) loves, but people haven't completely taken leave of their senses, and this arrogance can wear away at support.

    Trump will be actually in Iowa hosting a rally to raise money for a wounded soldiers' charity.
    Note the important things here:-

    1) Trump will be in Iowa
    2) Trump will be raising money for a charity not himself....

    No matter what anyone says at the debate. Attacking him for not being there when he is at a prior charity engagement raising money for others won't go down well..
    Thats as feeble an excuse as Corbyn dodging his first Privy Council meeting. Are Trumpers as pathetic as Corbynistas when it comes to making excuses?
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    Presumably if Trump is not there one of two things will happen:

    A. The others rip chunks out of each other; or
    B. They collectively rip chunks out of Trump

    If it's A then Trump just laughs. If it's B then he reinforces his image as the insurgency anti establishment stitch up candidate. Looks like a win/win to me.
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    SandpitSandpit Posts: 49,898

    Authorities in the German city of Cologne are to set up a “safe zone” for women during the annual carnival which begins next week, to avoid a repeat of the New Year sex attacks on women.

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/12122998/Cologne-sex-attacks-Safe-zone-for-women-planned-ahead-of-citys-carnival.html

    That suggests the authorities are admitting there are going to be "unsafe" zones for women that they can't fully control.

    That looks terrible, and worse still it suggests that the police are struggling to contain the problem. Are many women actually going to turn up for the carnival given the chance of them ending up assaulted, mugged or raped?
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    OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 32,003

    Authorities in the German city of Cologne are to set up a “safe zone” for women during the annual carnival which begins next week, to avoid a repeat of the New Year sex attacks on women.

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/12122998/Cologne-sex-attacks-Safe-zone-for-women-planned-ahead-of-citys-carnival.html

    That suggests the authorities are admitting there are going to be "unsafe" zones for women that they can't fully control.

    Bit like sports matches in India and the Gulf, then.
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    Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 60,987
    Mr. Patrick, unless, as mentioned by someone else below, a clear winner emerges. Then they become the anti-Trump and could rally support.

    It may be the opportunity Rubio needs.

    But, if they do your A or B, then I agree it's Trumptastic.
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    david_herdsondavid_herdson Posts: 17,419

    I didn't watch what I presumed was a hachet job on Trump from Matt Frei last night. Was it any good?

    I don't think it was a hatchet job but it certainly wasn't complimentary. Was it a fair representation? I don't know. Trump is certainly a colourful and not particularly pleasant person and that came across strongly.

    What did stand out for me, more so than before, was how big his potential weakness with women is. That's why I was asking last night whether he'd got into any heated arguments with Fiorina during the debates, which it seems he didn't. Had he done so, it might have given us an idea as to what he'd be like if he's up against Hillary, which I think has the potential for him to score some big own goals: he is rude and sexist. Politics is of course a rough trade but there are limits as to what's fair game and I think the public has a better sense of that than he does.

    Having said that, he clearly has a large, vocal and enthusiastic support base. It's support for slogans rather than thought-out policy but you campaign in poetry and govern in prose; this he gets.

    If the documentary is available on line then I'd recommend it if you have a spare 45 minutes. Even if it is a hatchet job (and as I say, I think that's a bit unfair), it'll give a good indication of the negative campaigning he'll be up against.
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    notmenotme Posts: 3,293

    Mr. Urquhart, nice of them to set up a Rape-free Zone.

    .....

    Hard to say how accurate this story is (beyond the filmed interruption) but it's said a professor faces legal consequences over this intervention when Merkel's speaking.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8fmg86zsTY

    Only in the sense he is at his place of work and choose to interrupt some announcement for the university by the head of government. She wasnt there making a political speech, she was there as her role as Chancellor.

    I would not be surprised to be fired for doing that. The term 'legal action' might be referring to civil redress for the damage he has inflicted on the institution.

    He has a fair point, but that wasnt the place to raise it.
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    blackburn63blackburn63 Posts: 4,492
    Sandpit said:

    Authorities in the German city of Cologne are to set up a “safe zone” for women during the annual carnival which begins next week, to avoid a repeat of the New Year sex attacks on women.

