4 Debates on TV Now Confirmed (2 of them -leaders recorded separately)

[arista]

This is now all Confirmed

1. Ch4HD & SkyNewsHD 9PM 26th March
the PM and Labour Leader - separately


2. ITV1HD 2nd April
All 7 Leaders including the PM Live

3. BBC1HD 16th April 5 Opposition Live
Labour
UKIP
Greens
SNP
Plaid Cymru

4. BBC1HD 30April
3 Leaders Separately "Question Time"

[Nedusa]

It will never happen...........

[arista]

It will never happen...........


we will see

[MTVN]

What a tit Cameron is being with these debates, hope the broadcasters hold their nerve and go ahead with them without him, good on Cleggy being prepared to represent the government

[Nedusa]

Cameron is not interested in having a head to head with Miliband because he knows he will lose the debate on the NHS and be made to look like a liar in front of millions, he will also be pulled apart on his disastrous policy failure on Immigration.

He will probably opt to call a short debate with strict time limits on each question or topic and with at least seven other Political Party's taking part he knows Labour will not have enough time to put him on the spot. He will effectively hide in the shadows and throw out sound bites knowing that time constraints will save him from closer scrutiny.

This has been his plan all along imho.

[arista]

Yes the PM has confirmed one debate ONLY
90mins debate
Sunday night - Lucky 7

[arista]

What a tit Cameron is being with these debates, hope the broadcasters hold their nerve and go ahead with them without him, good on Cleggy being prepared to represent the government


Yes Clegg and Farage and Loser ED
on part of the Lucky 7
90mins debate in 1080i HD

Will Ed Sweat first?

[T*]

arista can you put spaces between the slashes because its stretching the sidebar x

[arista]

arista can you put spaces between the slashes because its stretching the sidebar x


OK
I will change it

[arista]

SkyNewsHD/Ch4HDNews/BBC1HD/ITV1HD
will broadcast together


Good job I have 5 TVs

[T*]

OK
I will change it

ty arista <3

[arista]

ty arista <3


Your our Future
Young Tom


You Voice is Valid

[arista]

The Fecking BBC has still not yes
get a fecking move on
there is only 63 days to go
This Cuts through the chaff


Its this month
or never


Ed will do any

So BBC say yes
Get off the fecking fence

[joeysteele]

David Cameron looks really stupid and cowardly over this, all his demands over the weeks and still he haggles and squirms pathetically.

What is the point of debates outside the election campaign, that is daft.

Imagine what he would have been saying to and about Gordon Brown in 2010, had Gordon Brown gone on in this infantile fashion as to the 2010 debates.

He is petrified of slipping up badly in them because he is likely again lying to the voters in the campaign as he did last time as to the NHS particularly.

If he really had a record to be proud of, he would be in all these debates like a shot,if he had no 'sinister' hidden agenda,he would also be eagerly in them.
More to the point,if he really was sure he had the better way to go for the UK, again he would in there shouting it from the rooftops.

What he doesn't want is to have any real scrutiny and challenge to what he is saying and those are the actions of a man with a great deal to hide I would say.

What a snivelling, procrastinating coward he is and one of the saddest excuses ever for a British PM, to be running away so childishly from these debates.

[Kizzy]

David Cameron would rather nick Clegg is there and not him?... Well Cleggy now's the chance to redeem yourself, there's no chance for your party and you've made your money... Throw Cameron under the bus! Pleeeeaasseee!

[arista]

David Cameron would rather nick Clegg is there and not him?... Well Cleggy now's the chance to redeem yourself, there's no chance for your party and you've made your money... Throw Cameron under the bus! Pleeeeaasseee!


You Talk Bollocks


He has told them its one 90mins debate
this month
with all 7


The Fecking BBC has still not said yes


Everyone today on the media and radio
has agreed One is betting than nothing


Kizzy he is the PM
he tells the rules
not you

[Livia]

It doesn't really matter what Cameron does. He could cure cancer and the headline would be "Cameron fails to cure Parkinson's disease!".

[arista]

The Ofgem Wankers Fecked it it up by leaving the Greens out
Then the FECKING Nutters came back with 7

Now the PM has said Yes.
and He says the Date not those nutters


Ed wants it
Farage Wants it
Clegg wants it
Greens Want it
and others as well


Now Poxy BBC say yes

[MTVN]

The Ofgem Wankers Fecked it it up by leaving the Greens out
Then the FECKING Nutters came back with 7

Now the PM has said Yes.
and He says the Date not those nutters


Ed wants it
Farage Wants it
Clegg wants it
Greens Want it
and others as well


Now Poxy BBC say yes

Yeah that was the ridiculous thing. They only needed to include the Greens not the bloody SNP and Plaid Cymru as well, that was always going to provoke a challenge from the Northern Irish parties. The whole thing has become such a farce

[JoshBB]

I disagree with having the SNP & PC on there really, considering they are not UK-wide however it is always nice to have some different perspectives.

[arista]

Yeah that was the ridiculous thing. They only needed to include the Greens not the bloody SNP and Plaid Cymru as well, that was always going to provoke a challenge from the Northern Irish parties. The whole thing has become such a farce


Do not Blame the PM

Ofcom and the Broadcasters Fecked up
by saying we now have 7

[arista]

I disagree with having the SNP & PC on there really, considering they are not UK-wide however it is always nice to have some different perspectives.


Go Tell Ofcom and the Broadcasters
its their CLEVER idea of 7


Fecking BBC

[Nedusa]

I disagree with having the SNP & PC on there really, considering they are not UK-wide however it is always nice to have some different perspectives.

I guess the reality is only 2 possibly 3 party's have a realistic chance of getting into power albeit with a coalition or part of a coalition, the others have no real influence as they only have a handful of MP's

That being said though I would wager the SNP's will have quite a few MP's and should be taken very seriously this time.

[arista]

From todays Daily Politics
Fact Tony Blair Refused to have a Debate
with John Major as at that time Major was ahead in the Polls.


So at least this PM has said yes to the one debate
now if the Stupid BBC do not says yes
then its FECKED

[Kizzy]

You Talk Bollocks


He has told them its one 90mins debate
this month
with all 7


The Fecking BBC has still not said yes


Everyone today on the media and radio
has agreed One is betting than nothing


Kizzy he is the PM
he tells the rules
not you



How rude

[arista]

How rude


No I am not


I sick of some people making up storys


Record the Daily Politics on BBC2HD
every day.

Andrew Neil gave a good one hour show
even had a Good UKIP Candidate
trying to help the local kids
get a skate park

Then you will be better informed

Joey - I have no idea if he has time to record it.

I respect You Kizzy
but stick to Facts please



Note : I do not support UKIP
but its good to have sense talked

[Kizzy]

I respect You Kizzy

Funny way of showing it :hmph:

[joeysteele]

He is scared of the debates, even moreso with all the others in them too.
He likely hoped by saying the Greens should be there that the debates would be dropped if he wouldn't take part.
Also hoping it would nevr be agreed for the Greens to take part.

Then the Greens are allowed and he finds any other excuse to wriggle and squirm his way out of them.

He is a shambles and he lied in the last debates and I think he knows full well he will be lying to the voters in these too,also that with so many others there in the debates, the accusation he is lying will carry much more weight.

Actually,if this was Ed Miliband or Nick Clegg going on like this and setting down conditions for them to take part, the press and media would be crucifying them on a daily basis.

David Cameron says he will take part in only one debate, he should put himself forward with no conditions whatsoever as to every debate,and submit himself to full public scrutiny of what he says and plans to do.
The very fact he won't means clearly to me, there are things he is probably trying to hide as to his real intentions in govt:

What a shambles and what a whining, snivelling pathetic coward he is coming across as too.

Give this man an overall majority and a massive blank cheque, no way, kick the procrastinating crybaby out.

[arista]

"He is scared of the debates"

Bollocks

he did them and Won Power


Blair was scared of Debates,

The PM has given the OK for 1 Debate this month
with the 7 only

FACT

[joeysteele]

"He is scared of the debates"

Bollocks

he did them and Won Power


Blair was scared of Debates,

The PM has given the OK for 1 Debate this month
with the 7 only

FACT

he should do them all as he did when opposition leader and when he then called for these debates too at that time in 2010, 'during the election campaign then too'.

He didn't win power either, he was cautiously put in the position by the voters to be able to be in govt; but only with another party only,not solely himself and his party.

He actually failed by a good margin to actually win power,falling nearly 20 seats of an overall majority.

