:-(
A former member
Both Sky and the BBC are unsure how to responded to this, but just had the news on the tracker...
:-(
A former member
Head-to-head debate with Miliband ruled out as No 10 director of communications accuses broadcasters of allowing negotiations to ‘descend into chaos’
BR
How do you empty chair the head to head debate ? Invite Clegg instead ?
Sadly the chair would probably win in a debate with Milliband.
It's a farce. Personally I think scrap the debates and invite them on to each channels most popular format instead - we'd probably learn more about them in an episode of Come Dine with Me anyway.
I think the broadcasters should go ahead with the debates they proposed, and simply 'empty chair' those that don't wish to turn up.
How do you empty chair the head to head debate ? Invite Clegg instead ?
Sadly the chair would probably win in a debate with Milliband.
It's a farce. Personally I think scrap the debates and invite them on to each channels most popular format instead - we'd probably learn more about them in an episode of Come Dine with Me anyway.
:-(
A former member
How about Question time..
DT
Since about the time of the Hutton inquiry
Since when in The UK is it acceptable for politicians to interfere with broadcasters?
Since about the time of the Hutton inquiry
LJ
It looks as though the broadcasters took my advice! They're rightfully standing firm and this strategy will turn out to be extremely effective I believe...Just wait and see!
This is fast becoming an absolute shambles and one I blame the broadcasters for. The broadcasters have ceded to every request from David Cameron. What on earth were they playing at doing this? The broadcasters should have come to a firm agreement on the debates and stuck to it. If one leader didn't agree to this then tough, they will be empty chaired. Since when in The UK is it acceptable for politicians to interfere with broadcasters? It is outrageous that politicians have dictated the format of the debates. I know the broadcasters are too tame but I would be saying to Cameron all 3 debates or none!
It looks as though the broadcasters took my advice! They're rightfully standing firm and this strategy will turn out to be extremely effective I believe...Just wait and see!
HC
Nahh - just go ahead and do the head to head with Milliband and an empty podium.
That will show Cameron up for what he is. Clueless unless it's written down in front of him, or practiced over and over again.
No one has made the point (so I will), that the reason why he backed out of the one on one debate with Red Ed, is that one week before polling day, is that he'll have no time to brush up and rehearse his scripted ad lib put downs, because at that time of the campaign, he'll be racing around all the tory marginals to rally the troops where there is a strong UKIP following, he can cram in.
That will show Cameron up for what he is. Clueless unless it's written down in front of him, or practiced over and over again.
No one has made the point (so I will), that the reason why he backed out of the one on one debate with Red Ed, is that one week before polling day, is that he'll have no time to brush up and rehearse his scripted ad lib put downs, because at that time of the campaign, he'll be racing around all the tory marginals to rally the troops where there is a strong UKIP following, he can cram in.
CW
Charlie Wells
Moderator
Though trying to avoid the politics I couldn't help noting the following quote...
...From David Cameron back in 2010 talking about Gordon Brown agreeing to the TV debates.
Article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/election-2010/6860124/Gordon-Brown-Cameron-debates.html
Quote:
I think it is a thoroughly good thing that these debates are going to take place. I've been pushing for two years for this to happen, I've always believed in live television debates. I think they can help enliven our democracy, I think they will help answer people's questions, I think they will help crystallise the debate about the change this country needs and I'm delighted that they are taking place.
I think it's a step forward for our democracy and I think it's something that, in such a bad year for politics and Parliament, we can proudly celebrate. We've joined the 21st century, when every other democracy seems to have leader's debates, we're now going to have them right here in Britain and I think that's a very good thing.
I think it's a step forward for our democracy and I think it's something that, in such a bad year for politics and Parliament, we can proudly celebrate. We've joined the 21st century, when every other democracy seems to have leader's debates, we're now going to have them right here in Britain and I think that's a very good thing.
...From David Cameron back in 2010 talking about Gordon Brown agreeing to the TV debates.
Article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/election-2010/6860124/Gordon-Brown-Cameron-debates.html