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/12122998/Cologne-sex-attacks-Safe-zone-for-women-planned-ahead-of-citys-carnival.html

    That suggests the authorities are admitting there are going to be "unsafe" zones for women that they can't fully control.

    That looks terrible, and worse still it suggests that the police are struggling to contain the problem. Are many women actually going to turn up for the carnival given the chance of them ending up assaulted, mugged or raped?
    Welcome to the modern Europe, full of designated areas where police will try to prevent rape. The insinuation is that outside of those areas its a free for all. Well done Merkel.
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    JonathanJonathan Posts: 20,901
    By pulling out, everyone is still talking about Trump and it looks like he sets the agenda.

    Assuming that Fox News will fall behind him in a Clinton-Trump match up is probably a good bet (unless Uncle Rupert says otherwise).
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    logical_songlogical_song Posts: 9,721

    Wow, as somebody who has no interest in US politics Trump has got me interested. I wonder how many Americans, like me, appreciate his straight talking and anti establishment rhetoric. I'll admit I know nothing of his policies but I like the cut of his jib, I hope he wins in the same way I was pleased Corbyn did.

    So you know nothing of the policies of the guy who you want to become the most powerful politician in the world but you like the fact that he's 'straight talking', some may say rude.
    Also you were pleased that Corbyn was elected leader of Labour.
    Sounds like you're a bit of an anarchist, the more chaos the better?
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    I didn't watch what I presumed was a hachet job on Trump from Matt Frei last night. Was it any good?

    I don't think it was a hatchet job but it certainly wasn't complimentary. Was it a fair representation? I don't know. Trump is certainly a colourful and not particularly pleasant person and that came across strongly.

    What did stand out for me, more so than before, was how big his potential weakness with women is. That's why I was asking last night whether he'd got into any heated arguments with Fiorina during the debates, which it seems he didn't. Had he done so, it might have given us an idea as to what he'd be like if he's up against Hillary, which I think has the potential for him to score some big own goals: he is rude and sexist. Politics is of course a rough trade but there are limits as to what's fair game and I think the public has a better sense of that than he does.

    Having said that, he clearly has a large, vocal and enthusiastic support base. It's support for slogans rather than thought-out policy but you campaign in poetry and govern in prose; this he gets.

    .
    Also, it's what JC doesn't get and doesn't want to get.

  • Options
    Jonathan said:

    By pulling out, everyone is still talking about Trump and it looks like he sets the agenda.

    Assuming that Fox News will fall behind him in a Clinton-Trump match up is probably a good bet (unless Uncle Rupert says otherwise).

    If Trump does become the nominee he is going to have to start spending some serious money. He's done brilliantly so far without doing so, but if it is Clinton he is up against she will presumably have a very large war-chest.

  • Options
    blackburn63blackburn63 Posts: 4,492
    I mentioned Woolf and Lammy on here yesterday, here's Lammy in full on, europhile bollox mode

    http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/eu-referendum-labour-mp-david-lammy-claims-indian-soldiers-ww2-died-european-project-1540182
  • Options
    CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 59,703
    Looks like Russia is stirring it drawing attention to allegations of more sex assault

    http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-eu-35413134
  • Options
    blackburn63blackburn63 Posts: 4,492

    Wow, as somebody who has no interest in US politics Trump has got me interested. I wonder how many Americans, like me, appreciate his straight talking and anti establishment rhetoric. I'll admit I know nothing of his policies but I like the cut of his jib, I hope he wins in the same way I was pleased Corbyn did.

    So you know nothing of the policies of the guy who you want to become the most powerful politician in the world but you like the fact that he's 'straight talking', some may say rude.
    Also you were pleased that Corbyn was elected leader of Labour.
    Sounds like you're a bit of an anarchist, the more chaos the better?
    No I'm the opposite of an anarchist, I believe in democracy. Corbyn was elected and having been to America I liked them very much and trust them to elect who they consider the best candidate. Regardless of what happens my life won't change a bit, but I like Trump's approach.
  • Options
    RobDRobD Posts: 58,969