Had the Lib Dems not agreed to a full coalition, the Conservatives would not have been in power at all and likely voted down as a minority at the very first opportunity by the anti Conservative elements in the House of Commons.

He came out leading as to the last election but did not win it.

[arista]

Joey its not up to you
in 5 years so much has changed

The PM calls the shots

As Ofcom Fecked up

[joeysteele]

Joey its not up to you
in 5 years so much has changed

The PM calls the shots

As Ofcom Fecked up

It shouldn't be up to him either, he is a public servant, he should be doing their will and I would bet the vast majority of those who are interested in these debates, will see him for the coward he is being.

Every other leader of every other party, save the DUP,has agreed to all that has been set out, only he is wriggling and squirming trying to justify not doing all, most or at best only the barest minimum as to the debates.

If this was Miliband going on like this, you would be calling him all the names under the sun too,and you would be right to.

Just as I am too as to this totally useless and sad excuse for a PM.

[arista]

Feck Me Joey


Blair Refused it - And Got Away with it


Its the PM
Respect him

[Tom4784]

I like the idea of all the major parties getting representation but I do agree that Cameron's using it as an excuse not to do it.

[arista]

I like the idea of all the major parties getting representation but I do agree that Cameron's using it as an excuse not to do it.


Dezzy You Are Most Wise

[billy123]

Camerons debate dodging tactics are harming his chances almost as much as a bad performance at the debates.
I hope they go ahead without him he will get slaughtered for it.

[joeysteele]

Feck Me Joey


Blair Refused it - And Got Away with it


Its the PM
Respect him

Respect has to be earned arista,really nothing this PM has done in govt; and also for lying as to the NHS re-organisation in 2010,does not do a single thing to earn and warrant my respect.
I have not the slightest bit of respect for him and I actually think he has actually tainted the office of Prime Minister too,during his time as one.

[arista]

Camerons debate dodging tactics are harming his chances almost as much as a bad performance at the debates.
I hope they go ahead without him he will get slaughtered for it.


But who would do that
Bloated BBC?

[joeysteele]

Camerons debate dodging tactics are harming his chances almost as much as a bad performance at the debates.
I hope they go ahead without him he will get slaughtered for it.


I hope they do too,like you I believe he would be slaughtered for it and rightly so.

[arista]

Respect has to be earned arista,really nothing this PM has done in govt; and also for lying as to the NHS re-organisation in 2010,does not do a single thing to earn and warrant my respect.
I have not the slightest bit of respect for him and I actually think he has actually tainted the office of Prime Minister too,during his time as one.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/staticarchive/573b2e0729b458402b51af31eef80d38faead46f.jpg
But due to Gordon Browns PPi Debts in hospital
he had no other way.


Anyway you stick with your Ed

[joeysteele]

But due to Gordon Browns Debts in hospital
he had no other way.


Anyway you stick with your Ed

I will stick with Ed, I believe he is more a man of his word unlike this current PM.

[empire]

nigel farage made nick clegg look like a silly little school boy, he should be there to, we all love an eccentric new statesman, on debates.

[joeysteele]

Also what is all this nonsense from David Cameron as to wanting the debates before the campaign really is officially started.

Normally, any party's manifesto is only released at the start of the eelction campaign, how can you have election debates before a manifesto is released and the plans laid out for the voters to see and digest.

What is he so worried about that people may be able to read as to between the lines of the Conservative manifesto.
Everything he comes up with just looks like cowardice and a hope he holds that in fact these debates will just go away.
I am stunned he is not jumping at the opportunity to debate head to head with Ed Miliband.
What on earth is David Cameron so worried as to what he could trip up on or be tripped up on.

He is hot on saying as to crime and internet control that if you have nothing to hide then you have nothing to fear.
Debating is essential in any politician's life, so if he has nothing to hide, then he should have nothing to fear from these debates,no matter how many debates there are and also no matter who they are with.

Clearly in truth, he likely sees Ed Miliband as far more formidable as to performing in these debates than he thought of Gordon Brown, since he is running absolutely terrified of them it seems.

[Kizzy]

True, did you hear him in PMQs?... 'are you stood on a box?' that was weak, in televised debate Ed will eat him alive.

[joeysteele]

True, did you hear him in PMQs?... 'are you stood on a box?' that was weak, in televised debate Ed will eat him alive.

I totally agree again Kizzy.
I have always thought,because I know that Ed Miliband is a good strategist,that come the actual election campaign,he would shine far more and get the message home easier than his performances so far.

You mention PMQs. this week, immigration is far and away not the best topic for Labour,yet he went on it and asked David Cameron as to his promise to cut immigration to tens of thousands.

David Cameron was extremely uncomfortable and went off on a tangent into all other issues while never addressing that point whatsoever.
Without his baying crowd behind him, David Cameron is a poor excuse for a good debater and more to the point a convincing one.

That is how in the leaders debates in 2010, he in fact went down as to the polling and in the end failed to convince enough to secure an overall majority.
There was no doubt,to be fair to him, Nick Clegg performed the best in all those debates.

I really do have the feeling that Ed Miliband has kept his best powder dry until the campaign kicks off good and proper.
While it is true,some of the press and media will not report enough or correctly the Labour message,these leaders debates will have people watching and things cannot be misconstrued and amended, while you are actually seeing the person 'actually' say the words they are.

I think, David Cameron is aware of Ed Milibands prowess as to being a strategist.
As was pointed out on here before,Ed Miliband entered the Labour leadership race late on but came through to take it,even over his far more popular at the time Brother.

If there had been one debate I would have thought really ought to take place, it would have been one between David Cameron and Ed Miliband,especially since the media and the press are harping on about the singular choice of one or the other fof these 2 as PM.

One is then left begging the question, if David Cameron really has no fear of Ed Miliband winning the argument with the voters,why on earth then is he ruling out completely a head to head with him.

For me, that speaks volumes.
Quite frankly, love or hate him, I think Ed Miliband would be able to wipe the floor with David Cameron in such a debate, since factually Ed Miliband has thus far told no lies to the electorate, while David Cameron has an ever growing list of them to be challenged on.

[Kizzy]

'Ed Miliband has kept his best powder dry' I love that analogy :laugh:
All you say is bang on Joey, this is where the two as top politicians should be pretty level you would have thought, but as you say this is Millibands forte... he may not be the best at sandwich munching or beer swilling but he knows his job and that's thE most important quality in a PM.

[Nedusa]

But David Cameron is the incumbent and he knows he has more to lose than to win in any debate so he will have only one short debate with 6 other Party's and nothing of any substance will be debated.

[user104658]

I honestly think that a big part of it is that Ed Miliband is simply more intelligent than David Cameron. In fact I don't think that DC is the brightest spark at all... he strikes me as the type who achieved highly because he had the benefit of an expensive education rather than actually having a particularly sharp mind. He often strikes me as a bit of a talking head... he doesn't handle unexpected questions well; if he doesn't have an answer prepared and memorised, then he doesn't have an answer full stop.

Ed Miliband is more intelligent and more sure of his stance on a multitude of issues, he responds fairly well to unexpected questions, his main weakness is that he then gets frustrated when interviewers don't like that they didn't manage to rattle him so they flip and flop between topics and never address his actual response. Also, unfortunately, I think the fact that he is more intelligent possibly contributes to the "oddball" image that is being pushed by the mainstream press. He's a bit of a geek, in the classic sense, without the fashionable "geek chic". He looks like he'd be more comfortable playing a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his Uni club than in a "working man's club" - and that's a problem for some people. For some reason. I personally don't think it should be any reflection on his politics at all but, sadly, the electorate are hopelessly simple creatures.

[Kizzy]

I honestly think that a big part of it is that Ed Miliband is simply more intelligent than David Cameron. In fact I don't think that DC is the brightest spark at all... he strikes me as the type who achieved highly because he had the benefit of an expensive education rather than actually having a particularly sharp mind. He often strikes me as a bit of a talking head... he doesn't handle unexpected questions well; if he doesn't have an answer prepared and memorised, then he doesn't have an answer full stop.

Ed Miliband is more intelligent and more sure of his stance on a multitude of issues, he responds fairly well to unexpected questions, his main weakness is that he then gets frustrated when interviewers don't like that they didn't manage to rattle him so they flip and flop between topics and never address his actual response. Also, unfortunately, I think the fact that he is more intelligent possibly contributes to the "oddball" image that is being pushed by the mainstream press. He's a bit of a geek, in the classic sense, without the fashionable "geek chic". He looks like he'd be more comfortable playing a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his Uni club than in a "working man's club" - and that's a problem for some people. For some reason. I personally don't think it should be any reflection on his politics at all but, sadly, the electorate are hopelessly simple creatures.

