Sherington Tory

The Lib Dems issue a little guide book to aid candidates in campaigning. It's as cynical as Capt Cynical after a bit of rtaining in cynicism. The worst of it is, it assumes a degree of ignorance on the part of the elctorate.

I know that most people think everyone in politics is a cynic, but honestly that isn't true! Some are, admittedly, more cynical than others, but it is rare (even for New labour spin) to exploit people's neivety the way the Lib Dems do. The crux of the Lib Dem advice on campaiging is:

Be wicked. Act shamelessly. Stir endlessly

In other words:

Cause trouble wherever you can.

Lay claim to things you haven't done by subtle deceit, innuendo, suggestion, or if all else fails just plain lie 9so long as you don't get caught).

Using one and two divert the agenda away from what you are doing or have failed to do and just keep pointing the finger in the hope no-one actually analyses your words and deeds and uncovers you.

It's best seen in their "Focus" newsletter. The Lib Dem guidance suggests that the layout should follow a corporate style that makes it look as if it has been produced by a "well intentioned amateur". They want you to think that some little Lib Dem is beavering away in hs/her garden shed producing these things. Not so. The template is "corporate", and the content has to be sanctioned centrally with constant forecasts and re-forecasts of the amount of leaflets being produced going back to lib Dem central office.

Every time I spot one of their little cynical claims I'll be sure to highlight it here!