Are Voters Stupid? | Rory Stewart on Boris Johnson and British Politics (Part 2)

[@HowToAcademyMindset]

Watch part 3 here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6vKmYeEobacbpI

[@Rjhs001]

I'm a UK based labour supporter but what a massive loss to our politics it was when Rory Stewart moved onto other things. An articulate, thoughtful, decent man with integrity.

[@b62boom1]

You certainly can't say that about many Tories, especially the current crop.

[@firebyrd437]

I agree

[@robmarkworth5377]

He fits far better into the right of Labour, or the Lb Dems than he does as a tory.

[@iangascoigne8231]

He does come over as decent guy, but I find it amusing that a Tory Ed Milliband is seen as the saviour of British Politics. He keeps talking about one nation Conservatism when that hasn’t existed since before Thatcher. As has been pointed out he identifies with the wrong party.

[@fredfish4316]

Cripes!

[@benjaminshabu5065]

The marriage analogy was brilliant because the UK has just become another disappointed ex-wife to Boris Johnson

[@angelatewson8202]

What Rory describes as Johnson's behaviour is the classic narcissist playbook. They are always innocent until they are called out, and when they can't lie anymore, they turn it on you. His cabinet were nearly all flying monkeys, those that need the narcissist to feed their own overgrown egos. I would urge all people to read up on how to spot narcissists - by that I mean those with highly narcissistic traits, not common or garden ones. You will see a pattern emerge that includes, gaslighting, lying, getting others to lie for you, using people, no loyalty, always the victim, never the perpetrator, etc. I wish people were more educated about this, then not only would they not elect such rotten politicians, they would avoid relationships with these people and perhaps even notice their own bad behaviours and be pushed to change them.

[@3rdager]

I experienced classic narcissism during the 2005-06 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race,; on my return I read up on bullying behaviours and the descriptions were spot on!

[@SAHBfan]

Whilst I agree with most of what you said - and Boris certainly has some worrying personality traits - I don’t think recognising this would necessarily change voting behaviour. I think a lot less people voted for Boris than he realises himself. They did NOT vote for Corbin. With our crazy first past the post system we can basically switch between Labour or Conservative every decade or so - and that’s it. Alas the system prevents true democracy and enables insane clowns ti get into power.

[@pierangelocangialosi3540]

spot on!

[@pierangelocangialosi3540]

@@SAHBfan But it is not true that a proportional system is any better or that gives a more democratic result

[@nathanaelsmith3553]

I think the current relationship between our electorate and the government in the UK is emotionally complex. I think the electorate feels powerless, mistrustful and expects to be disappointed. As with 'reality' TV I think to an extent what Johnson's supporters are voting for is how he makes them feel in the moment. That is more impactful than the speculative ramifications of any promises for the future. The more his empty promises disappoint the more people are drawn to his chummy persona. This is because the more he fails the more perceived possibility of reliable governance is destroyed, and so the only remaining value that politicians seem to have is how they make us feel. In short politics becomes reduced to a personality contest. Johnson's toxic appeal is that he is morally flawed authority figure which implicitly gives us permission to also act imperfectly and shrug off shame and fear of consequence. His 'getting away with it' is viewed as a status symbol and demonstration of power which causes admiration and envy among his followers. The more he is admonished the more they love him. He knows this and plays to it. He has identified this trait in Trump and has emulated it.

[@octavia2]

It's so astonishing hearing someone like RS, who obviously isn't a fool, admitting he was taken in by Johnson for so long. I first met Johnson when I was eleven and he was nine, and I knew what he was within five minutes.

[@shivaslindsay7207]

what was he like at that age?

[@heathermoore9892]

RSshould get a life,a very bitter man, Boris was a very good PM, he has gone ,so why don’t RS leave him a lone, Boris ten times better then him.

[@nicholasarrow2443]

@@heathermoore9892 yes, and the moon is made of cheese.

[@johkupohkuxd1697]

@@heathermoore9892 Sure, a great PM... adulterer, liar, hypocrite, rule braker. Such admirable qualities he possesses.

[@heathermoore9892]

@@johkupohkuxd1697 Hancock is not any worse then labour or Labourites.

[@Makeyourselfbig]

"Are Voters Stupid?" Just look at Brexit and the government they elected. Nuff said.

[@seanfaherty]

You seem to have missed the role of Cambridge Analytica. Outfits just like it are still at it and multiplying daily. This has been exposed many times and yet our legislators still refuse to regulate big tech. It seems they are afraid to regulate the people who control public opinion.

[@danmccaffrey8322]

It's a great loss to public life that this guy isn't I'm government. And I say that as a committed Labour voter.

[@davidjacobsen308]

Britain should have gone with Theresa May's Brexit! I think it's sad the way TM was bullied by the Brexit media, from the way she ate chips to the way she danced. The only people who congratulated Theresa May after she was forced to resign were the other EU leaders as they all knew how hard she worked on her Brexit deal! I think it's sad as Boris's Brexit deal is a complete mess!