I agree in the main, it is frustrating that the sun reading proportion can be influenced to use their precious vote simply due to a comedy picture :(

[joeysteele]

But David Cameron is the incumbent and he knows he has more to lose than to win in any debate so he will have only one short debate with 6 other Party's and nothing of any substance will be debated.

I agree, which is what he wants of course, to be able to hide any controversial policies, and avoid too much in depth scrutiny as to what he will be saying with far more leaders present.
He even, as I said before, wants the debate held before the election campaign even starts, so he doesn't even want to discuss the content of his manifesto either.

What is the point of that,what does he want to keep hidden from the voters, what will be this election's hidden agenda from him and his party.

[arista]

Toby Young on QT tonight so right.
At least he doing one.

Once the DUP have done their BBC Fecking Legal Action.

[the truth]

theyre over rated but if Cameron doesn't want them then I say lets have them

[arista]

The PM is having one, only

Once the the Mother Fecking BLOATED BBC say yes

[Kizzy]

You're getting very sweary lately, there's no need.

[arista]

You're getting very sweary lately, there's no need.

I am Sorry
but I get Very Angry and all this Debate about Debates


We have one 90 mins in 1080i with 7 or 8.

Ed can Sweat first

[joeysteele]

I am Sorry
but I get Very Angry and all this Debate about Debates


We have one 90 mins in 1080i with 7 or 8.

Ed can Sweat first

There's only one person seemingly sweating and frightened of doing these debates and it certainly is not Ed Miliband, in fact unlike the one that is the real coward and crybaby,namely David Cameron,Ed Miliband is likely raring to go in to them.

Also there would not have been any need for debate as to the debates if David Cameron had done what all the other leaders have and accepted things as they were set out.
He along with all leaders are the ones that have to give an account of themselves to the voters, not themselves dictate how they do so.
Just get on and do it.

Cameron wanted these debates in 2010, during the election campaign,he got them, he expected Gordon Brown,the then PM,to accept all that.
Now he wants to take his ball away and only play if everyone else follows his rules.
He looks completely ridiculous and cowardly pathetic.

I am stunned his party are not forcing him to do them all,then again they know he failed miserably last time as to what was expected he'd achieve,so they too likely see him as still that loser, and a pretty bad one too.

[arista]

The 4 Broadcasters have thanked the PM for his Single Debate



http://media.skynews.com/media/images/generated/2015/1/23/365423/default/v3/adaptive-comp-template-four-way-1-762x428.jpg
2 April ITV1HD with the 7 (may also go out on Sky and BBC)

16 April BBC1HD same with the 7 and if no PM someone else

30 April SkyNewsHD/Ch4NewsHD with 2 (thats the date the PM has refused)

Ref: SkyNewsHD, BBCNewsHD

[joeysteele]

Well at least they are all going ahead with or without him and if he is not in some of them, then he is going to look absolutely pathetic.
I hope he has just set out on the path of committing political suicide for him and his party with his nonsense over this.

His absence from any of the debates will be massively obvious and I hope loses him tons of votes,since he chooses to deny the voters greater scrutiny of his policies and his explanations of same too.

I am really glad he has not got his own way on these debates, I feel pretty sure, he thought and maybe was advised too, that him not taking part in all or some,would see the ones he refused to take part in cancelled.
I am over the moon, they are all going ahead still.

To the voters he will indeed look what he is doing, running scared.
They will be entitled to develop strong suspicions as to his and his party's intentions as to what they really want to do were he to win the May election.

Hopefully this will now lose him even more votes than the already lost votes that he got in the 2010 election, according to all the current polling.

[arista]

http://media.skynews.com/media/images/generated/2015/3/6/375435/default/v1/thei-1-720x960.jpg

[arista]

I am happy with

The PM doing one on ITV1HD and will also go out on Sky and bbc news

[joeysteele]

I am far from impressed with him only doing one,it doesn't inspire any confidence as to him and his policies if he as PM is avoiding debating same with all other relevant leaders of parties abnswering to a 'public' and therefore the 'voters' debates.

If this was Ed Miliband or Nick Clegg or Nigel Farage or Natalie bennett saying they wouldn't do any these debates,had they been invited to too, then the same suspicion and criticism from me would be directed at any of them too.

He looks what he is a coward,he can only really fight when he has his henchmen behind him to back him up.
He has made the office of Prime Minister a joke in my view.

[Nedusa]

I look forward to the 3rd debate with Miliband v Cameron , in sure Mr Miliband can win that one as the PM won't be there .

So expect Mr Miliband to have an empty podium next to him. Or will Dave turn up at the last minute.

Can't wait to see this one on one debate

[arista]

I look forward to the 3rd debate with Miliband v Cameron , in sure Mr Miliband can win that one as the PM won't be there .

So expect Mr Miliband to have an empty podium next to him. Or will Dave turn up at the last minute.

Can't wait to see this one on one debate


maybe millions will not bother
watching Paxman grill one MP

The Debates in 2010 did not change voters
but got lads like Joey confused thinking LibDems were angels

[joeysteele]

maybe millions will not bother
watching Paxman grill one MP

The Debates in 2010 did not change voters
but got lads like Joey confused thinking LibDems were angels

I think they did change some voters minds actually.
Nick Clegg came out the best of them all in the debates and won over a good number of people who weren't even sure if they would even vote.
Yes I trusted Nick Clegg, for my sins, never, ever again.

For Gordon Brown, he came over as already defeated in one of them,when he said, ...''if things stay as they are now, this man,David Cameron, will be prime Minister supported by this man,Nick Clegg''....

However for David Cameron,having already blown a well over 10 point lead over Labour, he came across rather poor too.
I really believe the leaders debates were in part instrumental in him not getting an overall majority,since he sounded really inexperienced alongside Nick Clegg,Cameron came across as shifty as to immigration and the NHS particularly .

It will now be really ironic, if having taken part in the debates in 2010, he lost the trust of the voters to give him an overall majority, and now here in 2015, by 'not' taking part in them all, he puts himself firmly into a losing position again as to that.

I think, even moreso with all the new leaders of parties included in 2 debates,that indeed perhaps a great many more voters will make their minds up after watching them this time.

[arista]

I think they did change some voters minds actually.
Nick Clegg came out the best of them all in the debates and won over a good number of people who weren't even sure if they would even vote.
Yes I trusted Nick Clegg, for my sins, never, ever again.

For Gordon Brown, he came over as already defeated in one of them,when he said, ...''if things stay as they are now, this man,David Cameron, will be prime Minister supported by this man,Nick Clegg''....

However for David Cameron,having already blown a well over 10 point lead over Labour, he came across rather poor too.
I really believe the leaders debates were in part instrumental in him not getting an overall majority,since he sounded really inexperienced alongside Nick Clegg,Cameron came across as shifty as to immigration and the NHS particularly .

It will now be really ironic, if having taken part in the debates in 2010, he lost the trust of the voters to give him an overall majority, and now here in 2015, by 'not' taking part in them all, he puts himself firmly into a losing position again as to that.

I think, even moreso with all the new leaders of parties included in 2 debates,that indeed perhaps a great many more voters will make their minds up after watching them this time.


The numbers do not stack up
Do you get time to watch Political news?


What shocks me is Single Mothers - Not going to Vote
its not their thing.

I would make it Law that everyone votes
and for Russell Brand
there is box for him to Tick
"None of the Above"

[joeysteele]

The numbers do not stack up
Do you get time to watch Political news?


What shocks me is Single Mothers - Not going to Vote
its not their thing.

I would make it Law that everyone votes
and for Russell Brand
there is box for him to Tick
"None of the Above"

Not sure I get your point there really, the leaders debates will be covered extensively on all channels news and all other election related programmes.

It will have a knock on effect from the leaders debates through all that programming too.

We have the right to vote or not to use that vote in the UK, I would prefer if people did use their votes, it surprises me that there cannot,( now with so many different candidates on ballot papers), at elast be one of them that it is felt could be voted for.

I don't agree at all with compulsory voting, I also cannot see any party wanting to be the one that ever brought that in either.

