James Harding In conversation with Alastair Campbell | Tortoise Lates

Alastair Campbell knows how media works. An accomplished writer, communicator and strategist best known for his role as former British prime minister Tony Blair’s spokesman, press secretary and director of communications and strategy. One-on-one with Tortoise editor-in-chief James Harding, Alastair will unpick how Westminster’s class of 2022 speaks to the electorate, and the world. Where are they going wrong, what are they getting right, and what should we watch out for in future Government communications, both formal and informal? How have the terms of engagement changed since the 00s, and what does this mean for truth, transparency and trust in politics?
Tortoise Lates is an evening of conversation, ideas and entertainment, new and exclusive for Tortoise members. Be part of the conversation and see more of our unmissable live events at torto.se/3c5i5vm
Broadcast on 06/10/22
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[@colinthompson3111]

"I didn't give a sh**t about the press." - Alistair Campbell This is a great interview. Thank you for doing this program.

[@KevinThomas-kxtphotography]

He was spot on with regards to Johnson.

[@fryuppe]

Refreshing and absorbing uninterrupted discourse between two serious journalists and serious adults. No heat, but lots and lots of light.

[@sheiladownes1392]

What about Private Eye for investigative journalism and holding people to account?

[@iangascoigne8231]

Campbell was right “if this were a Labour Government”, they would be going ape shit.

[@mrsfranczak1714]

Absolutely right on Trump. Correct about Johnson. Correct on Honours. We do need good journalism more than ever and we haven't got it in national newspapers in this country. Gone are the days of Harold Evans. The BBC employs political editors /correspondents who mediate stories with forked tongues. The way they phrase stories are peristently antagonistic towards Labour, until Labour seems to stand on Tory territory.

[@ianbanks3016]

Still trying to recuperate his reputation.

[@varnamq3]

Fix your audio

[@Vincent112june]

the truss election reminded me of the Tamworth constituency of old.

[@lesthompson5907]

who is the chap he Preferd not to revel. that presented the Cabernet with the plan to build windmills & electric car's Allister, The man with a wood gas generator as a logo . The chap that pad of labours Debt with the 3 ,pound vote The once labour member [Les Thompson] the man in the pitcher shown hear . He would like to know what happened to the River seven Project he presented to cabinet. & why wasn't it acted up on ? . !

[@iangascoigne8231]

Pitcher? Hear?

[@jasonkingshott2971]

You would trust Campbell as much as you would Blair.

[@leegarvey1]

He is right when sound is bad it turns people off.....bye

[@Dantos4]

The irony of Alastair saying get the sound right and the sound isn't exactly right in this video... there's the thing to work on guys! Otherwise great content!

[@mrsfranczak1714]

He is right about the serious politician for serious times but Starmer is not really it. He has no passion or vision. People don't kmow what Labour stands for . Ten months ago Starmer's opponent in Government was Liz Truss - extreme incompetence. He is now trying to set up his tent on Sunak's territory. It might work to change Red Wallers, but I do not think Red Wallers think Starmer is going to do better on immigration than Sunak. The danger is the rise of the Faragists and the Lee Andersons. A failed vision for workers from Starmer and no money in times of high inflation and no social housing and high rents, leaves them entirely unrepresented. So the extreme right will step in the breach. That is the real danger. Populism. Voters will say what is the difference between Tory and Labour other than an unknown quantity? It will take a swing of 1997 proportions to win a majority of 1 in the House. What can he do with that when he brokers no deals with anyone. Anyway a vote is not for Starmer but against Tories. Perhaps Sunak will offer a tax reduction, and if he is believed, hard pressed Britain's in the Red Wall will vote for him. The fact that Campbell says he reads no newspapers is not that important, if odd. He does not scan stories of the day and pick up headlines online , and probably gets summaries of goings on from Fiona Millar his wife who was a journalist herself once.

[@hughcaskey9542]

That would entail a helluva lot of bullshit those two in conversation

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

Sounds like canned laughter been added here. Who did the tortoise vote for in the Tory leadership election, by the way?

[@David--.]

James Harding said: spoiled ballot.

[@powerdisney]

How many times was Blair prosecuted for cottaging young boys in public toilets under his middle name Charles Lynton ...seriously...do you research or are you in the club?

[@liamtaggart57]

What about doing something on genocide ,mass murder, thievery and self grandisement