[@colaboytje]

Correct. And she took responsibility for her actions. She wasn't great, she was at least (more) honest.

[@lesleywillis6177]

We didn’t vote to negotiate with the EU on what type of Brexit they would allow us.

[@colaboytje]

@@lesleywillis6177 Lol. Leaving the EU was just dumb. It was based on immigrants and emotion. That is stupid. You have been fooled by the tories to vote brexit.

[@howtoappearincompletely9739]

@David Jacobsen Indeed. I'm sure Labour et al. regret opposing it by now. I know I do.

[@davidjacobsen308]

@@howtoappearincompletely9739 Rory Stuart should create a new party called Conservative, because the current Tory party has been hijacked by the ERG group and turned into the Brexit Party. I'm for Brexit, it just went wrong, people voted to leave the EU, but have close alignment with the EU, nobody voted for 3rd country status and isolation in Europe. Why did we have to leave Erasmus, or Horizon, or not allow artists to travel easily in both UK and EU? Its frustrating.

[@higgsboson2280]

This aged well!

[@janealexander1737]

Those who voted for Brexit have missed the fact that immigration has quadrupled from commonwealth countries.

[@jeremysmith8035]

Yes, although I note that y Questions came from rural, Tory, pro-Brexit Bridport last night The crowd was so furious with the government you could almost hear the pitchforks rattling

[@benthornhill7903]

That is such a ridiculous question. Voters are not a single entity so how can they all be stupid?

[@jantelopez5626]

its because he's posh and brash too.. he's constantly trying to "do a Winston churchill" and british people are weirdly classist.. in love with institutions of privilege .. the ridiculous rituals at eton and oxford are adored as some cute harmless hogworts harmless social engineering ..not just adding layers of exclusion that make the pond smaller for privilege seekers

[@BohemianRaichu]

People want 'relatable' politicians, but a large amount of people will lie, cheat, and break rules. But they apparently don't want that in their relatable representatives.

[@JN-wr9he]

👌

[@indricotherium4802]

I think the electorate has been nudged by populists towards a psychotic position where people believe that any politician who claims not to lie, cheat and break rules must be while any politician who deals in lies, cheating and breaking rules is at least being honest about it.

[@josefschiltz2192]

That's a loaded question! Stubbornly socially disarticulated from a sense of empathy or the absolute need of the principle of altruism towards their fellow life travellers, where the latter get virtually dehumanized and discarded from the mind as worthless garbage or something that won't - in their view - serve their useful purpose and are impractical. Like a dog that won't fit with a new three-piece suite because the dog is the wrong colour. Not that the dog will be put down or thrown out into the street - though I suspect that might very well have happened - the dog will be inconvenient to their room-view and placed in a pound - as long as the dog is somewhere else! The dog is left mentally desolate.

[@mandyshanks2327]

Community feeding into laws sounds a very good - like a jury. I really hope Reggie Sunak does not become leader - enough of conniving sleaze and self interest which he represents.

[@dawnmoriarty9347]

It is a wonderful idea that solved, at least for awhile, the extremely divisive issue of abortion in Ireland. I can understand why the powers that be are so opposed to it because it removes power from THEM. The other issue, which might be a significant one is that there's been generations of miseducation of the UK population. People who I speak with honestly believe that the form of democracy in the UK is the only one and that anything else is simply wrong

[@Adipsia1]

For most of the last 20 years I've been disinclined to vote because a centrist vote is a wasted vote and I'm essentially forced to choose between the 'lesser threat' between two warring factions. The situation is even more polarised in the US. I remember discussions about proportional representation back in the 1970's when I was studying, and the general consensus amongst my peer group was that it made sense. Our political system has required a total overhaul for decades and now we are paying the price because our polarised western 'democracies' are tearing themselves apart through tribalism.

[@markphc99]

To be fair , i didn't think he'd resign either

[@mogznwaz]

I used to vote LibDem but after Brexit they showed themselves to be the woke Illiberal Undemocrats, a disgrace from which they will never recover in my eyes. 17.4 million people voted for Brexit and only the Tories (who stood for Remain) actually stuck up for that democratic principle!!!! They pushed me right into Boris’s arms when I voted Tory for the first time in 2019.

[@mrtom3297]

Painfully honest

[@1mlister]

This should really have a date of recording in the description.

[@kateyoung1757]

I asked when I learned that the NHS has been privatised over the past 40 years, 'why did UK governments not present the problem to citizens' assemblies?' Mr Stewart answered that question. Instead, governments have avoided raising taxes by sneaking NHS privatisation past their constituents. This is democracy?

[@joelapiazza4176]

No politician, public figure or tv/ radio presenter etc is going to suggest that the 'Public are stupid,' for obvious reasons. Yet, if you take the period from 2016 until now, the UK has, and is, enduring drastic consequences of a Public Vote on a Referendum on Europe and a UK General Election Vote which could be argued is due to a high percentage of the public being Politically Stupid.

[@Rosie6857]

As far as I can make out large numbers of politicians think privately a good proportion of the public are politically at least, thick as two short planks and I agree with them. One only has to listen to a number of vox pops to wonder what people have between their ears, if anything at all.