I am not surprised that people are turned off by politics and politicians however, the weekly PMQs farce is the worst advertisement for any form of politics.
As is the personal attacks and more often than not,infantile personalised mudslinging done by 'so called' 'senior' politicians.
I also think too, interviewers turn viewers off by too much aggressive interviewing.

People just want to know what the parties stand for, what they would do with power and have that scrutinised but informatively,not from the programme makers or interviewers own personal and often biased agendas.

[arista]

"Not sure I get your point there really, the leaders debates will be covered extensively on all channels news "

On the BBC Daily Politics
they did the Numbers of voters before the TV debates and After

I said apart from people like you
it changed nothing

22million (2010) watched it, loads then did Not Vote

[arista]

I mean millions will have to have Subtitles
as they can not stand Ed's Voice

[arista]

"I don't agree at all with compulsory voting,"


Fecking TYPICAL of you

So long as you can tick "none of the above"



Its Bloody fine

[Kizzy]

"I don't agree at all with compulsory voting,"


Fecking TYPICAL of you

So long as you can tick "none of the above"



Its Bloody fine

No... this is typical of you!

We are a democracy... when you start making things compulsory it ceases to BE a democracy?.... Get it?

[arista]

No... this is typical of you!

We are a democracy... when you start making things compulsory it ceases to BE a democracy?.... Get it?


You Do Not Get IT


anyone who does not want to vote goes in ticks
none of the above

Thats is Democracy

Like Down Under

[Kizzy]

Ed Miliband has told broadcasters he will take part in all three televised debates ahead of the election - as he accused David Cameron of "chickening out".

In a speech to the Scottish Labour conference, the party leader said the Prime Minister was "running scared" after only agreeing to appear in one of three of the debates.

Mr Miliband told delegates: "You can refuse to face the public, but you can’t deny your record.

"You can try to chicken out of the debates, but don’t ever again claim to provide strong leadership for your country."

Mr Miliband said "with or without Mr Cameron" he will be at the debates.

http://news.sky.com/story/1440557/miliband-brands-pm-chicken-over-tv-debates

[arista]

Yes Kizzy
we all know that
Nothing new.

The PM is sticking to his word
just doing 1

[Kizzy]

I don't think he's bothered tbh.... he's installed conservative peers and police, he's sold of anything and everything he could to his friends and backers to ensure the country is conservative run whoever is in power.

[smudgie]

Can't be doing with the debates.
Enough of the debating goes on already.
The candidates just stand up and spout their lies, I much prefer to see what my local MP is doing for the area, the actions say much more than words.
He will be getting my vote as he has earned his wages.

[joeysteele]

I mean millions will have to have Subtitles
as they can not stand Ed's Voice

I feel the same as to David Cameron, I don't like the tone or message that comes from his mouth either.

[arista]

The Guardian/ Telegraph/ YouTube
are now setting up a 7 leaders debate
Conservative and Labour have said yes
this would be this month
under the PM 's wishes

Ref : SkyNewsHD / Daily Politics BBC2 /LBC

[MTVN]

The Guardian/ Telegraph/ YouTube
are now setting up a 7 leaders debate
Conservative and Labour have said yes
this would be this month
under the PM 's wishes

Ref : SkyNewsHD / Daily Politics BBC2 /LBC

Think the digital debates are only intending to include the Tories, Lib Dems, Labour, Greens and Ukip

[arista]

Also they would go out on ITV
as some biddies are not online

[arista]

Think the digital debates are only intending to include the Tories, Lib Dems, Labour, Greens and Ukip


Sure Lucky 5
or Lucky 7


All being sorted better than BBC/ofcom

[MTVN]

Miliband gets six questions as leader of the opposition at PMQs, uses them all on the election debates :umm2:

[joeysteele]

I really am beginning to think they should just scrap the ideal of the debates altogether now.

All the leaders except for David Cameron have said they would do them in accordance with the formula set out from the broadcasters.

Since his screaming and moaning and jumping up and down as to only his way or no way then they should just drop them and not entertain him at all.
Having none will just leave an election campaign a little more like they used to be.

David Cameron made a great fuss of these debates and ahving them when opposition leader, even taunting Gordon Brown as to them.
Now he is really running scared and what a pathetic sight it is, his squirming as to them unless he gets all his own way.

Any debate is not worth a light,if it is held before all the manifesto releases of the parties, held outside of the actual 'official' campaign time is plain ridiculous.

All I will take from this,is that David Cameron willb e lying totally to the electorate in the eelction as he did in 2010.
If he is debating before the eelction campaign officially begins, then anything he says will not be worth the paper it may be written on.
To me is a con man, pure and simple and a dangerous one for the UK at that.He is after all the only PM to have come within an inch of presiding over the UK breaking up.

His judgements are horrendous, his word emans virtually nothing as to what he says to the electorate and he is not a man to be trsuted any longer with the high office as Prime Minister.
All other Prime Ministers well gone before him,must be turning in their graves at this procrastinating and smug man being in the office they held so respectfully and much more honourably.

Just scrap all the debates don't give him any platform at all I say.

[arista]

Miliband gets six questions as leader of the opposition at PMQs, uses them all on the election debates :umm2:


Yes Labour Leader Pathetic

[arista]

"Just scrap all the debates don't give him any "

No Joey
The Guardian /Telegraph/ YouTube (and should be on ITV TV)
have done the Correct Date last week of this month

Feck Off
Ofcom/BBC
its not your deal now

[arista]

Lord Grade
would never empty chair threat

Ref : Live SkyNewsHD

[Kizzy]

Didn't Grade run the BBC in the 70s? :umm2:

[joeysteele]

Yes Labour Leader Pathetic

PMQs is the most disreputable thing about politics at this point in time,in my view,due to this PMs performances at it.

I have for a long time now, seen no point in Ed Miliband or anyone else, other than Conservative backbenchers that is,asking this particular Prime Minister anything at all.
I have never yet seen him answer a question put to him directly from Ed Miliband,in fact he asks questions of Ed Miliband when it is he himself who should be the one answering not asking.

I love politics but I won't even watch this now with anyone,I would as a voter be embarrassed to promote politics from this farce week after week.

I watched it 2 weeks ago with my Cousin and all she could say was, ''he is supposed to answer questions, when is he ever going to do so, what infantile nonsense this all is from grown men in government''.

Summed it up for me really,PMQs is the worst advertisement for politics and politicians too. It has just got worse and worse every year this man has been PM too as to questions being 'answered'.

I don't know why Ed Miliband just doesn't ask the same questions every week,he could have done so for years now and still been able to rightly claim he has not had a direct answer to anything at all.

Ed Miliband however made the best point as to the debates today at PMQs, when he said Cameron was scared of them because he lost to the Deputy PM, Nick Clegg,in them last time and knew he would likely lose in them again this time.

[MTVN]

Cameron is annoying how he goes completely off tangent like today he turns a question about the tv debates into rhetoric about Labour-SNP relations or starts reeling off a list of Tory successes. Bercow does try hard to keep order but he could also encourage people to stay on topic. Miliband never impresses me much either tbh, using up all 6 questions on the debate about debates is fairly stupid. PMQs in general has little substance to it and is fairly devoid of value if you actually want any meaningful debates over policies

[Kazanne]

If the debate is done properly it should only take once to get their messages across,so for me Cameron is right,no need to have several.

[Livia]

I don't remember this song-and-dance when Blair refused point blank do take part in a debate.

[arista]

I don't remember this song-and-dance when Blair refused point blank do take part in a debate.


Yes John Major wanted it

Blair Refused Outright
and we know why
he was a Falsehood teller

[bots]

Didn't Grade run the BBC in the 70s? :umm2:

That was his father, all you need is the right name to get the top jobs in TV it seems

[bots]

I really am beginning to think they should just scrap the ideal of the debates altogether now.

All the leaders except for David Cameron have said they would do them in accordance with the formula set out from the broadcasters.

Since his screaming and moaning and jumping up and down as to only his way or no way then they should just drop them and not entertain him at all.
Having none will just leave an election campaign a little more like they used to be.

David Cameron made a great fuss of these debates and ahving them when opposition leader, even taunting Gordon Brown as to them.
Now he is really running scared and what a pathetic sight it is, his squirming as to them unless he gets all his own way.

Any debate is not worth a light,if it is held before all the manifesto releases of the parties, held outside of the actual 'official' campaign time is plain ridiculous.

