A major issue is that the UK left simply doesn't have the US left's strong culture of public speaking. We don't have authoritative, charismatic communicators at the level of Sanders, AOC and Mamdani (albeit some have the potential). There's much, much more to politics than "comms", but still... - ThreadSky

davidwearing.bsky.social • 5 days ago

A major issue is that the UK left simply doesn't have the US left's strong culture of public speaking. We don't have authoritative, charismatic communicators at the level of Sanders, AOC and Mamdani (albeit some have the potential).

There's much, much more to politics than "comms", but still...

Reposted from Minnie Rahman

Will the UK’s Mamdani/AOC type pls stand up

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fftyfv.bsky.social•5 days ago

And made worse by those who do have some charisma choosing to temper and 'professionalise' themselves in proximity to est. media, with a turn to 'anti-woke' which restricts and writes-off more exciting & actually necessary policies that challenge existing conditions, muting the platform and speaker

sana25.bsky.social•4 days ago

I mean one reason that culture isn’t strong across the political spectrum in UK is because the good ol’ British cynicism (rightly) gets the better of it every time , it just can’t thrive & politicians are wary to swing it beyond a limit. 😄

smhwpf.bsky.social•5 days ago

Zack Polanski is quite impressive. But you're right, I think the UK left is almost embarrassed at the idea of charisma in a leader. Good to be cautious of the idea of the great individual leader, but perhaps we've taken it too far the other way

davidwearing.bsky.social•5 days ago

Yes, maybe our culture has generally been too self conscious for that sort of thing. But I think now people - particularly younger people - would embrace it if it was on offer.

In fairness, I do think some at least have the potential. Polanski is definitely one.

smhwpf.bsky.social•5 days ago

Zarah us another

davidwearing.bsky.social•5 days ago

Yeah potentially

justinhancock.bsky.social•5 days ago

I think @meadwaj.bsky.social is right that it's to do with the policy. Being really clear about what it is and what it will do. But I agree with you too. Anyone who *does* have this power of oratory is snuffed out before they get chance. John Mc. Sultana. Etc. Probably whole US context diff too

davidwearing.bsky.social•5 days ago

It is about policy, yes. And I do think we focus far too much on "comms", the news cycle, etc, as a left. But we do also need to engage people and build real organic relationships at a mass level. Or we end up with 2019. A great policy offer which people generally like, but still don't vote for

justinhancock.bsky.social•5 days ago

Agreed. And a really great speaker would really help with that!

minnierahman.bsky.social•5 days ago

We’re missing vibes and charm.

davidwearing.bsky.social•5 days ago

The vibes are way off, tbh

davidwearing.bsky.social•5 days ago

Here are some vibes, for example

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LjmPU_0ceAw

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