[@jayhenderson8483]

@@Rosie6857 Joseph Goebbels (who I do not admire) said "The people are dull they are sheep and will believe what they are told". I read that at age fifteen, believed it then and have had this proved to me continuously for the last forty years.

[@Rosie6857]

@@jayhenderson8483 It took me rather longer than that but I now have no qualms whatever in saying that a large proportion of the electorate are stupid and uninformed. Unfortunately a democracy only really works as it's meant to with a reasonably informed electorate and that is something we don't yet have and won't have without a marked change of culture, something I won't see, being 79.

[@adha2913]

Yes, obviously.

[@thedude9014]

Yes

[@davebannister323]

NO , Voters are NOT Stupid . Politicans including Rory ( when as an MP ) need to remember we the Electors are " their boss " .

[@redmed10]

But they have loads of other bosses as well. Politicians in safe seats especially would not consider their electorate as being their boss at all.

[@blackbirdsr71]

I know some complete idiots who vote..

[@howtoappearincompletely9739]

@dave bannister Have you never had a stupid boss?

[@davebannister323]

@@howtoappearincompletely9739 No why have you then ?

[@howtoappearincompletely9739]

@@davebannister323 I certainly have. You are much more fortunate that I have been.

[@emiliajojo5703]

Not that many people voted for this goverment.fix your system.

[@TheRealJoseramirez]

Yes. Most of them anyway.

[@jonathonjubb6626]

I'm surprised he's so WEAK on Crimea..

[@PaulJHowell]

Boris is a narcissist and having perfected his form, is now gaslighting everyone. Rory Stewart will make a positive difference anywhere and everywhere he goes...the antithesis of BJ

[@kevanbodsworth9868]

Blair did not move to the centre he moved to the Right of centre,,,, ,,,Say he moved to centre often enough and I suppose the BP will believe it , If a leader of the Conservatives said " We are no longer the Party of low tax, " Would you consider that still conservative, Likewise with Blair and Starmer they have left basic Labour principles,,

[@sharpear1031]

Do British voters vote the same as American voters in that the vast number of voters do not pay attention much to politics, do not know much about the candidates, they just vote their party, not realizing that it is dead? So many opportunities have been lost at strengthening newer parties though it seems that Britain has multiple parties and they do have successful campaigns here and there at times, and you do have Scotland, No. Ireland and others, with their own parties, I guess. Why aren't local councilmembers jumping up and moving forward election after election so people will see new faces, new ways? Query about Russia. It doesn't look like Russia really has a military arsenal as we were told (and the US has much more of a real arsenal perhaps than many of we Americans thought) but other than being nationalistic, isn't Russia a glob of tribes between E. Eur. and the Urals, and east of the Urals to Vladivostok is open space that could coagulate without a real fear of China, also less competent that we were told, getting in the way? The whole world shifts with this scenario. Russia's tribes are then managed in circles of oversight by the Baltic states for some things, E. Europe for some things, Southwest E. Europe for some things, NATO for maybe a thing or too? I see no reason for the Russia we know to continue; though I credit the Russians who have taken their own military down during this invasion. Have we looked at its resources recently, or are they on yachts and in vaults in Switzerland? Have the Russian resources been taken out by a few and all that is left is the gas? Well, then - war reparations, no? I think Putin has already consciously chosen madness; maybe something to do with drugs. He cannot be propped up as reasonable; so an "angry Putin" is of no meaning.

[@debbiegamon1232]

I think a lot of people have little time to know for sure about each party politics. We have to trust to some extent. If party politics means rigid, non responsive, win win, power we are doomed. If we do not understand what we are voting for, yes, is not ideal. We then vote them out. However, my belief is that there has been a shift over the years because we have voted them out too late...once it became clear that mistakes were being made. I think our UK system is well designed in general but has maybe left the door wide open for a corrupt, concerted effort for the determined to push through. If we do not have real knowledge of what politicians themselves are basically like, they could be worth recalling, and checking our in greater depth to make sure they represent their constituencies and not some global power system. As for Russia, are we censoring more than they do? We need free exchange of thought. Responsible people make a great country.

[@DavidBrown-ts2us]

4:20 he doesnt know why the Lib Dems don't do better. It's baked into first past the post; fptp always results in 2 dominant parties according to political theory.

[@Burtifly]

He has not idea about Russia's military competence. When did Russia ever say their goal was to take Kiev?? Why would you try to take Crimea back when the people of Crimea overwhelmingly vote in a referendum to leave Ukraine?

[@advocate1563]

No.

[@ruralspaceman2086]

I wish you had asked him fo define the monster.

[@john_atco]

Not exactly stupid but...Until something happens that directly affects them, such as a rise in the price of fish and chip/ alcohol or they are unable to borrow money to buy a new smartphone do they become political. It is time people woke up from their slumbers and realised that voting for the wrong politician/party will bring very heavy consequences to many people who deserve better. By the way, I heard you will need to obtain a licence to buy alcohol from October 2022..