All I will take from this,is that David Cameron willb e lying totally to the electorate in the eelction as he did in 2010.
If he is debating before the eelction campaign officially begins, then anything he says will not be worth the paper it may be written on.
To me is a con man, pure and simple and a dangerous one for the UK at that.He is after all the only PM to have come within an inch of presiding over the UK breaking up.

His judgements are horrendous, his word emans virtually nothing as to what he says to the electorate and he is not a man to be trsuted any longer with the high office as Prime Minister.
All other Prime Ministers well gone before him,must be turning in their graves at this procrastinating and smug man being in the office they held so respectfully and much more honourably.

Just scrap all the debates don't give him any platform at all I say.

I'm not a fan of these sensationalised debates with instant polls on who performed best etc. I don't think Cameron has anything to worry about, and is hardly running scared, after all, people have had 4 years already to pick away at his performance, and how effective has that been?

If there is to be a debate, 1 is certainly sufficient. If they can't debate effectively in one debate, its not going to get any better in multiples. I'm personally sick of these Americanisations of our processes. Enough is enough.

Oh, one more point, its not for broadcasters to define how many debates there will be and who should attend them

[arista]

Didn't Grade run the BBC in the 70s? :umm2:


At one point he did Run the BBC
and Ch4


Michael Grade

not his dad
some other poster said

[arista]

That was his father, all you need is the right name to get the top jobs in TV it seems

You are going back to far



You are Wrong


Michael Grade now a Lord
did run the BBC
and Ch4

[joeysteele]

If the debate is done properly it should only take once to get their messages across,so for me Cameron is right,no need to have several.

I'd agree with that had he been more consistent himself on this issue.
The thing is when the shoe was on the other foot,David Cameron wanted to and was very happy to,then even taunted Gordon Brown to, to do them all in 2010.
For me rather hypocritical now to be only prepared to do any if he does, only his way.
I also dare bet, were he, Cameron, still of the view he had in 2010 but Ed Miliband was making this fuss as to them, he would be calling Miliband all the cowardly terms that have likely ever existed.

What was good for the goose should be good for the gander.

Quite frankly I would rather really have none, I didn't want them last time in 2010, I would rather hear from more spokespersons overall for the parties as to the policies and not just make any election a presidential thing just about the leaders.

I'd like to see more in depth questioning of the possible Health,Home, Foreign, Work and pensions,Defence and Education Ministers than just the leaders of parties.

[bots]

At one point he did Run the BBC
and Ch4


Michael Grade

not his dad
some other poster said

The poster that I responded to was referring to the 1970's and that was his father, so I am right :smug:

[arista]

The poster that I responded to was referring to the 1970's and that was his father, so I am right :smug:


she got the wrong years


You are STILL So Wrong
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lew_Grade


And Michael was his Nephew



Lew Grade was ITV (ATV) Never BBC

[bots]

she got the wrong years


You are STILL So Wrong
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lew_Grade

Lew Grade was ITV (ATV)

You can split hairs all you like, but the poster was referring to the 1970's and that was the time frame of his father, who was a top dog of a TV channel

[arista]

You can split hairs all you like, but the poster was referring to the 1970's and that was the time frame of his father, who was a top dog of a TV channel


Bollocks
she said BBC


Not ATV

[joeysteele]

I don't remember this song-and-dance when Blair refused point blank do take part in a debate.

That is true and there wasn't any debates nor when John Major refused to too in his time as PM.

However since then we have had in 2010, David Cameron clamouring for the debates, in the 'election campaign' time too whe he was opposition leader and really taunting Gordon Brown the then PM to stop delaying and agree to get on with the debates.

The big difference is that since 2010, we have now had the then opposition Leader,Cameron wanting the debates, the then incumbent Prime Minister,Gordon Brown agreeing to same debates in full as laid out by the broadcasters at the time.
So unlike the Major and Blair times, it has happened now and it is a bit rich for the man who championed those debates in 2010 to be being such a turncoat now.

The difference now being both opposition leaders and also a Prime Minister have already agreed since 2010 to such debates and taken part in same.

Had David Cameron not made such a fuss as to Gordon Brown taking a good amount of time to agree to the 2010 debates,then criticism of David Cameron as to the issue would be invalid.

I also stress, were this Ed Miliband who was dragging his heels as to the debates, I would be saying exactly the same about him that I am about David Cameron as to the issue.
The precedent was set in 2010,a format that David Cameron expected both Gordon Brown and Nick Clegg to take part in and accept.
They both did and that is why, from me at any rate, he is getting a right dressing down as to his what I see as his pathetic stance now.

[MTVN]

Yeah I suppose the precedent has been set now not just by the 2010 elections but also by Cameron himself considering how keen he was on them. Is one debate enough? It might have been if it was just the three main parties, a 7 way singular debate however is just likely to be a bit of a farce with too many participants and insufficient time for any of them to put forward a too full and coherent of their intentions. The broadcasters haven't helped the situation either though tbh and I do sympathise with Lord Grade's point about broadcasters playing politics and trying to dictate to the country's Prime Minister when and who he should debate with

[Kizzy]

Well that puts things in perspective doesn't it?

[MTVN]

Well that puts things in perspective doesn't it?

What's that a reply to?

[Kizzy]

Sorry should've quoted but was agreeing with both yours and Joeys points, the one made regarding the issue Cameron made in regard to Brown and his reluctance to commit to debates.But also yours that the media should be seen to work around the politicians and not the other way around.

[joeysteele]

Sorry should've quoted but was agreeing with both yours and Joeys points, the one made regarding the issue Cameron made in regard to Brown and his reluctance to commit to debates.But also yours that the media should be seen to work around the politicians and not the other way around.

I agree with you that MTVN made strong points as to tis too and indeed,broadcasters should not dictate to the PM or really anyone else as to these debates.

However all 3 of the debates in 2010,all took place during the election campign itself,the plan was to have 3 debates again in that period in April.
UKIP were admitted to the debates and really since then the broadcasters have, to please the PM had to include the Greens too.
The move to include the SNP and PC was for me unnecessary,yet that is one of the debates this PM is willing to take part in.

Except now, he wants it held before the official campaign starts, that makes no sense to me whatsoever,with likely no manifesto released by the parties, so no manifesto can be challenged or scrutinised really.

It would seem to me that the main change from the broadcasters is to have a head to head with David Cameron and Ed Miliband,again something David cameron was calling for but I think never expected to get agreement to.
Now he won't do that,again unless it is held well before the campaign starts,he moves the goalposts evertime something seems set up.

Fine if he doesn't want to do that and then he will have to take some stick for that stance from all he has called for before,including that head to head.

I just fail to see any point at all in holding any debate outside the official election campaign, they are called election debates,not pre-election debates.
Sadly, the only person messing the debates about is David Cameron from all I have lsited above.
So I think they should have the one debate with the 7 leaders,at the start of the official campaign after each manifesto from all parties has been presented,and leave it all there for this election.

If the broadcasters did that and pulled the rest of the planned debates, I really think David Cameron could pay pretty heavily for his stance on this, as I am sure if there was only the one debate, it would regularly be said on all news bulletins,the fact that there is only one debate becasue the PM was not willing to do any others.

That is a simple fact,that is what he has indicated,that is relevant news,in light of the fact that all other leaders were/are prepared to do whatever was suggested as to them.

[Kizzy]

'Ofcom have just confirmed that UKIP is a major party and will, at a minimum, get two party election broadcasts.
This confirms that UKIP is now a major party in British politics. Voters should now know that despite what all the other parties are going to tell them, the truth is self-evident: if you believe in Britain, and want to vote UKIP, you'll get a UKIP MP. It's great news.'

Tweeted by Farage.... who do we rely on to say who is to be given access to voice their political agenda prior to the election?.... Ofcom :/

[arista]

The PM has now agreed one 7 leader Debate
on the 2nd of April Thursday


ITV1HD

[arista]

It will never happen...........

One 7 way debate on Thursday 2nd April
ITV1HD
now confirmed

[Nedusa]

One 7 way debate on Thursday 2nd April
ITV1HD
now confirmed

Ok............I stand corrected.

[joeysteele]

Probably enough in the end really, he will never be able to shake off that he brought them to an end if the others go ahead without him in any way.
I hope the media don't let him forget it either.

Anyway, I for one hope he has nothing to do with any debates at the next election for hopefully the reason he is no longer PM or Leader of the Conservative party.

Being just a tiny bit fair to David Cameron, I myself did think 3 debates were too many in 2010 and I also can agree with him that they became the main media focus of the election.
However,for me he is still looking shifty and cowardly refusing to do all of them this time again.

