Friday, June 30, 2006

Having A Wank

So, Jonathan Ross has caused quite the indignant outrage over his questioning of David Cameron and his sexual fantasies. Of course the comments were crass, unappealing, and not the sort of thing you would expect the Leader of the Opposition to be dealing with. But, then again, what else is to be expected of the Jonathan Ross show? He's going to relish the opportunity to try and make Cameron squirm; he's going to do that by being flippant and rude, throwing questions from outside the political box.

David Cameron must love the righteous indignation of the political class over this one. The Mail on Sunday, which really aimed to kick up a storm, almost tried to blame Cameron for the words of Ross. As if that's a reasonable comment - then again, I suppose it fits the paper.

But tonight's Question Time panel was a joy to behold. All sorts of sour-faced politicos pontificated solemnly about how it was wrong for Cameron to appear on this sort of show. The contrast with the audience was remarkable, however. They were pleased to see Cameron trying to connect with a new audience, thought that the comments were what was to be expected from that sort of show, but ultimately on Cameron's side. If ever the idea of Cameron as a man of the people, fighting for a change from the Westminster village, was to be enhanced, Question Time tonight certainly proved it.

What I find hardest to understand is why people say Cameron shouldn't have appeared on the show. Journalists and the media are the first to blame politicians for not engaging with new, wider audiences. It's hardly any wonder when any politician who takes that step receives a whole load of flak for his effort. But let's face it, a politician being interviewed by Jonathan Ross will be seen by more people than a politician being interviewed by Jeremy Paxman. The chances are that he'll be taken more seriously by them, too, as long as he doesn't appear patronising.

And let's face it, if a man who wants to be Prime Minister can't deal with knockabout stuff with Jonathan Ross, he really isn't fit for the job. If he can't cope with a slightly uncomfortable question, then how's he going to cope in top-level negotiations where the fate of the country is on the line?