Making a Mockery of Democracy - Al Murray

Comedian Al Murray, who studied Modern History at St Edmund Hall (1987-1990), talks about standing against Nigel Farage as a political candidate for Thanet South in the guise of his 'Pub Landlord' comedy persona. The talk was filmed at the College in May 2016, with an audience of current students.
Please note that this video does contain some strong language, which some viewers may find offensive.
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[@cynthiatolman326]

A talk by an intelligent, educated man who is a comedian by trade on any topic he chooses to orate about, I want to hear. He never lets me down.

[@tolfan4438]

Have you seen the bit he does on Britain defeating ever country in the world? It's really impressive

[@markmiller6402]

A brilliant talk, great comedian

[@truthseeker7794]

@@markmiller6402 He's ok as the pub landlord but when he speaks as himself he just makes a fool of himself.

[@madyottp]

@@truthseeker7794 How does he make himself a fool Calling out someone else when he's done nothing himself¿? Keep proving evolution can go backwards little boy

[@Kimdino1]

To those critics who accused him of making a farce out of politics - Noone make a better job of this than the top politicians themselves do. The best any comedian can hope to achieve is to highlight this fact for those who can't see it for themselves.

[@royloveday4350]

The confusion of citizenship with consumer has perhaps been a theme of the last 40 years.

[@margaretbloomer9001]

Have done two parachute jumps myself. Solo, static line and a long time ago... Respect to Al's honesty. I love the way he reads this as an honest essay without trying to deliver it 'in character' as a comedian. Love it. AND absolutely spot on.

[@Ulleskelf]

A fascinating tale. Thanks to Al for standing and telling his story.

[@chrisbingley]

Democracy is based on the assumption that a million men are wiser than one man. Autocracy is based on the assumption that one man is wiser than a million men. - Robert A. Heinlein, Time Enough for Love.

[@Rabmcm32]

Both systems are bad, the latter a bit better , as it’s easier to replace one man making bad decisions than a million.

[@readgeoff]

A great insight into the mind of Al Murray... respect

[@powerbite92]

Yep. The Oxbridge elitist grandchild of diplomats and desscendant of one of Britains most famous and successful writers who makes his money taking the mick out of the working class and who decided to court the media with a PR campaign because he couldn't handle the fact that the working class might think and vote differently from him. And of course, according to famous person logic, he believes that he's the poor victim. The lack of self awareness on his part is spectacular.

[@halaldabo7303]

Ha you seem to know more about the prick then his stupid fans do. Ask him about the Army Cadets Ask him about his m8 Lt Chapman And then ask him about the young girl cadet they took to Scotland

[@andycapp5581]

@@powerbite92 zzzzzz zzzzzz zzzzzz 😩

[@powerbite92]

@@andycapp5581 Suck it up, buttercup. Silent majority is sick of these elites.

[@jakemuss3805]

Thank you, AL for the words She loved you and will make sure you will be seen!

[@Sam-gu6im]

With an utter hatred of politics, since first watching Brewster's Millions I always fancied setting up a joke candidacy with some friends. The thing that has always stopped me from following up is not wanting to be the front man. Fun to hear about Al's journey. It must have been such a laugh, albeit a little frustrating and exasperating at times.

[@Lurker101Gaming]

Got to say, that was legitimately fascinating

[@halaldabo7303]

If you see Murray...Ask him about the army cadets in london, Lt Chapman And the young girl cadet. Ask him about what happend the time they took her to Scotland

[@mjh5437]

@@halaldabo7303 He did a charity walk with the cadets,so what?

[@naponroy]

I thought the same and was about to write it

[@BioDieselEstate]

Thank You, Al. Gawd Bless Ya, Guv.

[@sillyssg]

Enlightening. Great post.

[@p24hrsmith]

Since the end of WW2 common sense has been on the decline and the popularity of Hamburgers has been on the increase. This clearly shows that eating Hamburgers destroys common sense so if I was an MP I would ban Hamburgers so restoring common sense ....

[@actionjaxon7570]

Hamburg

[@nicodesmidt4034]

@@actionjaxon7570 yeah, they are exempt

[@doctorcrankyflaps1724]

Aren't we being told to eat bugs as a way of lowering meat consumption?

[@p24hrsmith]

Studies show also that Hamburgers are more deadly than the Covid vaccine

[@nicodesmidt4034]

@@p24hrsmith you mean the people of Hamburg ?

[@starmersbarber]

Excellently presented. A very clever and engaging lad. Thanks Al!

[@bladestormviking]

it is kind of fascinating how politicians act when someone "invades their turf". they automatically assume you're as crooked as they, and you can't convince them otherwise.

[@stevebibs9917]

That goes for more than just politics. Popularity and hierarchy, pretty much, have always run on this 'social mechanism'

[@MrToastercide]

The trump effect.

