Question Time with Smirky Nick Griffin

[stinglikeabee]

I stayed up last night so I could watch the BBC's Question Time with panelists Jack Straw (Labour), playwright Bonnie Greer, Nick Griffin (BNP), Baroness Sayeed Warsi (Conservative), Chris Huhne (LibDem). Around the same time it was morning in the UK, and many had begun the day tweeting about Nick Griffin's controversial appearance. In fact, "Nick

Comments

[cold_nostalgia]

I fear it will tip a large segment of the population who are frustrated with the three major parties into considering voting BNP. Not because of they agree with crazy things Griffin says, but because they will now view him as a legitimate option to voice their anger.

Sadly, I can see this happening. Unless the media big up another fringe party. *sighs*

[stinglikeabee]

Yeah, me too. Journalists are already comparing Nick Griffin's growing public influence to that of Jean-Marie Le Pen circa France's 2002 elections *shudder*. Who is big enough to derail the BNP's growth, I wonder.

[cold_nostalgia]

Green? UKIP? Maybe. Although traditionally, minority parties have never done all that well in a first past the post system, so we may be worrying for no apparent reason. Truth be told if it was proportional representation, like we have up here I'd be more worried since minor parties grab a fair few seats through it.

Worse come to the worse, I can see the BNP maybe getting one seat. Tops. Although it will no doubt see an increase in it's share of votes. *sighs*

[stinglikeabee]

True. I'm all for a multi-party state, and the Dem-Rep political reality here in the US has always been odd for me. And you're right -- it's not like minority parties will be involved in coalitions like some continental countries (Netherlands spring to mind). Nevertheless, it's the share of votes that'll scare the public more than the seats won won't it? The way the press is whipping the matter up (did you see the article that says the BBC has the moral responsibility if something happens to allow the BNP greater support?), it's almost like an ugly showdown akin to the 60s may occur again.

[stinglikeabee]

When Greer told Griffin she brought some books for him to read, my happiness factor went through the roof.

Hee, this was indeed awesome. I also loved the bit where Greer reminded Griffin of his 2:2 in history and law. AW SNAP!

Usually, I dislike Warsi immensely but unfortunately she actually answered the questions, unlike bleeding Jack Straw. And I hated the cynical fact of having her speak about immigration for the Conservatives, so others can't point a finger and claim racism.

but the fact that the Labour-disillusioned voters are even considering BNP instead of the Conservatives should make the Tories concerned.

Seriously. I was hoping Huhne or Warsi would pick up on this and put forth their party as alternatives, rather than continue launching attacks on the BNP. I totally agree, no one came out looking good except for Bonnie Greer.

[parlance]

Ahahaha, years ago I had a racist *Nsync fan on my discussion list who used to claim that the KKK started as a frat prank and "became" violent when the wrong people got a hold of it, so I think it might be a talking point. *smh*