Farage Beats Clegg Convincingly.

[Gromit]

Who'd have thought it?


At the General Election televised leaders debate, Clegg did very well, probably beating both Cameron and Brown. Now in the EU debate, the underdog Farage has won both debates. I must admit the result surprises me.

[ludwig]

I didn't view it with any particular preconceptions but I thought Clegg made an arse of himself. His strategy seemed to rely on dishing out childish insults about Farage, and euro-scepticism in general - as if that would be enough to persuade me. It backfired because I felt more insulted by that approach than Farage did.

Farage actually looked the more serious politician.

[Gromit]

Before these debates, the consensus seemed to be that Cameron and Miliband were cowardly ducking out. But in retrospect, it might have been the wise move considering the damage this has done to Clegg.

[grumpy01]

Hope Clegg disappears for good after next election and takes that smug Danny Alexander with him.

[ludwig]

The mood of the nation is quite untrusting of the EU at the moment. In attempting to simply belittle those attitudes rather than address them seriously, Clegg just belittled most of the people watching. Terrible strategy.

[naomi24]

It sounds like Farage put the cat amongst the pigeons. I've been out tonight and missed the debate. How frustrating! I'll watch the recording tomorrow.

Gromit, why are you surprised? Clegg will never be anything other than an 'also ran'.

[venator]

The sad fact is that Clegg and Farrage are both chasing the "Neither of the above" protest vote, and want to hold undeserved power in a coalition.

Neither party has a sound policy platform, and say whatever they think will get votes, never expecting to have to live up to their promises.

We are being foolish to support their self important ego tripping performances.

Vote for real politicians!

[Gromit]

If people still remember this in a months time, then European Election night will be a triumph for UKIP. And bad for Labour, the Conservatives and especially tbe LibDems.

[emmie]

it didn't surprise me, people are fed up to the back teeth with being thought fools, as one woman put it surely if the British people are intelligent enough to pick a candidate, and vote in an election, then they are also intelligent enough to get the referendum they have been promised and work out for themselves what is best for them and their familie

[emmie]

families and the country they live in, Clegg was out of his depth, his scaremongering about how Britain will fall to piece if we had an out of EU vote was frankly absurd, he didn't seem to put any salient points to make us think we are better in than out of the EU. He is an also ran, who should next election stay running, Farage may garner no backing come the election but it might make the main parties take note.

[youngmafbog]

I am sure Farage will ensure we remember it, he is pretty goo at courting the press and raising his profile. Gaffes are not always bad when you are promoting yourself from nothing.

As I have said many times when people have insulted Farage, beware there is much more to this man.

Hey Mickey, your view?

[Farriercm]

As Gromit was hinting,Cameron is playing a very Sly Card,by not facing Farage on TV.---He knew that Clegg would lose out against Farage , hence turn voters against the Libs trying to swing their voters to the Cons, then if Crafty Cam did get re-elected, thus no coalition

[naomi24]

Hurrah!

[emmie]

worse thing that could have happened, the coalition was and is a mish mash, a disaster, would rather that the Tories lose than this.

[youngmafbog]

So why did Milliband not face him, if he wants to be PM he should also stand up.

Or dont you think he stands a chance now Len has stuck the knife in?

[mikey4444]

This debate seems to me like two bald men arguing over who who's turn it is
to use the comb. Neither is the head of a party that has any chance whatsoever of winning the next General Election in May 2015.

I would be much more interested in seeing dave and Ed have a live debate.

[mikey4444]

By the way Emmie, welcome back ! We have missed you these few days.

[Gromit]

Welcome back emmie, we missed you. I'm sure you have a note from your parents to explain your absence.

[jomifl]

NJ, the only 'scare' of Clegg's that may be a bit overstated is the eviction of expats. If Britain left the EU British residents would not have right of residency in other EU countries would have to apply for a permit of residency and would not get free health cover when in Europe. Ironically Europe may well be the better place to live if Britain leaves the EU.
We voted in our local elections at the weekend ..84% turnout, now that is democracy.

[New Judge]

"Vote for real politicians!"

If only there were any venator! People are going for the "none of the above" party because none of the above listen to and address their concerns, preferring instead to insult them.

If you think free health treatment is widely available for foreigners across the EU (apart from in the UK, that is) you should try getting treatment in, say, Greece, Portugal or Italy. I have (or have been with people who have tried).When you present your EHIC card they look for the sixteen digit number across the front.