[Kizzy]

It's been said that he wishes to maintain the illusion that he is a more capable PM than Milliband would be... and he is protecting that myth by keeping his gob firmly shut as he knows that Ed can out debate him on every topic.
Having 3 debates on 3 very different areas of competence would have been interesting, to try cover even the main issues in one debate is going to be nigh on impossible.
Which is why I believe that Cameron is getting ready to bail... he's taking the majority of British industry and infrastructure with him mind like maggie did, as a keepsake.

[arista]

http://i.guim.co.uk/static/w-620/h--/q-95/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2015/3/19/1426777372848/0fac5492-deb7-4c66-8bb3-e2e748a1004d-620x372.jpeg

[Sky News and Channel 4 are expected to confirm that
David Cameron and Ed Miliband will be interviewed separately
by Jeremy Paxman next Thursday with the show aired by both broadcasters.
The two networks have issued an appeal for people to take part
in the studio audience when they will be able to ask questions
of the two leaders in a discussion chaired by Sky News’ anchor Kay Burley.
“Assuming our plans meet with final approval from the political
parties involved, the interviews will take place in London on 26 March
and will be conducted by Jeremy Paxman,” said the appeal.
Confirmation was expected on Thursday but it is understood
there are some complications to be ironed out.
The programme would be the first of the pre-election TV events,
with ITV due to host the only debate between all seven party leaders,
hosted by Julie Etchingham, the following Thursday, on 2 April.]

http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/mar/19/cameron-vs-miliband-tv-interview-who-first

[joeysteele]

I still ask what is the point of interviewing them 'before' the election campaign has officially begun.

All you will get likely from them, is wait and see what is in the manifesto.
Being interviewed before the detail of any manifesto is known, is pointless as it cannot be scrutinised or challenged really in any way.

We have had interviews with them over the years to now, it is the election pledges and more to the point full details of the policies in the manifesto, we need to hear about now.

[arista]

This is now all Confirmed

1. Ch4HD & SkyNewsHD 9PM 26th March
the PM and Labour Leader - separately


2. ITV1HD 2nd April
All 7 Leaders including the PM Live

3. BBC1HD 16th April 5 Opposition Live
Labour
UKIP
Greens
SNP
Plaid Cymru

4. BBC1HD 30April
3 Leaders Separately "Question Time"

[MTVN]

That 'opposition leaders debate' is a funny one, it is essentially empty chairing Cameron just now with his consent

[joeysteele]

The interviews 26th March,may as well be done away with since they are being held before the election and the manifesto of each party is published.
We will learn very little there at all and that doesn't make them election interviews either since they are being held before the campaign.

The 16th April one is going to leave David Cameron sticking out lieka sore thumb by his absence in it, no matter what happens in the 7 way one.
If he has a bad 7way deabte, he has no chance to make that up in later ones.
If he does really well, it may be that debate is near forgotten about by the time polling day comes.

It will be interesting but if you are not in there fighting your corner, then speculation will just grow and grow that you were afraid to defend your own record in govt.

[arista]

"The interviews 26th March,may as well be done away with "

Maybe, but at least its Paxmen
doing the 2 debates

[arista]

That 'opposition leaders debate' is a funny one, it is essentially empty chairing Cameron just now with his consent


Not really
its all agreed

the 5 not in power battle it out

[joeysteele]

That 'opposition leaders debate' is a funny one, it is essentially empty chairing Cameron just now with his consent

It is indeed,he is going to look ridiculous not being there, he should at every opportunity be taking on the opposition parties, by not being there, it could be construed that they have lots valid to say and that he has little.

He will look a total fool in my opinion.

[arista]

It is indeed,he is going to look ridiculous not being there, he should at every opportunity be taking on the opposition parties, by not being there, it could be construed that they have lots valid to say and that he has little.

He will look a total fool in my opinion.


You do know that on 5 Leader
debate there is No Empty Chair

[JoshBB]

This could cost cameron votes - good.

[MTVN]

No official empty chair and they'll call it the 'opposition debate' but it essentially what they intended by that threat; to have a leaders debate without the Prime Minister

Makes it tough for Miliband as well seeing as he will just be the main whipping boy in Cameron and Clegg's absence, the others all quite 'anti-establishment' parties so will focus all of that on Miliband now

[joeysteele]

You do know that on 5 Leader
debate there is No Empty Chair

I don't care if there was an empty chair or not, that is irrelevant, the fact he is not there and everyone else is that are also serious about being in govt,is very relevant and he will look conspicuous and ridiculous by his very absence.

An empty chair however would be a good idea, since the answers would probably be the same as to him, nothing really.

[Kizzy]

No official empty chair and they'll call it the 'opposition debate' but it essentially what they intended by that threat; to have a leaders debate without the Prime Minister

Makes it tough for Miliband as well seeing as he will just be the main whipping boy in Cameron and Clegg's absence, the others all quite 'anti-establishment' parties so will focus all of that on Miliband now

I'm confident he'll rise to that challenge, he has what cameron lacks and that's indepth knowledge of the key issues.

[arista]

I don't care if there was an empty chair or not, that is irrelevant, the fact he is not there and everyone else is that are also serious about being in govt,is very relevant and he will look conspicuous and ridiculous by his very absence.

An empty chair however would be a good idea, since the answers would probably be the same as to him, nothing really.

I do not think you understand
this is meant to be this way
5 Opposition Live

[Nedusa]

http://i.guim.co.uk/static/w-620/h--/q-95/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2015/3/19/1426777372848/0fac5492-deb7-4c66-8bb3-e2e748a1004d-620x372.jpeg

[Sky News and Channel 4 are expected to confirm that
David Cameron and Ed Miliband will be interviewed separately
by Jeremy Paxman next Thursday with the show aired by both broadcasters.
The two networks have issued an appeal for people to take part
in the studio audience when they will be able to ask questions
of the two leaders in a discussion chaired by Sky News’ anchor Kay Burley.
“Assuming our plans meet with final approval from the political
parties involved, the interviews will take place in London on 26 March
and will be conducted by Jeremy Paxman,” said the appeal.
Confirmation was expected on Thursday but it is understood
there are some complications to be ironed out.
The programme would be the first of the pre-election TV events,
with ITV due to host the only debate between all seven party leaders,
hosted by Julie Etchingham, the following Thursday, on 2 April.]

http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/mar/19/cameron-vs-miliband-tv-interview-who-first

Are you kidding me..... separately , interview them separately ? Seriously !!!

What sort of stupid excuse for a debate is that, can't believe Cameron is running scared of debating with Miliband , although considering the presence and charisma that Ed has coupled with his vocal eloquence I can understand why Cameron is scared at facing the colossus that is Mr Ed or Mr Wallace... Lol

Shame on Cameron what a pathetic excuse of a leader he really is...

[joeysteele]

Are you kidding me..... separately , interview them separately ? Seriously !!!

What sort of stupid excuse for a debate is that, can't believe Cameron is running scared of debating with Miliband , although considering the presence and charisma that Ed has coupled with his vocal eloquence I can understand why Cameron is scared at facing the colossus that is Mr Ed or Mr Wallace... Lol

Shame on Cameron what a pathetic excuse of a leader he really is...

The thing is he does I think fear Ed Miliband.
I am also stunned Nick Clegg is not in the opposition one too.

Hate or like him, Ed Miliband made a superb point on the news tonight saying as to David Cameron, that David Cameron will be in the same studio, the same time and same day as him for the same sort of interview yet Cameron will not go head to head with him.

It really does beg the question why, what is David Cameron so scared of, or is it he is frightened it may get angry at times and he could slip up badly by revealing his true agenda as to what he intends to do if he were to win the election.

Whatever his pathetic reasons for not doing so, I hope as JoshBB says too, that this loses Cameron a good many votes now.
He is looking more cowardly and shifty by the day as this election campaign officially approaches.

[MTVN]

The thing is he does I think fear Ed Miliband.
I am also stunned Nick Clegg is not in the opposition one too.

Hate or like him, Ed Miliband made a superb point on the news tonight saying as to David Cameron, that David Cameron will be in the same studio, the same time and same day as him for the same sort of interview yet Cameron will not go head to head with him.

It really does beg the question why, what is David Cameron so scared of, or is it he is frightened it may get angry at times and he could slip up badly by revealing his true agenda as to what he intends to do if he were to win the election.

Whatever his pathetic reasons for not doing so, I hope as JoshBB says too, that this loses Cameron a good many votes now.
He is looking more cowardly and shifty by the day as this election campaign officially approaches.