    I mentioned Woolf and Lammy on here yesterday, here's Lammy in full on, europhile bollox mode

    http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/eu-referendum-labour-mp-david-lammy-claims-indian-soldiers-ww2-died-european-project-1540182

    Guido put it pretty well:

    Look out for Woolfe’s incredulous reply: “Did you just say they fought for the European Project?” Pretty sure they were fighting against the only major “European project” of the time…
  • Options
    CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 59,703
    Meanwhile, more criticism of the SNP's education policy:

    The Law Society of Scotland, which in a report pitched at all the parties ahead of the Holyrood elections in May, says that the free tuition policy has contributed to what it calls a resource transfer from low-income to high-income households. It also points out that the government is doing this at a time when access to university for the poorest is already pitiful in Scotland – much worse in fact than it is anywhere else in the UK.

    http://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/14231924.The_SNP_must_learn_to_listen_on_tuition_fees/
  • Options
    MaxPBMaxPB Posts: 37,607

    I mentioned Woolf and Lammy on here yesterday, here's Lammy in full on, europhile bollox mode

    http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/eu-referendum-labour-mp-david-lammy-claims-indian-soldiers-ww2-died-european-project-1540182

    Lammy is an idiot. A stupid person who has been successful in the Labour party for being stupid.
  • Options
    Plato_SaysPlato_Says Posts: 11,822
    Peter Mandelson would surely admire Trump tactics.
  • Options
    blackburn63blackburn63 Posts: 4,492
    MaxPB said:

    I mentioned Woolf and Lammy on here yesterday, here's Lammy in full on, europhile bollox mode

    http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/eu-referendum-labour-mp-david-lammy-claims-indian-soldiers-ww2-died-european-project-1540182

    Lammy is an idiot. A stupid person who has been successful in the Labour party for being stupid.
    Let's hope he is on TV talking about the EU more often, a few more appearances like that and Leave is a cert.

    This is a big problem for Remain, who claim on here that the Leave campaign is dishevelled. They have a point, but in comparison to Lammy's nonsense they are completely on message.
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    SlackbladderSlackbladder Posts: 9,704
    Sandpit said:

    Authorities in the German city of Cologne are to set up a “safe zone” for women during the annual carnival which begins next week, to avoid a repeat of the New Year sex attacks on women.

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/12122998/Cologne-sex-attacks-Safe-zone-for-women-planned-ahead-of-citys-carnival.html

    That suggests the authorities are admitting there are going to be "unsafe" zones for women that they can't fully control.

    That looks terrible, and worse still it suggests that the police are struggling to contain the problem. Are many women actually going to turn up for the carnival given the chance of them ending up assaulted, mugged or raped?
    Also it raises the question of what happens if women are outside the 'safe zone' and attacked. Do the police shrug and say 'well you weren't where you were supposed to be'?
  • Options
    Plato_SaysPlato_Says Posts: 11,822
    Lammy is such a nitwit. Basic general knowledge is entirely missing, along with historical logic.

    He's demonstrated this again and again. How he's Oxbridge material perplexes me.
    MaxPB said:

    I mentioned Woolf and Lammy on here yesterday, here's Lammy in full on, europhile bollox mode

    http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/eu-referendum-labour-mp-david-lammy-claims-indian-soldiers-ww2-died-european-project-1540182

    Lammy is an idiot. A stupid person who has been successful in the Labour party for being stupid.
  • Options
    PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,929
    MaxPB said:

    I mentioned Woolf and Lammy on here yesterday, here's Lammy in full on, europhile bollox mode

    http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/eu-referendum-labour-mp-david-lammy-claims-indian-soldiers-ww2-died-european-project-1540182

    Lammy is an idiot. A stupid person who has been successful in the Labour party for being stupid.
    They'd elect Donald Trump in Tottenham if he pinned on a red rosette.
  • Options
    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,257

    Wow, as somebody who has no interest in US politics Trump has got me interested. I wonder how many Americans, like me, appreciate his straight talking and anti establishment rhetoric. I'll admit I know nothing of his policies but I like the cut of his jib, I hope he wins in the same way I was pleased Corbyn did.

