The issue is one of scrutiny and at this point, even though he was made to look uncomfortable, facing a tough and relentless line of questioning, at least Corbyn showed up.
Johnson, on the other hand had said he would take part and then, surprise, surprise, didn't stick to his word, again.

As for them negotiating, I'm sure that you're right but, when they have a little "cosy up" in the oval office, we know exactly who will come out on top (and by some distance).
Johnson has less credibility than Nick Clegg and like him, all that he wants is to kick his shoes of and spin round in the big chair at No 10.
Running away and the occasional one liner aren't going to work on the world stage and he's starting to look very, very weak.

Says one thing to me - Johnson and his team are a hell of a lot smarter than Corbyn and his team - not that that is saying a lot. Labour have been easily out manoeuvred - happy days.

Their is a long way to go yet but Labour have pulled all the rabbits out of the hats they can - the NHS stunt of yesterday has back fired big style.

As the thread title says, SPINELESS absolutely SPINELESS.
The one thing that he isn't is any kind of Leader - apart from gutless.

All that remains is a warm puddle of water

It should say SENSIBLE absolutely SENSIBLE.



Let's put it this way. If the tables were turned Labour HQ should be laughing their tits off, "Jeremy, stay well away, whatever happens you won't end up looking as bad as that sorry shower." That's if anyone at Labour HQ actually has their head screwed on.

It may well be that Johnson eventually agrees to some form of debate or critical interview - but best advice would always be to avoid too much close-quarters stuff.

As for tonight's environmental debate, or whatever the hell that was supposed to be...I gave it fair chance but switched off well before the end. Pointless. Just utterly pointless. Mind-numbingly awful.

Yes but for many this is the number issue and to avoid suggests a lack of interest or no plan, so why would they vote for the conservatives, especially the young.

Block of melting ice?
Tub of lard or a wobbling jelly would be more akin, and more use.

So how is Corbyn leading - let's take Brexit as a start - is he dictating the direction of travel?

And why would that be? Because otherwise he'd show himself up to be the charlatan, liar and conman he really is? Mumbling through his ill prepared lines like some naughty little schoolkid who hasn't done his homework.

Johnson's tactic is to live up to the media invented image of 'bumbling Boris', to be as bold and as brash as possible, spouting all manner of fantasies in the most technicoloured language, but as soon as it's time for debate, critique and questioning... shrink and hide away. He's a fraud, and you know it.

Important as the climate is, this was a relatively pointless debate BUT, it does seem like Boris is ducking out of anything where he and his policies may be scrutinised and with alarming regularity and the schoolboy stunt of sending Gove and Stanley to cover for him was just bloody ridiculous.
Really, what kind of politics do we now have.
Whether the Tory strategists have got this one right, or not, they have certainly lowered politics and the GE campaign to it's lowest EVER level.

Meanwhile Johnson will be sticking with very safe appearances, probably with more "groomed" voters and well away from difficult questions.
As I said, SPINELESS.

Well, he's certainly not hiding away and as I said previously, the Tories are 3 leaders down and one that is too scared to show his face.
Therefore, despite the huge lead in the opinion polls, Corbyn must be doing something right.

Lets also remember that it was the Tories that brought in the fixed term Parliament act and since it's inception, they haven't managed a full term








What was the point

As I said, SENSIBLE.



No-one answered earlier - so tell me, can you think of any of these live debates in which someone has delivered a strong and glowing performance, stood head & shoulders above the rest and made you change your mind or indeed your vote?

Nope, they're just full of repetitive soundbites, and (as a caller on JV has just said), bad manners and rudeness. No-one ever looks good. The only swing moment that can happen is a car crash moment. Perhaps if they ever talked like human beings they might be more worthwhile, but they're all trained by media advisers, they all have the same catchphrases, deliver the same evasive answers and use the same body language and hand gestures. A pet hate of mine (started by Blair) is the pointing without a finger - knuckle pointing - to look less aggressive.

When Johnson looks bad in an LBC interview with Nick Ferrari, you know he's got nothing but a wing and a prayer.