Will Cameron Climb Down Over The Election Debates?

[barney15c]

Looks like the broadcasters are prepared to "Empty Chair" him, so will this call his bluff or will he make some kind of "Tactical Climbdown" so at to not lose face.

[Jackdaw33]

You're one step ahead of me there.

[mikey4444]

Jackdaw...not sure you are right there. Farage is Leader of his Party but still doesn't have a seat in Parliament. Anyway....where would the debates be with him ?

[mikey4444]

Actually Jackdaw....this is mine personal favourite !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZvugebaT6Q

[Jackdaw33]

I think the difference is that Nige is seeking election to Westminster but Sturgeon is not, unless I'm proved wrong.

[mikey4444]

Yes...probably right Jackdaw.

[Gromit]

The debate is between Party leaders. They do not need to be Westminster MPs . If they did, half of the party leaders wouldn't qualify. UKIP, SNP, Greens, Plaid.

[Jackdaw33]

If all comes to pass as predicted, then there will be no caviare (Sturgeon roe) at Westminster, but plenty of Salmond). Will it be the pink variety or the red?

[ichkeria]

They said they would do this all along so I hope they will stick to their guns.
They should also insist on holding them nearer the election as well.
I'm surprised at the strength of feeling against these debates.

[DaisyNonna]

Never understood what was funny about the marx brothers
Never understand politicians

[mikey4444]

Daisey....didn't you ever find the Marx Brothers even a tiny bit funny. Look at the Sate Room sketch !

Oh dear....I am so sorry Daisey !

[Jackdaw33]

Daisy, you are probably confusing Groucho, Chico, Harpo, Zeppo and Gummo with Karl, who shared the same surnamename. The first five were comedians, unlike the last.

[DaisyNonna]

Don't feel sorry for me, I'm not.
Was that supposed to be patronising Jackdaw? It certainly wasn't funny.

[Jackdaw33]

I never patronise, though I occasionally extract the urine.

[DaisyNonna]

Got a line in catheters?

[mikey4444]

Daisey....I am sure nobody is patronising you.

[Gromit]

Wilson about MacMillan:

" He had an expensive education - Eton and Suez "

[jim360]

The TV debates aren't a bad idea in principle, I just think they don't fit in to the democracy we have at the moment.

[barney15c]

This excerpt from the BBC news website "Downing Street is adamant that it is the broadcasters who have badly mishandled the whole process and that it is "disappointing" that they have not accepted the prime minster's final offer." if this is the case why has virtually every other participating party agrred to 3 debates in principle. Whatever you think about the debates, Cameron is running scared.

[mikey4444]

Agreed 100% Barney !

[Gromit]

After the first debate in 2010, popularity for the LibDems surged by 14%.

From Apil 2010:
// The Liberal Democrats have enjoyed a major surge in support among viewers who watched Thursday's general election debate. //

That is almost certainly the reason why neither of the two main parties won a majority, and the LibDems are now in Coalition.

Perhaps Cameron has had enough of Coalitions?