    So you know nothing of the policies of the guy who you want to become the most powerful politician in the world but you like the fact that he's 'straight talking', some may say rude.
    Also you were pleased that Corbyn was elected leader of Labour.
    Sounds like you're a bit of an anarchist, the more chaos the better?
    No I'm the opposite of an anarchist, I believe in democracy. Corbyn was elected and having been to America I liked them very much and trust them to elect who they consider the best candidate. Regardless of what happens my life won't change a bit, but I like Trump's approach.
    Morning all,

    Salmond told Channel 4 last night that he had two tickets to Antarctica in case Trump wins, as nuclear fall-out will take a long time to reach the frozen south. Personally, I will settle for a shelter in the garden.
  • Options
    oxfordsimonoxfordsimon Posts: 5,831

    Lammy is such a nitwit. Basic general knowledge is entirely missing, along with historical logic.

    He's demonstrated this again and again. How he's Oxbridge material perplexes me.

    Affirmative action perhaps?
  • Options
    logical_songlogical_song Posts: 9,721

    Wow, as somebody who has no interest in US politics Trump has got me interested. I wonder how many Americans, like me, appreciate his straight talking and anti establishment rhetoric. I'll admit I know nothing of his policies but I like the cut of his jib, I hope he wins in the same way I was pleased Corbyn did.

    So you know nothing of the policies of the guy who you want to become the most powerful politician in the world but you like the fact that he's 'straight talking', some may say rude.
    Also you were pleased that Corbyn was elected leader of Labour.
    Sounds like you're a bit of an anarchist, the more chaos the better?
    No I'm the opposite of an anarchist, I believe in democracy. Corbyn was elected and having been to America I liked them very much and trust them to elect who they consider the best candidate. Regardless of what happens my life won't change a bit, but I like Trump's approach.
    Well, the President of the United States makes decisions that affect us, so I wouldn't count on your life "not changing a bit". E.G. decisions that affect interest rates, $/£ exchange rate etc etc.
    I hope the Americans elect the best candidate, but you hope they elect Trump. You were also glad that Corbyn was elected. Sorry, you may not want chaos or think of yourself as an anarchist, but that's what you are wishing for. Look at Corbyn's Labour Party for an example.
  • Options
    Plato_SaysPlato_Says Posts: 11,822
    The look on his face is priceless. You can see his mind struggling with the absurdity of Lammys assertion.
    RobD said:

    I mentioned Woolf and Lammy on here yesterday, here's Lammy in full on, europhile bollox mode

    http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/eu-referendum-labour-mp-david-lammy-claims-indian-soldiers-ww2-died-european-project-1540182

    Guido put it pretty well:

    Look out for Woolfe’s incredulous reply: “Did you just say they fought for the European Project?” Pretty sure they were fighting against the only major “European project” of the time…
  • Options
    RogerRoger Posts: 18,891
    notme said:

    Mr. Urquhart, nice of them to set up a Rape-free Zone.

    .....

    Hard to say how accurate this story is (beyond the filmed interruption) but it's said a professor faces legal consequences over this intervention when Merkel's speaking.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8fmg86zsTY

    Only in the sense he is at his place of work and choose to interrupt some announcement for the university by the head of government. She wasnt there making a political speech, she was there as her role as Chancellor.

    I would not be surprised to be fired for doing that. The term 'legal action' might be referring to civil redress for the damage he has inflicted on the institution.

    He has a fair point, but that wasnt the place to raise it.
    People with Nazi attitudes aren't tolerated in Germany. Quite a chilling interuption and if I had children of the same age as his I wouldn't want him or anyone like him teaching them.

    (What wouldn't we give for a politician as talented as Merkel here)
  • Options
    JosiasJessopJosiasJessop Posts: 39,035
    MaxPB said:

    I mentioned Woolf and Lammy on here yesterday, here's Lammy in full on, europhile bollox mode

    http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/eu-referendum-labour-mp-david-lammy-claims-indian-soldiers-ww2-died-european-project-1540182

    Lammy is an idiot. A stupid person who has been successful in the Labour party for being stupid.
    Lammy's far from stupid. Just read his book on the riots to see that's not the case (though I don't agree with all his proposed solutions).