[@1Thedairy]

I think the problem is most people are so busy holding down a job and bringing their family up they just don’t have the time to sit and listen to politics. The retired generation do but nobody wants to listen to them!

[@gibmattson1217]

Of course voters are stupid to a large extent. But as a vote dependant politician you're never going to admit it. The English (largely) wanted Brexit. Johnson gave it to them. My theory is he was a fall guy used by the media that wanted Brexit. Then, when he'd done his bit and made enough stupid blunders, just kick him out. The public's beliefs/views are controlled largely by media.

[@miakeogh6844]

Gib Manson so you feel it had nothing to do with Boris who cannot tell the truth who has absolutely no attention spane and does not want to work

[@ReeM-wz7bs]

Gaslighting

[@brianholmes3547]

Stewart has too high opinion of himself, he is pissed because his political career is ruined and has adopted the Dominic Cummins approach of spiteful attacks on his former colleagues, he is basically an upstart prat of the first order.

[@andrewwalton1520]

Sadly since his political career went down the toilet Rory has become VERY bitter and full of bile after he was kicked out of the Tory party having lost the party leadership contest by 27 votes to Boris 's stonking 143 votes ! Sour grapes indeed !

[@SAHBfan]

He thinks Boris is a buffoon - and is now free to say so. How is that bitter or sour grapes? Recent events demonstrates that his assessment is absolutely correct. You could accuse Dominic Cummings of sour grapes, too, but it doesn’t invalidate his assessment of BJ the ‘insane clown’.

[@1Thedairy]

Yes I agree. He comes across as being very bitter. Not a great trait

[@jasonkingshott2971]

@@SAHBfan ...it's sour grapes, BJ and Cummings are irrelevant.

[@DeeBeeBiz]

#BringBackBoris

[@jimmyrich4675]

#fuckbojo

[@RanmaSyaoranSaotome]

Boris Johnson is a master of gaslighting and would gladly sacrifice democracy for his own egotistical aims.

[@conradcoleby]

Supported by the Daily Mail

[@Andrew-rc3vh]

@@conradcoleby Their readers often find it difficult to string a sentence together.

[@explorer0213]

No he would not why fight for ukraine ??

[@sharronwood2823]

Only conservative I would even consider voting for but he would have to clear the whole rotten lot of them out first! All those who enabled Boris!!

[@jb7832]

Rory Stewart is incisive, perceptive, highly intelligent and, I sense, honest. He is a 21st-century Voltaire.

[@jassonsw]

Dear God, can we have more Rory Stewarts in politics. And can they not be so disenchanted that they leave so soon. I can explain to you why you would have lost votes as a Lib Dem candidate at that time Rory, Nick Clegg sold the Lib Dems down the river by surrendering to increased student tuition fees. He abandoned a key demographic and lost a generation of voters.

[@l000tube]

And please dont edit out the 'raw' Rory, he's exactly right, 'stop voting for monsters' :D Rory Stewart is the only Conservative I have ever considered as deserving of my vote.

[@RobertClaeson]

@@l000tube Indeed. And that makes me wonder why he is a conservative.

[@l000tube]

@@RobertClaeson Well, he isn't anymore, and while he was he was treated by many within his own party as an outsider, just because of his preference for rational debate rather than sign up wholesale to the tribalistic dogmatism that went on to take over the Conservative party.

[@mandyshanks2327]

What people want from a leader is Wisdom. As Rousseau (in 18th Century) said, since the dawn of time there have only ever been about 10 wise leaders. India had one for 5 years - Abdul Kamal. Can people know what wisdom is, when such a person is so rare and who, to be wise, would need to embody knowledge and experience (not necessarily of politics and preferably not a career politician who knows nothing else but dredging sewers), intelligence, extreme adaptability, diplomacy, self awareness and integrity and above all a love of their people and nation with a willingness and stamina to tirelessly serve in a difficult and dangerous role.

[@dustykashifeathers858]

Rory Stewart for Prime minister, please!!! ✨✨✨

[@Bettys_Eldest]

Assuming the electorate come to their senses. In two years time, could Keir Starmer elevate Rory Stewart to the House of Lords, then ask him to run a department, sitting in cabinet as an Independent, not having to accept full cabinet responsibility, except for matters relating to their own department?

[@peterscott2395]

Going on starmers recent behaviour it's looking like another tory government.

[@ts4366]

@@peterscott2395 examples please?

[@mauromatos3124]

I find Rorys proubly messy bookshelf very relatable.

[@nathanaelsmith3553]

Yeah right - that fake green screen background isn't fooling me. I bet his real book case is jam packed and very ordered. He's probably just overlayed it with that one out of modesty.

[@DreamsRgold]

To keep democracy vibrant we need to make sure the mechanisms for independent voices is always assured. Our institutions must then also be strengthened. We can’t go on as we are. We actually need someone who understands and appreciates the constitution and believes in it.

[@janwilson9485]

We need a real constitution and a total restructuring of parliamentary process which prevents corruption and stops rule changes that undermine democracy and accountability.