Clegg's absence is strange after he said he was happy to represent the government if Cameron wouldn't, perhaps he has been sweetened up in some way to stand aside, maybe by allowing Danny Alexander to deliver his Lib Dem budget lol. I find it hard to believe he'd be ok with not participating when everyone else bar Cameron does. Supposedly the government interest will be represented in that debate so I'm interested to see how they will do it

It's a fair point about them being in the same studio on the same night. I think Cameron works better in a Q&A format, like in PMQs he can conjure up an answer to any question knowing that it will not then lead to a general discussion. In a debate format he's probably less comfortable.

[Jack_]

Why exactly have the broadcasters pandered to our PM's pathetic cowardliness? If he didn't want to take part then the other two debates should have gone ahead as normal (yes, including the head-to-head, Ed could have just been interviewed by Paxman as he is now, would've been hilarious) with him being empty chaired, I don't see why they're effectively trying to save his skin by coming up with some 'opposition debate' I mean what kind of crap is that :shrug:

[joeysteele]

Why exactly have the broadcasters pandered to our PM's pathetic cowardliness? If he didn't want to take part then the other two debates should have gone ahead as normal with him (yes, including the head-to-head, Ed could have just been interviewed by Paxman as he is now, would've been hilarious) being empty chaired, I don't see why they're effectively trying to save his skin by coming up with some 'opposition debate' I mean what kind of crap is that :shrug:

I am astounded by it too, they should have just left him to look the coward he is.

[Kizzy]

I think that's screamingly obvious though now, is it enough to rock public confidence in the conservatives, I really hope so but they are as slippery as a barrel of greased eels so?
I don't think he want to win, I think the last 5yr was just a draining exercise it would be interesting to know how much the personal wealth of the cabinet has swelled in recent years.

[bots]

All this talk of cowardice and hiding by the PM is just ridiculous. He is in the spotlight every day and has been held accountable for his actions at PM's question time every week for the last 4 years.

Why can't people simply understand that while broadcasters might like to be able to control the outcome of an election, they can't. Who wins the election should not be based on 1 individuals popularity or performance on a TV run debate. Its pretty obvious really, its called democracy, not some American influenced sham.

[arista]

Are you kidding me..... separately , interview them separately ? Seriously !!!

What sort of stupid excuse for a debate is that, can't believe Cameron is running scared of debating with Miliband , although considering the presence and charisma that Ed has coupled with his vocal eloquence I can understand why Cameron is scared at facing the colossus that is Mr Ed or Mr Wallace... Lol

Shame on Cameron what a pathetic excuse of a leader he really is...


Yes but they are saying Live
but not side by side

[Nedusa]

But surely if the Conservatives have done such a good job in the last 5 years, and listening to George Osbournes Budget speech one would certainly have gotten that impression.

According to Osbourne we have been on a recovery and it is going well, good times are returning wages are increasing, unemployment falling , the deficit reducing.

Surely with such news on all fronts David Cameron would be chomping at the bit to rub Milibands face in it in any one to one live debate, so why is he running scared ?

This is abject cowardice by David Cameron , a complete abdication of his prime ministership , that he would rather run away from this debate speaks volumes as to his real record in Govt in the last 5 years.

He knows he will be called to account and will have few real answers , he knows his Premiership will be pulled to pieces on live TV and so he cuts and runs.

Such cowardice will surely not go unnoticed by the electorate.

I think this one event could turn the tide against my Cameron and his merry band of self serving toffs/elites.

[Calderyon]

That´s not a lot of debates, tbh.

[Kazanne]

All this talk of cowardice and hiding by the PM is just ridiculous. He is in the spotlight every day and has been held accountable for his actions at PM's question time every week for the last 4 years.

Why can't people simply understand that while broadcasters might like to be able to control the outcome of an election, they can't. Who wins the election should not be based on 1 individuals popularity or performance on a TV run debate. Its pretty obvious really, its called democracy, not some American influenced sham.

:clap1::clap1:Exactly,David Cameron debates everyday with Milliband,so all this talk about he is "scared" is typical of Millibands childish retorts,he can only seem to get a point across by slinging mud,why labour hang on to the twonk,God knows.

[Nedusa]

:clap1::clap1:Exactly,David Cameron debates everyday with Milliband,so all this talk about he is "scared" is typical of Millibands childish retorts,he can only seem to get a point across by slinging mud,why labour hang on to the twonk,God knows.

But why is he running scared of this particular debate ?

In fact he has agreed to participate in this agreed scheduled TV debate only not appear live with the labour leader... Why not ???

This is a crazy decision and will backfire on the PM no matter how much people say it is ok.

If he appears with the Labour leader every week debating the issues then why does one more appearance really matter ?

Clearly it does matter to the PM as he has taken this strange decision to appear live but separately .

He can rightly expect serious criticism for this cowardly retreat.

[joeysteele]

All this talk of cowardice and hiding by the PM is just ridiculous. He is in the spotlight every day and has been held accountable for his actions at PM's question time every week for the last 4 years.

Why can't people simply understand that while broadcasters might like to be able to control the outcome of an election, they can't. Who wins the election should not be based on 1 individuals popularity or performance on a TV run debate. Its pretty obvious really, its called democracy, not some American influenced sham.

Oh if only that were true, sadly after watching PMQs almost every week I have yet to hear Cameron actually answer any question directly,rather than flying off in all directions of him then asking questions and raising topics not even in the original question asked.
PMQs is the worst possible advertisement for politics for me,especially since Cameron became PM.

Quite frankly,I don't understand why most of the opposition MPs of all other parties,don't just sit there in silence and let the Conservative backbenchers do their huddling up with the PM as to their regular statements rather than any questions.

Then if the opposition MPs were asked if anyone else wants to ask the PM questions,have them all loudly answer, there is no point, he never really answers any.

PMQs needs scrapping,it is an embarrassmetn to watch,it is PM questions, which means he answers the questions asked, not that he askes them or adds to the content of them.

[joeysteele]

But why is he running scared of this particular debate ?

In fact he has agreed to participate in this agreed scheduled TV debate only not appear live with the labour leader... Why not ???

This is a crazy decision and will backfire on the PM no matter how much people say it is ok.

If he appears with the Labour leader every week debating the issues then why does one more appearance really matter ?

Clearly it does matter to the PM as he has taken this strange decision to appear live but separately .

He can rightly expect serious criticism for this cowardly retreat.

You are right, and he doesn't debate with Miliband every day either, he has about 10 minutes every wednesday where Ed Miliband is to 'ask' him questions, his response to that is to make a political speech and then ask the opposition questions.
he never has yet that I have seen and I watch this horrendous farce every week answered directly questions put to him by Miliband or in fact from most of the other opposition parties either.

Other than that, unless there is a crisis issue, he and Miliband never come face to face in the commons again any day of the week.

There is hardly,in fact any debate beteen the 2 party leaders outside of PMQs,which as I said above, is now a total embarrassment to watch and makes it clear that there is no point in even asking this PM any questions of relevance, since he always avoids answering same.

You are right further in that it is a crazy decision by Cameron to cowardly run from a head to head debate with Miliband, and I tell you this, had Ed Miliband been the one shying off, there would have howls of 'rightful' jeers and ridicule of him for doing so and he would have been called all the cowardly names under the sun too.

I really hope, and actually think it will, have many voters get very suspicious as to why he will not, what is he afraid of revealing, frightened of churning out more lies as he did in 2010 in such debates.
Not a PM to trust, his word is meaningless and as you say, if the record is that good and could stand up to scrutiny, then he would want to shout that from the rooftops every chance he could get.
AS you say rubbing Milibands face in it.

It is clear it won't stand up to challenged scrutiny and it leaves you actually fearing what his new sinister hidden aganda could be.
Especially since he has only agreed to this debate, before the campaign starts officially and before any manifesto has been published for scrutiny and challenge too.

A con man that is what he is and a very weak and cowardly one at that too.
I hope voters really wake up to the dangers of this man being PM again.
Just about anyone is better than this sidestepper and procrastinator.

[Kazanne]

But why is he running scared of this particular debate ?

In fact he has agreed to participate in this agreed scheduled TV debate only not appear live with the labour leader... Why not ???

This is a crazy decision and will backfire on the PM no matter how much people say it is ok.

If he appears with the Labour leader every week debating the issues then why does one more appearance really matter ?