    I think he is narrow-minded though. Like many intelligent people, he has in-depth knowledge of a narrow area and vast gaps in his useful knowledge outside that area. Yet because they have in-depth knowledge of that narrow area, it's easy for them to think they know have similar in-depth knowledge outside it, and have authoritative views on those areas as well.

    The lack of self-awareness is quite dangerous.

    Hence the hilarious mistake he made over the colour of the smoke over the pope's conclave ... ;)
  • Options
    JonathanJonathan Posts: 20,901

    How he's Oxbridge material perplexes me.

    Oxbridge isn't as good as it thinks it is. No shortage of dumb people from Oxbridge.
  • Options
    My sensitive antennae are picking up that Nad doesn't rate Cecil.
  • Options
    DavidLDavidL Posts: 51,308

    Wow, as somebody who has no interest in US politics Trump has got me interested. I wonder how many Americans, like me, appreciate his straight talking and anti establishment rhetoric. I'll admit I know nothing of his policies but I like the cut of his jib, I hope he wins in the same way I was pleased Corbyn did.

    So you know nothing of the policies of the guy who you want to become the most powerful politician in the world but you like the fact that he's 'straight talking', some may say rude.
    Also you were pleased that Corbyn was elected leader of Labour.
    Sounds like you're a bit of an anarchist, the more chaos the better?
    No I'm the opposite of an anarchist, I believe in democracy. Corbyn was elected and having been to America I liked them very much and trust them to elect who they consider the best candidate. Regardless of what happens my life won't change a bit, but I like Trump's approach.
    Morning all,

    Salmond told Channel 4 last night that he had two tickets to Antarctica in case Trump wins, as nuclear fall-out will take a long time to reach the frozen south. Personally, I will settle for a shelter in the garden.
    In light of that it is probably just as well I don't have a vote.
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    PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,929

    in-depth knowledge of a narrow area

    Muhammed Ali :D
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    richardDoddrichardDodd Posts: 5,472
    Diane Abbot went to Oxford so did Burnham
  • Options
    blackburn63blackburn63 Posts: 4,492
    Pulpstar said:

    MaxPB said:

    I mentioned Woolf and Lammy on here yesterday, here's Lammy in full on, europhile bollox mode

    http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/eu-referendum-labour-mp-david-lammy-claims-indian-soldiers-ww2-died-european-project-1540182

    Lammy is an idiot. A stupid person who has been successful in the Labour party for being stupid.
    They'd elect Donald Trump in Tottenham if he pinned on a red rosette.
    Red isn't a popular colour in Toittenham.

    From what I gather he's a good constituency MP but to me it shows the fragility of the Remain arguments when he starts talking of Indian soldiers in WW2. The Remainers on here will be shaking their heads in disbelief.

    Btw, Woolf is a top man, always calm and dignified.
  • Options
    JosiasJessopJosiasJessop Posts: 39,035
    Roger said:

    notme said:

    Mr. Urquhart, nice of them to set up a Rape-free Zone.

    .....

    Hard to say how accurate this story is (beyond the filmed interruption) but it's said a professor faces legal consequences over this intervention when Merkel's speaking.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8fmg86zsTY

    Only in the sense he is at his place of work and choose to interrupt some announcement for the university by the head of government. She wasnt there making a political speech, she was there as her role as Chancellor.

    I would not be surprised to be fired for doing that. The term 'legal action' might be referring to civil redress for the damage he has inflicted on the institution.

    He has a fair point, but that wasnt the place to raise it.
    People with Nazi attitudes aren't tolerated in Germany. Quite a chilling interuption and if I had children of the same age as his I wouldn't want him or anyone like him teaching them.

    (What wouldn't we give for a politician as talented as Merkel here)
    For all her years in politics and leading her country, there's a significant possibility that Merkel might be remembered for one potentially disastrous decision she made last year.
  • Options
    oxfordsimonoxfordsimon Posts: 5,831

    Wow, as somebody who has no interest in US politics Trump has got me interested. I wonder how many Americans, like me, appreciate his straight talking and anti establishment rhetoric. I'll admit I know nothing of his policies but I like the cut of his jib, I hope he wins in the same way I was pleased Corbyn did.