[@jackdeniston6150]

so.....Join the Labour party -or conservative I dont care - and be voice.

[@commonwunder]

Nationalistic populism is what many people voted for - when they voted for Boris, not for the Tories. They voted for someone outside of the political class. As long as immigration is seen to be a major issue, then this particular demographic will vote for whomever offers a possible solution. They don't even have to 'come through on it', as long as it is seen as an issue in the first place. A sense of embodied pride in Nationalism ( Just ask the Scots about Nationalistic populism ) Everything else is negotiable, or to them...irrelevant. How many normal folk, on the 'street' could offer a thirty minute lecture on their outlook for UK fiscal policy for the next five years? People care about what they see, or what is effecting them on their high street. To most it's immigration ...and that's being used by them, as a panacea for all that ails their particular regional society. To blame them for ignorance, or call them stupid, is just one step away from calling them your mortal enemy. Nationalism may be just an illusion, but for many it's the 'glue' that defines an important aspect of community, conformity, comfort and ultimately their sanity. Some people need it, like it's a form of existential sustenance. A deep connection to the future through the past. This generation 'or two' ...will die off and 'newer generations' that have been indoctrinated to feel differently to change, immigration and xenophobia will flourish.

[@domhuckle]

A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals and you know it - Tommy Lee Jones Yes people are dumb. They consistently vote against their own interests and have done always

[@malcolmdavidson955]

People do vote against their self interest, or do they? Read a book called The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt. This book dispells some of this.

[@domhuckle]

@@malcolmdavidson955 can't you give me the highlights reel?

[@Passpatout]

The Right Honourable Dominic Raab MP is the deputy Prime Minister.Why has he not been installed in Number 10 until the next leader has been elected by the Conservative Party. The leader of the Conservative 1922 committee should have installed him as soom as Boris Johnson resigned. That way, British politics may, eventually, be better for it.It is now up to the 1922 Committee to grow a pair and instal Dominic Raab until a new leader has been elected.

[@JN-wr9he]

Raab is worse than Boris

[@TheSuperPsychoKiller]

A Crime Minister should not have Deputy Crime Minister in charge. Having a 1922 committee is a good idea because the committee are a different group of people who did not participate in any crimes the government was involved in.

[@bosoerjadi2838]

Had Raab been competent to be an acting PM, Johnson would have never appointed him Deputy PM.

[@yasminanjum3310]

*** PLEASE NOTE *** Just so listeners are aware this was recorded on 24th May 2022 which was several weeks before the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would resign. ***

[@lesliedellow1533]

People vote, at least in part, to keep the other lot out. In most constituencies that means voting Labour to keep the Conservatives out, and vice versa. In relative few constituencies would voting Lib Dem help to achieve the desired end.

[@futures2247]

we've a terrible education system, millions in mind numbing awful jobs, millions in relative poverty, family breakdown, economics based values of greedy self interest and no interest in a greater good , journalism that misleads and obfuscates and a politics that is just awful. How can we expect informed decisions in this context?

[@paulies5407]

Well said

[@mozartsbumbumsrus7750]

If Rory was intelligent and true he would not be a Fecking Tory!

[@mozartsbumbumsrus7750]

@Tim H Why?

[@mozartsbumbumsrus7750]

@Tim H All Torues are disgusting fascists with Nazi udeology

[@mozartsbumbumsrus7750]

@Tim H kzbin.info/www/bejne/q36vqKmnl5yXprc

[@yasminanjum3310]

He resigned from the Conservative Party on 3rd Oct 2019 a month after PM Johnson threw him out of the Govt with 20 other Conservative MPs who had decades of experience in parliament between them. Rory announced his resignation during Letters Live at the Royal Albert Hall on that night... 3rd Oct 2019. On KZbin there's a clip of Rory reading out a letter from Eton College to Boris Johnson's father which, if you listen to it, shows Johnson hasn't changed since he was a schoolboy.... he was bad then & he's the same now... thinks the rules don't apply to him but only to everyone else.

[@mozartsbumbumsrus7750]

@@yasminanjum3310 So why would Rory or anyone with a 4th brain cell ever be a Tory?

[@helenswan705]

That 'exaggerating' (2 mins) is known as gaslighting. Leading someone to doubt their own opinion, their own senses.

[@kevinwoplin9322]

In a word. Yes

[@mrtom3297]

On the immigration question - we apparently voted to end our freedom of movement within europe so that we could replace european immigrants with African and Asian ones.

[@PORRRIDGE_GUN]

'Stop voting for monsters' nails it. No sensible electorate or modern democracy should ever allow people like Johnson, Patel, Francois, Rees Mogg, Farage anywhere near power or a microphone.

[@seanfaherty]

You missed Starmer but you are correct

[@paulies5407]

Like Blair and Thatcher were any less morally bankrupt

[@lenwilkinson672]

@PORRIDGE Dont talk silly.

[@cartmann227]

Yes. They vote Tories. Case closed.

