Xenophobia, Apathy

I was finally able yesterday to meet Emily Thornberry yesterday. I accompanied her as she knocked on doors two blocks from my place, and I got to interview her which will (once I have had a chance to edit it) appear here. Less than 3 weeks to go and the two main flavours of this election so far seem to be Michael Howard's xenophobic campaign and voter apathy. The Conservative strategy is so easy to mock (make your own poster here) but apathy is far more difficult to counter.

I had 3 hours to chat with Emily and her able assistant John as we stomped the streets of Islington's social housing. The delay was caused by her participation in a Labour press conference with Gordon Brown, on one of Labour's successes, Surestart, which has put money into early child development. A noble effort, helping the young citizens of Britain to be less stupid. I watched the news later to see if I could spot her, but the edit was merciless, not even Gordon got a speaking part, and I only recognised her in a long shot and a half-second cream-suited exit.

I'm going to work on writing a full account of yesterday's mission. For now suffice to say, Emily was very helpful and charming, and I was more than happy with the interview. The only dumb thing I did was call her Emma as soon as the DAT was recording. I'm still trying to blush.