Meanwhile, in a Galaxy far, far away

I'm sure it's down to the digital switch over in Peebles, but I haven't heard much on this:

Gordon Brown braces himself for defeat in Glenrothes by-election

If he wins, or doesn't lose as badly as anticipated, I am sure normal service will be resumed as normal and Polly T will be 'invited' on to tell us what the BBC needs a front to tell us we should think.

BBC - Voters go to polls in Glenrothes

Indy - By-election triumph boosts Brown

Was there an election in the UK?

Can't say I noticed on the BBC... until this result was announced. Seems the 'right' result from the 'right' candidate was of more interest... elsewhere.

Now it's wall to wall. Odd, that. 'Down to the PM's recent increase in popularity', apparently.

The vote, and the will of the people who did vote, must be respected.

I wish I could say the same for the media machines that now operate in 'informing' them with what gets boosted, what doesn't, and when.

Newsnight -

OK, the 'right' party won in Glenrothes (can we mention that now it's over?).

I guess wall to wall discussion. Polly T and Kevin Maguire on speed dial!

That'll put a smile on Gordon's face:) And we do all love that smile.

A bit late mind. What doesn't get talked about can matter as much during an election as what does.

And who controls the drip.

Telegraph - Barack Obama, the Tiger Woods President

Telegraph - Glenrothes: A black swan moment

Telegraph - Labour wins Glenrothes - majority 6737

I fear all I am seeing is a trend towards tribalism.

In this very paper the term 'support of his fellow Fifers...proud that one of their own can become...'

Sound familiar?

The vote, and the will of the people who did vote, must be respected.

I wish I could say the same for the media machines that now operate in 'informing' them with what gets boosted, what doesn't, and when.

I just hope some in the media comms business would regain some pride in their work, and stop leaving it to those who, evidently, have a lot of time, money and resources to 'get on with their jobs' on behalf of their masters.

Gaurdian - Glenrothes byelection gifts Brown another bounce

Beyond the rather depressing tribalism on display, I also am saddened by the continued erosion of every aspect of democratic process I used to hold dear.

At no stage does this seem to have anything to do with the actual MPs and their abilities. They are reduced to mere human puppet representations of their party machines or, more worrying still, their 'leader'.

So, it would seem, we continue to follow America's lead.

At least we can't match their ad spend which, as I understand it, was $11 per vote for Senator Obama and $2 for Senator McCain.

As an ad-man I am gratified to see such faith in advertising bearing fruit, though I might crank an eyebrow at the ROI.

Now, policies. Where were we...?

Newsnight

Gaurdain - Sarah Brown: the real reason Labour won in Glenrothes?

I'll go a massive yes, if only to see how they try and get the person not a prop-ette to personally visit every person in the country.

Which they might.

Beats 'getting on with the job', as that doesn't seem to be doing 'it' so well.

Telegraph - Labour will lose power but can the Tories win it?

There's more fun needs poking

It's Friday. And life is already too short.

Might I pass on this as an example of more balanced political humour?:

http://www.peteyandpetunia.com/VoteHere/VoteHere.htm

The gift (of the gab) that keeps on giving

Another reason for Labour edginess in Glasgow East

'...the Labour candidate, Margaret Curran, was forced to admit that a previous claim to have lived and worked in the city's East End all her life was a "slip of the tongue".'

Maybe she was deafened by the sniper fire? (if you gotta ask...)

Think of the alternative! Inspiring stuff.

A radioactive Gordon Brown is reaching the critical point

Much to agree with.

But as a resident of this country with a vested interest in it not being broken beyond repair, I still despair at the amount of energy being devoted, by our governing political establishment and their media groupies, to 'dealing' with the problem of staying in power.

Getting back to doing stuff, and doing it well, might be a good start.

'Get me and we all lose our jobs' to fellow bunker-fellows is hardly the national rallying cry I feel will resonate with an electorate looking for leadership.

Indy - Gordon Brown – Unsaveable?
Indy - Brown isn't working – and Labour has itself to blame
Telegraph - Prime Minister Gordon Brown, don't let their style beat your substance

Quote of the day - And they are allowed in power?

Ch4 - FactCheck: temporary 10p tax?

'To say, as the work and pensions secretary did yesterday, that it was always clear this had been a temporary measure is a rewrite of history. Not only was it never clear, it seems fair to say that it wasn't even suggested until very recently.'

This is from a man who is potentially up for the job of future PM.

That darn electorate again

'Listening' politicians are a menace

'If a politician does what I want and not what is best, that is not what I pay my taxes for'

To use a common political and media practice and take just one thing out of context, I just have to say, to this above at least... say what?

Who is it you think knows, and can be trusted to know 'best'.