Labour Leadership 2016

I think you're manipulating your thoughts. The evidence points to people not trusting him. When asked.

I think you're manipulating your thoughts.

Careful now.

I for one will be voting for Don't Know. I'm a bit hazy on their policies but recent polls indicate an exciting increase in popularity, which I'm sure means they are the "best".

Don't Know has split the Uncertain party down the middle. It's time for a leadership contest, despite the obvious overwhelming support of the grassroots.

^ & ^^ made me chuckle, ta.

In, where do I get the T-shirt?

I wouldn't trust any data out there, I don't think polling is reaching the right people.

I tend to agree, the problem is that the people it's not reaching have all voted the opposite way to which I'd personally prefer them to.

Both the GE and Brexit polls predicted a more favourable result than the the one that we got. If Corbyn's polls are actually underestimating his unpopularity in the same way...

If Corbyn's polls are actually underestimating his unpopularity in the same way...

Now the 130000 can vote then he'll probably win leadership but the silent majority may stuff him at next election.

Would he make a better PM than May? I don't know.

Im off to my local labour party meeting today. We're decidin on Jesus or Owen.

I'm going because I want to see the bun fight it will become.

The polls don't tell me what I want to hear.

Classic.

We've seen the last election polls not predict the Tory victory. And then the referendum poll not predict the actual result.

Are you hoping the labour poll is wrong based on those being wrong?

No, I expect the labour poll is correct.

I was just riffing really, I meant that both of the other polls I mentioned (which were closer) were less favourable to the Tory / UKIP position than the result. If they're missing the same people, it seems possible that that poll could become even less kind to labour.

It's not like it makes any difference if that's the sentiment mind, they'd have to be missing a lot of people to change the message.

Let us know how it goes? First hand experiences are interesting. There was a good piece in the LRB a few days ago about someone tagging along to a few events. I'll try to dig it out. (Hoping I hadn't already posted it).

This is it: http://www.lrb.co.uk/v38/n16/tom-crewe/we-are-many

I think one thing to note is that the, seeming, amateurish way people act at times is, while anecdotally funny, certainly not unique to Corbyn supporters or the Labour party. But I don't think the piece was particularly unfair.

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/aug/10/gmb-union-backs-owen-smith-labour-leader

oooooo, interesting. hard to know what it means with this tho

GMB, which represents workers on the Trident nuclear weapons programme,

I'm a GMB member, maybe I'm making nuclear missiles in my sleep or something.

Have you checked under your bed?

And Unite with Corbyn. Although #SaveLabour claim they've recruited 50,000 union members.

Also, this is probably one of the least self indulgent pieces I've ever read by Jones: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/10/jeremy-corbyn-labour-leadership-contest-opponents-failures

I don't think I'd like Owen Jones very much if I knew him.

Ha, I know what you mean. Perhaps more optimistically, I think I'd probably like him if I knew him, but don't really like his public persona.

I think I'll go with your approach. It makes me feel better about myself.

Right
News in from Sydenham and Forest Hill and Penge
Jeremy Corbyn 112 Owen Smith 65. 1 abstention.

I voted for smith. Wait. Come back. I voted for smith because:
I knew JC would get the nomination
I wanted to register my vote to show that it wasn’t a walk over
I don’t believe JC can organise the party as it is
This vote will be forwarded and I can only hope the JC side sees this and thinks “hmm. We should attempt to address why”

The meeting was very respectful, doors were closed at 7.30. Two people were turned away, because of the rigid rules. This meant within 5 minutes we had the first “nazi” allegation. “I only want to listen” “I don’t make the rules, I’m sorry” “yeah, you’re only doing your job, yeah?”

Otherwise, everyone listened. Everyone was given a chance, gender was respected. Some good points from both camps:

Big mandate, infighting, movement, who’s going to vote more of the same vs actually being in government / providing a decent opposition, we’re voting a leader not a platform

Also. Aaron Bastani. He lives in my ward. Oh Aaron Bastani. He lives in my ward.

@dst

I've known him since 2002 - he is one of my best friends and a really good person. The pressure he is under and the viciousness of the attacks he is subject to are horrible really. Sadly that is the nature of putting your head above the parapet and arguing passionately for what you believe in.

Just a point - there are real complex people behind all this - it isn't just a game.

So no signs of entryist Trots purposefully trying to create an atmosphere of animosity? How strange.

Thanks, Damo.

(P.S., see you Sunday?)

Sadly that is the nature of putting your head above the parapet and arguing passionately for what you believe in.

It's absolutely partially (largely?) due to this, but I think it's also the nature of his - almost gonzo - style of writing.

Sunday?
I have a kids party....
I will attempt exit strategy.