    So you know nothing of the policies of the guy who you want to become the most powerful politician in the world but you like the fact that he's 'straight talking', some may say rude.
    Also you were pleased that Corbyn was elected leader of Labour.
    Sounds like you're a bit of an anarchist, the more chaos the better?
    No I'm the opposite of an anarchist, I believe in democracy. Corbyn was elected and having been to America I liked them very much and trust them to elect who they consider the best candidate. Regardless of what happens my life won't change a bit, but I like Trump's approach.
    Morning all,

    Salmond told Channel 4 last night that he had two tickets to Antarctica in case Trump wins, as nuclear fall-out will take a long time to reach the frozen south. Personally, I will settle for a shelter in the garden.
    Well that is a positive reason to vote Trump.
  • Options
    blackburn63blackburn63 Posts: 4,492

    Wow, as somebody who has no interest in US politics Trump has got me interested. I wonder how many Americans, like me, appreciate his straight talking and anti establishment rhetoric. I'll admit I know nothing of his policies but I like the cut of his jib, I hope he wins in the same way I was pleased Corbyn did.

    So you know nothing of the policies of the guy who you want to become the most powerful politician in the world but you like the fact that he's 'straight talking', some may say rude.
    Also you were pleased that Corbyn was elected leader of Labour.
    Sounds like you're a bit of an anarchist, the more chaos the better?
    No I'm the opposite of an anarchist, I believe in democracy. Corbyn was elected and having been to America I liked them very much and trust them to elect who they consider the best candidate. Regardless of what happens my life won't change a bit, but I like Trump's approach.
    Morning all,

    Salmond told Channel 4 last night that he had two tickets to Antarctica in case Trump wins, as nuclear fall-out will take a long time to reach the frozen south. Personally, I will settle for a shelter in the garden.
    If you judge a person by his enemies I'm warming to Trump if he numbers Salmond amongst them.
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    PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,929

    Pulpstar said:

    MaxPB said:

    I mentioned Woolf and Lammy on here yesterday, here's Lammy in full on, europhile bollox mode

    http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/eu-referendum-labour-mp-david-lammy-claims-indian-soldiers-ww2-died-european-project-1540182

    Lammy is an idiot. A stupid person who has been successful in the Labour party for being stupid.
    They'd elect Donald Trump in Tottenham if he pinned on a red rosette.
    Red isn't a popular colour in Toittenham.

    From what I gather he's a good constituency MP but to me it shows the fragility of the Remain arguments when he starts talking of Indian soldiers in WW2. The Remainers on here will be shaking their heads in disbelief.

    Btw, Woolf is a top man, always calm and dignified.
    Yes, Woolf comes across very well in all the interviews I've seen him on. Possible Farage successor ?
  • Options
    PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,929

    Roger said:

    notme said:

    Mr. Urquhart, nice of them to set up a Rape-free Zone.

    .....

    Hard to say how accurate this story is (beyond the filmed interruption) but it's said a professor faces legal consequences over this intervention when Merkel's speaking.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8fmg86zsTY

    Only in the sense he is at his place of work and choose to interrupt some announcement for the university by the head of government. She wasnt there making a political speech, she was there as her role as Chancellor.

    I would not be surprised to be fired for doing that. The term 'legal action' might be referring to civil redress for the damage he has inflicted on the institution.

    He has a fair point, but that wasnt the place to raise it.
    People with Nazi attitudes aren't tolerated in Germany. Quite a chilling interuption and if I had children of the same age as his I wouldn't want him or anyone like him teaching them.

    (What wouldn't we give for a politician as talented as Merkel here)
    For all her years in politics and leading her country, there's a significant possibility that Merkel might be remembered for one potentially disastrous decision she made last year.
    If only she'd listened to pb.com

    PBTories. Always right.
  • Options
    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,257

    Wow, as somebody who has no interest in US politics Trump has got me interested. I wonder how many Americans, like me, appreciate his straight talking and anti establishment rhetoric. I'll admit I know nothing of his policies but I like the cut of his jib, I hope he wins in the same way I was pleased Corbyn did.

