Is Clegg wrong footing the Tories?

[Gromit]

Cameron desperately wanted to avoid a grilling by Jeremy Paxman in the run up to the election. The request for an interview was submitted several weeks ago, and the BBC had no response from Conservative Central Office. At the end of last weeks Clegg ordeal, Paxman said he 'hoped' to interview the other leaders. Brown is confirmed for 26th April. The Conservative agreed at the weekend, but no date is set..

It now appears that Cameron has reluctantly been forced to agree to the Paxman treatment in wake of the LibDem surge.

Is that a mistake, and will it further damage their campaign?

[Kromovaracun]

I think you might be reading a bit much into this - if they were worried about the interview, they wouldn't have accepted it over the weekend (which they'd know would damage their standing far more anyway).

Of course, they might be wanting to go last, but as far as we know there could be something relatively innocent or boring (boring stuff does happen, y'know) behind the fact they haven't chosen a date yet. Not everything is quite so calculated.

[jno]

Kromovaracun, you may be right - but I suspect that with an election in the offing, *everything* is as minutely calculated as it can possibly be. If they haven't set a date it's most likely because they're still frantically calculating.

[Oneeyedvic]

Yes it is a mistake and it will undoubtedly damage their campaign.

I loathe Paxman - he asks for yes or no questions when they can't be given.

In reality, what we would like is a politician that is willing to say "I am sorry, but I really don't know the answer to that. Let me find out and I will let you know tomorrow".

However, because of the rubbish media we have in this country, we expect our politicians to know everything straight away and give a position immediately.

It is also difficult to answer certain questions: eg, Have you ever smoked marijuana. Most people will assume that he has - however being a potential PM, he can't say yes as it then gives the wrong message out to youngsters.

[Gromit]

Sorry Kromovaracun,

I meant to post the link that the Tories didn't want to do it, but have now caved in to pressure.

http://www.politics.c...nterview-$1372024.htm