[@rodneycooperLMSCoach]

I think we have got to the point where we need a leader who knows instinctively what is required without having to keep looking at polls and focus groups because every time a question is asked as to what the nation should do a different answer is received. Sometimes when a question is polarised then a compromise is the only answer otherwise one half is satisfied while the other half is angered.

[@helenswan705]

I am totally in favour of citizens assemblies - properly run, and that requires some skilled organisation. I'd like them to be a regular part of life at all levels. We have lost contact with councils, and with MPs, and amongst other things, CAs could help us get that contact back, that sense that what we want matters and will be acted on.

[@jeremysmith8035]

Its a bit late pensioners are clamoring to vote for braverman and her platform of austerity and cuts with tax cuts for billionares because they cannot read and don't understand what people say to them

[@helenswan705]

@@jeremysmith8035 well you may be right, I dont know. I am not voting for anyone in tory govt, not now and not ever. But citizens assemblies do work because people are educated before they vote/decide. Try one, if you get the chance of one that is run well.

[@helenswan705]

@Manic Miner I sense a lack of enthusiasm! But seriously, social media can influence anyone, the public, kids, MPs, so of course people in a cits assembly will not be immune. But the correct process of a citz assemb is that considerable time is spent working with experts before they start decision making. which is more than you can say for the public, kids or MPs.

[@suninmoon4601]

Thank you for a highly interesting interview! As an American, who does not know much about British politics, I had not known of Rory Stewart. But he seems to be exactly the kind of politician you would want--reasonable, moderate, and pragmatic. The kind a technocrat who actually wants to get things done in a, dare I say it, germanic fashion. Unfortunately, politics in the U.K., like in America, seem to be devolving into tribalistic cults of personality. Politics always boils down to the electorate. If the People are becoming increasingly selfish and superficial, what hope has Democracy in the long run? Nevertheless, at least British natural humour and cynicism mean that tendencies toward authoritarianism and neo-fascism are so far not as pronounced as in the U.S..

[@Andrew-rc3vh]

You can sum it up by realising people in the UK are stupid. This is the root problem. The average reading age is 9 years old. Their abilities in the sciences are non-existent. Tittle tattle is what drives them. They are controlled and do not realise it.

[@1Thedairy]

The problem is that we run our country down so much when where in the world can you find a government that is under so much scrutiny? For all Boris’s faults he was so positive and we desperately need to see more of that.

[@suninmoon4601]

@@1Thedairy I can understand that. Only a few of us have the stomach to view ourselves as we actually are. And we bristle when confronted with reality, esp. when unflattering. We would rather dissemble in a "make great again" sense. Whereby, the greatest thing about Britain, from an outsider's perspective, is its implacable self confidence, with neither need nor inclination to justify or doubt itself.

[@Andrew-rc3vh]

@@suninmoon4601 Yes, I think what you describe there can be summed up as pride. It's one of the seven deadly sins and it needs to be recognised as such.

[@suninmoon4601]

@@Andrew-rc3vh Well, I don't know anything about sins. As you say: ordinary human pride--become hubris? Whatever the case, we are each of us only as great or as insignificant as befits our purpose.

[@suecole7338]

We have Citizen Assemblies in Scotland.

[@Flipper-fe9qu]

I absolutely hate politicians with few excepts. Rory is one of those exceptions. The Prime Minister Britain should have.

[@jimmyrich4675]

14m36 he's bang on with the main problem we have with UK politics!! Sums it up!!

[@robmarkworth5377]

"Stop voting for monsters" this is why it is a damn shame RS wasn't our PM

[@1Thedairy]

I noticed that comment and that is why I would never vote for a man who uses that kind of language about his fellow colleagues however much he dislikes them. It’s deeply offensive and unnecessary.

[@Jimmie16]

If the question is restricted to England then the answer is YES.

[@peterscott2395]

I'm not so sure. Scotland missed an open goal by not voting for independence last time. Look at Scotland now, running around trying to mitigate the worst of tory excesses instead of forging a fairer future for all 😔

[@dawnmoriarty9347]

The Liberal Democrats made a tragic error in tying themselves into an extremely tight coalition with the Conservatives. That's destroyed their credibility for at least one generation. The other problem is with language drift. The word "liberal" has been distorted into meaning something entirely different from "centrist polittcs"

[@latest3dsgames]

Voters are not stupid . I mean what actual choice do you get? Shit more shit and alternative shit . Hmmm who shall I choose?

[@janehale4402]

Minimising is a classic technique of the narcissist, Johnson uses every trick in the narcissists book to control anyone who challenges him.

[@mykeskingdom]

Excellent interview, how on earth does the Tory party justify forcing seriously decent people like Rory Stewart out? They will come to rue the day

[@seanfaherty]

Because history has shown people’s votes are decided by tribalism rather than policy.

[@janealexander1737]

Thanks Rory for insight into inner workings of the Conservative party! The fact that it voted for Boris speaks volumes - lack of integrity and honesty.