    So you know nothing of the policies of the guy who you want to become the most powerful politician in the world but you like the fact that he's 'straight talking', some may say rude.
    Also you were pleased that Corbyn was elected leader of Labour.
    Sounds like you're a bit of an anarchist, the more chaos the better?
    No I'm the opposite of an anarchist, I believe in democracy. Corbyn was elected and having been to America I liked them very much and trust them to elect who they consider the best candidate. Regardless of what happens my life won't change a bit, but I like Trump's approach.
    Morning all,

    Salmond told Channel 4 last night that he had two tickets to Antarctica in case Trump wins, as nuclear fall-out will take a long time to reach the frozen south. Personally, I will settle for a shelter in the garden.
    Well that is a positive reason to vote Trump.
    LOL. Do you mean Salmond or my shelter in the garden? :-)
  • Options
    Plato_SaysPlato_Says Posts: 11,822
    Maybe I was spoiled by watching papal conclave coverage when JP was elected, then did it again shortly afterwards.

    I was a young teen IIRC and fascinated, despite being an atheist.

    Making that stupidly ignorant claim of racism just showed the prism of Lammy's world view.

    MaxPB said:

    I mentioned Woolf and Lammy on here yesterday, here's Lammy in full on, europhile bollox mode

    http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/eu-referendum-labour-mp-david-lammy-claims-indian-soldiers-ww2-died-european-project-1540182

    Lammy is an idiot. A stupid person who has been successful in the Labour party for being stupid.
    Lammy's far from stupid. Just read his book on the riots to see that's not the case (though I don't agree with all his proposed solutions).

    I think he is narrow-minded though. Like many intelligent people, he has in-depth knowledge of a narrow area and vast gaps in his useful knowledge outside that area. Yet because they have in-depth knowledge of that narrow area, it's easy for them to think they know have similar in-depth knowledge outside it, and have authoritative views on those areas as well.

    The lack of self-awareness is quite dangerous.

    Hence the hilarious mistake he made over the colour of the smoke over the pope's conclave ... ;)
  • Options
    TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 114,481
    edited January 2016

    My sensitive antennae are picking up that Nad doesn't rate Cecil.

    The Times are reporting Chelsea want the poor man's Klopp, Poch, as manager.

    What do you think ?
  • Options
    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,257
    For any PBers who missed it, there was a debate in HoC yesterday on the change to quarterly tax reporting to HMRC for small business. This followed a petition which I signed along with 1000s of others.

    The debate is now online: https://hansard.digiminster.com/commons/2016-01-25/debates/1601256000001/SmallBusinessesTaxReporting
  • Options
    blackburn63blackburn63 Posts: 4,492
    Pulpstar said:

    Pulpstar said:

    MaxPB said:

    I mentioned Woolf and Lammy on here yesterday, here's Lammy in full on, europhile bollox mode

    http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/eu-referendum-labour-mp-david-lammy-claims-indian-soldiers-ww2-died-european-project-1540182

    Lammy is an idiot. A stupid person who has been successful in the Labour party for being stupid.
    They'd elect Donald Trump in Tottenham if he pinned on a red rosette.
    Red isn't a popular colour in Toittenham.

    From what I gather he's a good constituency MP but to me it shows the fragility of the Remain arguments when he starts talking of Indian soldiers in WW2. The Remainers on here will be shaking their heads in disbelief.

    Btw, Woolf is a top man, always calm and dignified.
    Yes, Woolf comes across very well in all the interviews I've seen him on. Possible Farage successor ?
    Without doubt. Working class boy made good (from Moss Side), mixed race, photogenic, ticks every box.

    Stereotypes aside he's a decent, measured bloke.
  • Options
    LucyJonesLucyJones Posts: 651

    Sandpit said:

    Authorities in the German city of Cologne are to set up a “safe zone” for women during the annual carnival which begins next week, to avoid a repeat of the New Year sex attacks on women.

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/12122998/Cologne-sex-attacks-Safe-zone-for-women-planned-ahead-of-citys-carnival.html

    That suggests the authorities are admitting there are going to be "unsafe" zones for women that they can't fully control.

