h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Any one prepared to put odds on Charlie returning as LibDem leader?

Novo

It would be nice if he did, particularly after the vicious way they chucked him out last time. I'm not sure it's politically viable though.

If he didn't state clearly and unequivably that he was over his drink problem from the start, then he would face questions about it right through his time as leader. And that would get in the way of whatever message he was trying to get across.


Geggs

If George Bush can run the US why not Charles kennedy the Liberals?
OK, that one kind of answers itself but isn't it time we stopped pretending our leaders are perfect and don't have problems or messy personal lives like most other people

I think Kennedy's big problem is that his drink problem became public, which makes it fair game for journos.

Up until the time he was ousted it was pretty much a private drink problem, and he's hardly the first politico to have one of those. Yes, there were vague acusations of him being a bit too merry, mostly from satirists, but most serious journalists didn't even mention it, mainly on the basis that it was a personal problem that made no difference to his politics.

It was only when it became cited as a reason for his removal as party leader that the journalists turned around and said, that, yes, they did know, but hadn't felt it, well, politic to mention it before.


Geggs

I'm with you Geggs'

I agree that Charlie K would have to have beaten his demons, and preferably given it up altogether. My boss is a dry alcoholic, and he has one of the keenest minds I have met, not only that, the determination he brings to problems, leads me to believe that If Charlie is similarly dry, the LibDems need his talents.

Novo

I would think the motivation to be leader will have gone. Been there etc.

It also turns out that Ming is in need of a hip replacment and, with his history of cancer, there could be complications. So it makes his protestations of wanting to carry on a bit weak.

No, I don't think so. It would have made things more difficult for Ming, yes, but that doesn't mean that he wouldn't want to try. Given him greater determination, even.

He could have gone through the operation, and come out the other side with steadfast determination to ultimately prove that the age thing really doesn't matter. Pure Hollywood, that. But that's not the story that we are now watching.


Geggs

Another factor is the formidable Lady Elspeth Campbell. I would imagine she had a big say in what he did and quite rightly so too.