prime bully

James Forsyth thinks the political class is underestimating the importance of Andrew Rawnsley's revelations about Gordon Brown's (allegedly*) brutish behaviour with his staff. And now that the National Bullying Helpline has blown the whistle on him** it does seem likely the story will run for a while.

But I disagree with James. In fact, I think the opposite: the political class will over-estimate the importance of this story. Partly because they consistently over-estimate the importance of character to people's political views. But also because these stories are already "discounted for" in people's opinion of Brown. They go with the grain of what people think of him, rather than being a surprise. And if he gets angry - well, a lot of people are feeling angry at the moment (I'm not condoning bullying - if that's what it is - I'm just predicting how most voters will react).

Nobody likes Gordon Brown. But some voters - enough to make this a close election - still regard him and his team as more competent at economic management than their rivals. This week's story won't change that.

* I say 'allegedly' because I'm sceptical about how much of this stuff is bullying, which implies to me the consistent singling out and needling of an individual (which is truly unforgivable). Brown's shittiness seems to be indiscriminate. And it's notable how loyal people stay to him, even after they've been dispatched with.

** Isn't it utterly irresponsible of the NBH to risk its reputation for confidentiality in the name of a blast of publicity?

ONE MORE THING: Thatcher and Howe - now that was bullying.

Comments

[peter]

I agree with you. The 42nd President of the US also had (and still has, by all accounts) a similar reputation for sudden shouting, swearing, object-throwing, and similar intense, short-lived eruptions of anger at staff. This trait was well known before his re-election in 1996, and remained well-known during his second term. Despite being well-known (and despite his various other failings), he would easily have been re-elected in 2000 had he been allowed to stand.

Likewise, Margaret Thatcher seems to have won the odd election despite a similar reputation.

[peter]

And I guess, given how the story is building, for the PM it's back to being "Stalin"!

[Ian Leslie]

Yes, Bill Clinton was a shouter and screamer. So, incidentally, was Colin Powell, contra his image. But as I say above, the key for me is, do they pick out individuals and needle them consistently? That seems to me much worse. Eg, Thatcher and Howe.

[peter]

Most amusing was the depiction of the bullying female British Prime Minster in the comedy film, "Water". Of course, I'm sure no connection with any particular female British Prime Minster was intended by the film-makers.