    That looks terrible, and worse still it suggests that the police are struggling to contain the problem. Are many women actually going to turn up for the carnival given the chance of them ending up assaulted, mugged or raped?
    Welcome to the modern Europe, full of designated areas where police will try to prevent rape. The insinuation is that outside of those areas its a free for all. Well done Merkel.
    Police? From the article: "The authorities plan to provide extra street lighting and set up a “safe zone” for women in the city centre, staffed with social workers. " How very reassuring.
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    Plato_SaysPlato_Says Posts: 11,822
    Martin Boon
    @ICMResearch weekly #euref tracker. Bremain 41%, Leave 41% DK 18%. = 50:50. Four consecutive falls for Bremain to lowest score in tracker.
  • Options
    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,257

    Diane Abbot went to Oxford so did Burnham

    Actually Burnham went to Cambridge. Oxonians will view that as an inferior degree no doubt.
  • Options
    Plato_SaysPlato_Says Posts: 11,822
    Jamie Ross
    Dundee is the only one of these ten local authority areas getting the biggest cuts which is under SNP control. https://t.co/TuKESbNwZf
  • Options
    blackburn63blackburn63 Posts: 4,492

    Wow, as somebody who has no interest in US politics Trump has got me interested. I wonder how many Americans, like me, appreciate his straight talking and anti establishment rhetoric. I'll admit I know nothing of his policies but I like the cut of his jib, I hope he wins in the same way I was pleased Corbyn did.

    So you know nothing of the policies of the guy who you want to become the most powerful politician in the world but you like the fact that he's 'straight talking', some may say rude.
    Also you were pleased that Corbyn was elected leader of Labour.
    Sounds like you're a bit of an anarchist, the more chaos the better?
    No I'm the opposite of an anarchist, I believe in democracy. Corbyn was elected and having been to America I liked them very much and trust them to elect who they consider the best candidate. Regardless of what happens my life won't change a bit, but I like Trump's approach.
    Well, the President of the United States makes decisions that affect us, so I wouldn't count on your life "not changing a bit". E.G. decisions that affect interest rates, $/£ exchange rate etc etc.
    I hope the Americans elect the best candidate, but you hope they elect Trump. You were also glad that Corbyn was elected. Sorry, you may not want chaos or think of yourself as an anarchist, but that's what you are wishing for. Look at Corbyn's Labour Party for an example.
    Yes I'm looking at Labour, they got what they voted for. And the Americans will do the same.

    I've no idea why you think I'm an anarchist.
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    JosiasJessopJosiasJessop Posts: 39,035
    Pulpstar said:

    Roger said:

    notme said:

    Mr. Urquhart, nice of them to set up a Rape-free Zone.

    .....

    Hard to say how accurate this story is (beyond the filmed interruption) but it's said a professor faces legal consequences over this intervention when Merkel's speaking.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8fmg86zsTY

    Only in the sense he is at his place of work and choose to interrupt some announcement for the university by the head of government. She wasnt there making a political speech, she was there as her role as Chancellor.

    I would not be surprised to be fired for doing that. The term 'legal action' might be referring to civil redress for the damage he has inflicted on the institution.

    He has a fair point, but that wasnt the place to raise it.
    People with Nazi attitudes aren't tolerated in Germany. Quite a chilling interuption and if I had children of the same age as his I wouldn't want him or anyone like him teaching them.

    (What wouldn't we give for a politician as talented as Merkel here)
    For all her years in politics and leading her country, there's a significant possibility that Merkel might be remembered for one potentially disastrous decision she made last year.
    If only she'd listened to pb.com

    PBTories. Always right.
    Since Corbyn's rise to leader of the Labour party, we're all PB Tories now, comrade. ;)

    Leaders often have one moment, one event or decision, that encapsulates their time in power.

    Thatcher's historic moment was probably the Falklands. Major's was his resignation against the bastards. Blair's was the Gulf War. Brown's may well be Duffy. Cameron's will probably be the EU referendum or, if his side wins, the 2015 GE.

    Merkel's may well be her decision last year,
  • Options
    On topic.

    I'm sure this will damage Trump as much as Cameron's failure to take on Miliband mano e mano in an election debate.
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