[@debbiegamon1232]

I am of the opinion that the majority of the country who voted, voted for a personable man, who gave impressions that promised so much. The Conservative party knew the pulling power. Then, global politics pressed to achieve ground. He caved, surrounded perhaps by warfare of a non military kind. His leadership skills were insufficient. Whose wouldn't be? This is a day and age in which underhanded, non elected people think they are better than they are....

[@theoutsider6191]

Damning isn't it when what people look for in their leaders is not their competence......

[@angelatewson8202]

To get true centre ground politics, you must abolish Party politics. It's a competition that someone wants to win aggressively, and they must come up with more popular ideas than the other competitor, not necessarily better ideas though. You also need to explain ideas, not just give press conferences where you give any details, or keep people updated. This is why the Lib Dems miss out, because the other two parties have usually cornered the more popular ideas, so they just look like they are copying one or the other, or as a safety valve for frustrated voters. In the system I would like, anyone could stand as an MP but they would have had to work in any field for 2 years prior to this. Ministers would be chosen by the MPs who would have to have credentials in that field, i.e. Education Minister would have to have a lot of experience in that field, Defence Minister should know aspects of the military etc. Those Ministers would then choose a Leader of the Cabinet, i.e. someone who would have an overview of their work in the coming year, hopefully someone who had long experience in a few areas of Ministerial or Civil Service work. The Leader would be reappointed every year, regardless of a GE or not. Normal term GEs, 4 to 5 years. This ensures more stability and what is happening now could not happen again. The Leader can instigate a Vote of No Confidence in any of the Ministers or MPs as long as a certain proportion of MPs and Ministers vote for this, they are replaced. In cases of needing to get rid of/replace Ministers, other MPs could put themselves forward, only if they had experience in that relevant field. There would be more to work out but basically this would allow more small groups in, you wouldn't need coalitions. Lets say Parties turn into focus groups, rather like Greens, so they have an interest in specific issues, environment, equality, election reform etc. This would keep discussion of all important issues alive among the general population and these groups would probably be represented in numbers of MPs proportional to how popular they are. However, Ministers would have overall responsibility for agreeing final policy, after discussions with these groups. This ensures that one person as Minister or Leader is not all powerful, and is not under pressure from a Prime Minister.. The Chancellor would also have to allocate budgets after listening to what are the most important issues for voters. And why do we need Private Banks? We could come up with better financial systems that don't rip us all ofexcept the richest, and make politicians corruptible. As for donations for elections, as now the various focus groups could get some help if their membership is above a certain number, and private donations from private sources should not be allowed. I feel political parties are far too narrow for the modern world and venal now.There is no choice, so this would very much make politics a broader proposition and make more people feel that the things they want to see happening are very much represented. MPs can job share i.e. two MPs can do one job but half the hours, sharing an office, a constituency and staff. But only one could vote for issues, so they would have to agree and work out a compromise. This would help more women into politics but let men spend more time with their families too. Obviously the job share would entail shorter working hours, and MPs pay would be determined hourly. Subsidised canteen, ok, no alcohol on premises at all and no drinking in working hours.

[@gileshalliwell3591]

Boris, take note, this is what real intelligence really looks like!

[@FlintstoneR1]

As for the interviewer’s comment to “clip Rory’s comment about ‘we should learn to stop voting for monsters’.”. Why on earth do that? This is RS telling the truth. Clipping the truth out is exactly what Boris has done, ALL his life. Never mind political career. Nooooo! DO NOT edit out the truth! Thankfully, you haven’t 😀

[@howtoappearincompletely9739]

I think "clip" there meant "make a clip of it", FWIW.

[@hilarykirkby4771]

Instead of asking what's wrong with UK politics, maybe ask why some other countries are stable and wealthy. I know the answer: the necessity for every politician to work together for the common good.

[@debbiegamon1232]

With respect, one way to achieve common good is to use debate, strong debate. By debating widely and honourably all arguments and the whole picture can be understood at a particular time. Common good, for me, is thinking about all, minorities and opposing views included.

[@JelMain]

The maths, Rory, is that the proportion of a 153 IQ to a median 104 one is the same as that between 104 and a marginally incompetent 70. In other words, the way Norman Normal sees Simple Simon is exactly the same as how We see Norman. The issue is that few are simpler than Simon, whereas has of humanity is duller than Norman. So where we cam see ways around issues, Norman can't, and relies on the Press to tell him. They're no better, though, and despise brains. End result, yes, voters are stupid (relatively), and no, they don't want to be shown up by good ideas they can't follow. End result, humanity's bound to regress. Or as Marvin the Paranoid Android put it, "What's the point?"

[@thomas05ish]

I’m amazed RS works with Campbell, given his knowledge of Iraq and what Campbell s lies on WMD did to that country. Also if he believes in democracy why could he accept being elected in Penrith (where I live) but couldn’t accept the democratic Brexit vote. Is that an example of hypocrisy?

[@roberthunter4927]

So Mr Stewart- what policies do you have to take the country forward? All this talk about how UK has ended up in this muddle (useful though it is) is rather like asking Winston Churchill on 10/5/40, how UK ended up in a desperate situation? The public were not interested! They wanted a route map out of it....

