Thanks Deirdre. It really is fascinating, in that car crash sort of way, to observe the many ways he so easily fools so many people. His con man tricks are now so many and are as obvious as his lack of delivery on promises. Yet still they believe. Very Trumpist. Very strongman, demagogue. Throughout history they still have their fans.
Nice quote. On the money. Probably should have said it explicitly, but the point I was trying to make is that he has damaged Britain by more than Trump did the US
Agreed - More needs to be said about his time at Oxford, which is deeply troubling for that institution. You underestimate the damage. Also the extent to which Johnson benefited from the hubris of the Thatcher Years which prompted many wealthy backers to back 'brand Boris'. The emphasis on 'force of personality' over tough and rigorous planning and execution, both in business and politics. The anti-intellectualism fostered by the Thatcher years was characterized by an assault on the idea that competence and endeavour as opposed to inherited wealth and connection were legitimate ways to achieve prominence in public life. The speculators in London and elsewhere saw him as underwriting their activities. Trumpism has limited traction among wide swathes of the US population, Johnson's brand is far more insidious.
Great read Chris and good luck to Johnson
Thanks Andrew
A well written, on point piece.
BJ is only interested in BJ .... the worry is that he continues to con so many into believing in him!!
Thanks Deirdre. It really is fascinating, in that car crash sort of way, to observe the many ways he so easily fools so many people. His con man tricks are now so many and are as obvious as his lack of delivery on promises. Yet still they believe. Very Trumpist. Very strongman, demagogue. Throughout history they still have their fans.
He reminds me very much of the judgement of Gertrude Stein on Oakland, CA: 'there is no there there'...
Nice quote. On the money. Probably should have said it explicitly, but the point I was trying to make is that he has damaged Britain by more than Trump did the US
Agreed - More needs to be said about his time at Oxford, which is deeply troubling for that institution. You underestimate the damage. Also the extent to which Johnson benefited from the hubris of the Thatcher Years which prompted many wealthy backers to back 'brand Boris'. The emphasis on 'force of personality' over tough and rigorous planning and execution, both in business and politics. The anti-intellectualism fostered by the Thatcher years was characterized by an assault on the idea that competence and endeavour as opposed to inherited wealth and connection were legitimate ways to achieve prominence in public life. The speculators in London and elsewhere saw him as underwriting their activities. Trumpism has limited traction among wide swathes of the US population, Johnson's brand is far more insidious.
I didn’t mean to downplay the damage Johnson has done. I agree with you, in terms of real life consequences, much worse than Trump.