Clearly it does matter to the PM as he has taken this strange decision to appear live but separately .

He can rightly expect serious criticism for this cowardly retreat.

Maybe he prefers to get his policies and points across,without the inane drivel that Milliband spouts,all he seems to strive for is to get one up on Cameron,I have nothing against Labour btw,just Milliband,just WHY are they hanging on to him? They have a better chance of winning without him,imo.

[bots]

Oh if only that were true, sadly after watching PMQs almost every week I have yet to hear Cameron actually answer any question directly,rather than flying off in all directions of him then asking questions and raising topics not even in the original question asked.
PMQs is the worst possible advertisement for politics for me,especially since Cameron became PM.

Quite frankly,I don't understand why most of the opposition MPs of all other parties,don't just sit there in silence and let the Conservative backbenchers do their huddling up with the PM as to their regular statements rather than any questions.

Then if the opposition MPs were asked if anyone else wants to ask the PM questions,have them all loudly answer, there is no point, he never really answers any.

PMQs needs scrapping,it is an embarrassmetn to watch,it is PM questions, which means he answers the questions asked, not that he askes them or adds to the content of them.

But you are missing the point, that is the agreed democratic process for holding the government accountable. The fact that Miliband is completely inept in making the time count just shows him up for what he is - incompetent.

We have all seen politicians avoid answering difficult questions, they all do it, they would do it in any TV debate too.

The other point I tried to make is quite simple. In America, the focus is on an individual, the one who will be the next president, but in the UK we are electing hundreds of individuals, therefore it is of little relevance how a group of 7 or whatever perform on a TV debate as it doesn't reflect the breadth and depth of the election. It is nothing more than a broadcaster fuelled event that tries to influence the electoral process in a disproportionate fashion.

[joeysteele]

But you are missing the point, that is the agreed democratic process for holding the government accountable. The fact that Miliband is completely inept in making the time count just shows him up for what he is - incompetent.

We have all seen politicians avoid answering difficult questions, they all do it, they would do it in any TV debate too.

The other point I tried to make is quite simple. In America, the focus is on an individual, the one who will be the next president, but in the UK we are electing hundreds of individuals, therefore it is of little relevance how a group of 7 or whatever perform on a TV debate as it doesn't reflect the breadth and depth of the election. It is nothing more than a broadcaster fuelled event that tries to influence the electoral process in a disproportionate fashion.

I agree that I would like to see the fact we elect a party to Govt; as the main focus of elections in the UK.
I hate that the media concentrate on a few individuals rather than the whole party
We are not electing a president.
From what I have seen, most PMs have often little or no real say anyway in their govts; actions.,they are just the first face as to that.
They are always having to set out to appease the noisiest and most forceful of their backbenchers.

I made this point a while back too, I myself can never vote for Ed Miliband or David Cameron, the few thousand of voters in their seats elect them. Were the Conservatives to get 326 seats or Labour to get 326 seats but Cameron and Miliband actually lose their seats.
There would still be a Conservative or Labour govt; with a new elected leader from their parties,not from the voters.

I have to disagree in part with some of your post, on issues like the bedroom tax, the energy charges,the NHS and the sick and disabled, Ed Miliband has often set the agenda on those issues.
Upon raising them at PMQs,he then got a longwinded speech from Cameron about what Labour did in govt; then waffle about other things unrelated with no direct answer given to any of the valid points put.

If I were Ed Miliband,I would leave a note in the commons on wednesday's with an I hope it goes well for you today, as really asking Cameron questions is pointless.
Recently he has got even worse so in my view, I would treat PMQs for what it has become, a farce and a total waste of a politicians time under this PM.
He used to really taunt Gordon Brown when he evaded answers,which most PMs do a bit of the time,not constantly however like Cameron does now.

[Nedusa]

But you are missing the point, that is the agreed democratic process for holding the government accountable. The fact that Miliband is completely inept in making the time count just shows him up for what he is - incompetent.

We have all seen politicians avoid answering difficult questions, they all do it, they would do it in any TV debate too.

The other point I tried to make is quite simple. In America, the focus is on an individual, the one who will be the next president, but in the UK we are electing hundreds of individuals, therefore it is of little relevance how a group of 7 or whatever perform on a TV debate as it doesn't reflect the breadth and depth of the election. It is nothing more than a broadcaster fuelled event that tries to influence the electoral process in a disproportionate fashion.

No....... Think I am gonna side with Joey on this one, PMQ's have mutated into a shockingly uninforming carnival. Never a straight answer if an answer at all, all theatre and mock melodrama, PMQ's is exciting to watch but not if you are expecting a serious political discussion.

The Leaders debate could have allowed time for serious sensible questions and answers and would allow both leaders to really defend their positions and manifestos.

Assuming of course the debate is held after the Manifestos have been published.

[joeysteele]

No....... Think I am gonna side with Joey on this one, PMQ's have mutated into a shockingly uninforming carnival. Never a straight answer if an answer at all, all theatre and mock melodrama, PMQ's is exciting to watch but not if you are expecting a serious political discussion.

The Leaders debate could have allowed time for serious sensible questions and answers and would allow both leaders to really defend their positions and manifestos.

Assuming of course the debate is held after the Manifestos have been published.

That is the real issue Nedusa, agree,, to be able to put under scrutiny and challenge the manifesto 'details' of each party.
Often the 'details' of policies open up a lot more questioning as to them.

This is really what David Cameron seems to be running away from,the only actual election debate he is taking part in, is the 7 way leaders one, with 7 leaders there.
As MTVN said, the time limits on each question and answers will be limited.
So he knows he can likely 'bluff' his way on that one more than the others, and he certainly would have far more detailed and in depth questioning in a head to head debate with Miliband only.

PMQs, is in no way holding this PM to account for anything,he uses it as a stage to do anything but answer relevant questions.
We hear more from him at PMQs about what Labour were doing 5 to 18 years ago in govt; than any answers to the questions now asked of him.

I've talked to several people yesterday and today and they say the only reason he has refused to do all the original debates is because he probably has something to hide, that he'd rather not be made known.
That is a pretty good summing up I would say.

[Kizzy]

That is the real issue Nedusa, agree,, to be able to put under scrutiny and challenge the manifesto 'details' of each party.
Often the 'details' of policies open up a lot more questioning as to them.

This is really what David Cameron seems to be running away from,the only actual election debate he is taking part in, is the 7 way leaders one, with 7 leaders there.
As MTVN said, the time limits on each question and answers will be limited.
So he knows he can likely 'bluff' his way on that one more than the others, and he certainly would have far more detailed and in depth questioning in a head to head debate with Miliband only.

PMQs, is in no way holding this PM to account for anything,he uses it as a stage to do anything but answer relevant questions.
We hear more from him at PMQs about what Labour were doing 5 to 18 years ago in govt; than any answers to the questions now asked of him.

I've talked to several people yesterday and today and they say the only reason he has refused to do all the original debates is because he probably has something to hide, that he'd rather not be made known.
That is a pretty good summing up I would say.

I totally agree, it would be exposed as failing on each and every pre election policy promise as well as the countless failures and unfair undemocratic change made in the last 5yrs.

[bots]

PMQ's has been that way as long as I can remember, and thats going back a long way now to Ted Heaths era and before. PMQ's is a scripted affair. The government is given the questions that will be asked prior to the event in order to prepare properly.

Again, I say people are missing the point. Whatever faults there are with the current PMQ's, it is the democratic process of accountabilty. If it needs reform, thats another debate. My point, and I shall make it for the last time :laugh: is that live TV debates are not part of the democratic process, and the reason they are being held before the official campaign start date is if they were during campaigning they would need to conform with guidelines from the electoral standards commission, at the moment, they don't.

[joeysteele]

PMQ's has been that way as long as I can remember, and thats going back a long way now to Ted Heaths era and before. PMQ's is a scripted affair. The government is given the questions that will be asked prior to the event in order to prepare properly.

Again, I say people are missing the point. Whatever faults there are with the current PMQ's, it is the democratic process of accountabilty. If it needs reform, thats another debate. My point, and I shall make it for the last time :laugh: is that live TV debates are not part of the democratic process, and the reason they are being held before the official campaign start date is if they were during campaigning they would need to conform with guidelines from the electoral standards commission, at the moment, they don't.

That is true to a point but I have been watching recently old clips of Margaret Thatcher, Major, Blair and Brown at PMQs and they did answer the relevant points far more and usually sticking to the topic in hand too,than this PM.