[@benedictcowell6547]

I think there are three changes in our political system which perhaps there may be a solution to our current travails. The first is a forecast: As the consequences of Brexit become more apparent the Liberal -Democrats, which have consistently opposed Brexit and favour re-joining might have an electoral success rivalled only by the 1906 election and to the demise of the Conservative Party. Paradoxically an Agrarian Party which resisted the social consequences of the Industrial Revolution might disappear during a period of De-industrial. The United Kingdom would solve the inner tensions by dividing England into three and forming a federation with Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Eire, and creating two new arch-diocese Single transferable vote If we re-join the EU, the Lords would be re-formed and the EU MPs would be the elected element together with the elected mayors of the cities The Monarchy should be strengthened by an independent Privy Council and reinforce the Supreme Court. Greater use should be made of existing structure. I believe in monarchy and a state church. We should develop a system closer to the Scandinavia

[@3bebles]

The public IS tribal, class structure is too tight, xenophobia too prevalent. Voters ARE polarised, and even though the ice caps are melting, they would rather stay near the magnets and even swap poles rather than drift towards warmer climes and shores. BREXIT is indeed a perfect illustration of their frozen attitudes and you can see why 'Citizens' Assemblies' would not work. Rory is so clearsighted that little escapes him and of course that is why he struggles to find support among his peers. Will 'monsters' be politically outed? Unlikely... but there may be the odd breaches where the monsters are taken ill, or will poison one another... Sadly, that is all we can hope for at the moment!

[@DavidBrown-ts2us]

10:00 citizens assembly idea is stupid because citizens are stupid. If it had gone ahead then the IQ of that group would have been around 100 (by definition), when working through a problem like brexit I want the people working out the details to have IQs of 130 minimum.

[@ed1726]

Liz Truss thinks the people of England are work shy, incompetent, looking for simple answers, and that immigration and Europe are those simple answers. And she was PM. So in a sense she is demonstrably correct about how thick people are. But people are complex. While they can be incredibly stupid they can also be incredibly smart. Liz Truss, and her fellow politicians, have learnt to manipulate the worst characteristics of people. Sadly they believe their manipulation is justified by the very fact it works, like all good con artists. Liz Truss is an example of someone who can be both smart and very, very stupid. Bringing out the worst in people is a horrible way to live a life. The people of England realise they are under attack, but sadly don't know who the enemy is. Because the enemy has confused them, overcome their good sense, and set them on each other. Rory wants to empower and engage people, and bring out the best in them. I mean, I know who is getting my vote. I just wish there were a few more like Rory.

[@JamesMc2051]

Stupid is a harsh word. Put it this way.....most people who vote have an emotional reaction to issues based on whatever ideology they managed to grasp and respond more to rhetoric than actual realities. They rarely get beyond this skin-deep reactive analysis to investigate why problems occur. They are easy to manipulate via media. Immigration (hot at the moment) is a good example. Simple question. Who has run the Home Office since 2010?

[@franceslothian1319]

Power is the problem. The toxicity of the Commons is all down to power. What Rory said about the contempt MPs have for the idea of citizens assembly is all about their horror at the idea of giving any of their power away.

[@HektorBandimar]

I am a centre ground voter, but I am also extreme on some other issues, I am left wing when it comes to workers rights, but right wing when it comes to law and order, I'd say I'm more left centre than right, but I'm not a fan of the two party system, we need a new way, perhaps the liberals and P.R. are the answer...? I have a lot of respect for Rory Stewart he is very intelligent, educated and articulate, I could listen to him for ages, I believe him to be honest.

[@socialmeaslesinpartnership1252]

Proper cut-through.................I don't give two shits.

[@sharonramsey715]

Rory Steward, all round nice guy, really, you think so? Go read his voting record on line. He wouldn’t give working class people a drink of water if he could keep it from them. Check it out and get the shock I got. Not so nice guy really.

[@gretareinarsson7461]

Voters are responsible with their votes for the installation of the politics/ideology they vote for - if successful. Therefore voters of Brexit - gor example - are responsible for Brexit but of course they are not responsible for individual actions or implementation of policies.

[@jim-es8qk]

Boris was peacefully elected London mayor and UK primeminister. Rory was an unelected deputy governor of a middle eastern country in which millions died and/or were displaced.

[@normanchristie4524]

Everyone has a right to their opinion. The problem is the electoral system imposed upon the UK 1911~17 by the Conservatives.

[@williamriley661]

I would never vote Tory.....unless it was for Rory Stewart

[@grahamleiper1538]

Voters aren't stupid, they're disenfranchised.

[@debbiegamon1232]

If citizens are stupid it is because they have not been well educated in our system. I believe 18 years is long enough to educate a person in the basics of life. We do not need higher education. The money taken from citizens should be well spent. If those who want to educate themselves higher then do so they may argue and debate their points to others.

[@dennisfraser6896]

I believe Winston Churchill Said democracy is not Perfect but its the best We have until you meet The ignorance of the Average voter.

[@manufacturingdissent666]

the Turkeys Voted for Christmas, So YES