Airstrip One

Playing it safe

Charlie felt that the voters were safe with his domestic fantasies and eschewed any foreign adventures. The Iraq card was played, with the shadow of the hostage burying the conference in the headlines. Most people don't care about why we went to war in Iraq and those who do are committed to either of the left-wing alternatives: Respect or the Liberal Democrats. Asking for an apology from Blair was an ace for the base.

Charlie knew what voters didn't want to hear, so he didn't say anything:

One issue that failed to make it into the speech was the European constitution and the single currency - both of which Labour have pledged referendums on.

Even the Lib Dems will sacrifice Europe if that's what it takes to get power.

(22.57, 23rd September 2004)