[@henrymccoy2306]

@@MrToastercide it’s happened for centuries moron. Just cause you don’t like trump doesn’t mean he’s the root of all problems

[@MrToastercide]

@@henrymccoy2306 Dont assume who I like.

[@henrymccoy2306]

@@MrToastercide it wasn’t an assumption lol. Even if your comment was meant the other way around my point still stands

[@hughmorley365]

Brilliant, all hail the Al :) Thoroughly enjoyed that.

[@philpants44]

and welcome the wine! (for the ladies)

[@TheHertsHammer]

Some of the comments here reflect my observations from seeing Al in his Pub Landlord persona live. He touches on it in his talk when he references satire. It seems that many in his audiences don't realise that the persona is a satirical construct of a no-nothing, blow-hard, always able to offer an opinion pub bore. They connect with his "common sense" outlook, and think he's for real - someone that can articulate their outlook in an interesting and funny way. I see comments in here that show the same - they don't get that he's taking the piss out of them, even when he's said as much in the video they just watched.

[@hairyscary8511]

As an Australian having the "old mother country" political system I found the whole exercise 😂 good onya Al

[@511dydy]

Tbh, he looks better now than when he was younger

[@blobbem]

It's amazing the mental gymnastics people will go through to try and discredit an opponent.

[@mikejandrews]

That "mental gymnastics" you're talking about is normally called thinking.

[@blobbem]

imbecilik I see you've already become well acquainted with humour.

[@mikejandrews]

blobbem ;)

[@turtoni1707]

imbecilik

[@mikejandrews]

I guess you're not familiar with sarcasm... ?

[@redstart67]

Thanks for sharing that fascinating insight into your experiences in Kent, Al.It personally lifted my spirits when I first read that you were standing, which was sorely needed in what was quite a dark & unsettling period in UK politics. Of course, considering what's kicked off ever since then & looking with the benefit of hindsight now, perhaps it really was more of a happy, halcyon days time, or is that just my inner ukipery putting on rose coloured specs, I wonder? Having always kept an eye on your comedy career since being in the year above you at The Hall, I found the whole episode of your standing intereswting & thank you again for sharing this talk online.

[@vhwadsworth]

Delightful view, nicely done.

[@skippybartlett]

it would be great to see the Q&A if possible.

[@DavidAndrewsPEC]

Excellent!

[@ice843]

You got me for the next one

[@royfr8136]

I am glad that this was about the whole process and all parties

[@stateofmind91]

Fair play to the guy, the healthiest thing for democracy and politics in any country is as much competition and as many independent parties as possible. Also, its amusing that so many people cant differentiate between the man himself and his fictional comedy character alter ego...

[@donaldasayers]

There is always an connection between who a person is and the character they choose to portray.

[@overtheworl]

look up how the weimar republic failed and you may want to reassess your statement about "the healthiest thing for democracy"

[@tommyholmes3749]

What u don't understand is that democracy and freedom of thought is still the most important thing to man

[@alexanderflemming6788]

@@overtheworl to put the fail of the weimar republic down to just having to many parties is stupid which ignores all the history of the weimar republic and the world at that time. Yes we can all admit it was a problem for the weimar republic but having to little parties is also a problem look at the US and the ever increasing polarisation of people based on their political opinions as well as any country that has."elections" where you can vote for only 1 party you can vote for in reality such as China or Russia.

[@neilmoore5387]

A very clever man all round. As Pub Landlord he’s genius. How he can just spew facts about history , geography, wars and any subject. When he asked that blokes name on the front row ( Luke) even though he said he wasn’t going to do anything I thought he was just about to. Some folk just don’t get Al Murray Pub Landlord. Some think he’s real I think and not a parody. Great talk here. Comedy genius.

[@andykendall5171]

Educated at Bedford Public School 😊

[@hondacr250hrc4]

I was never confused

[@NanoByteGhost]

Love it, politics needs the piss taken out of it as often as possible.

[@JUANKERR2000]

There is much piss to be taken and even more bull-shit!

[@davidmcculloch8490]

More urine than ever was extracted in 2019 when a serial buffoon became PM

[@JUANKERR2000]

@@davidmcculloch8490 Nothing can compare, not even the odious Diane Flabbybot, with the bozoid that the Demotwats in the U.S. have appointed Chief Dickhead.

[@haggler]

@@JUANKERR2000 at least all us Brits can agree that at least Donald fucking Trump isn't president anymore, what was that about ☹️

[@LSmallCatL]

or even better... people need to take the piss out of their heads....

[@dragzgaming]

The difference between the parties was fukp was the most honest and gave the public the best opportunity to vote for the best party without mind games

[@justinp977]

For your own health, do NOT try to eat while watching this at the same time. Nearly choked to death!

[@DavoidJohnson]

Opening the public's eyes to how they are being scammed is a necessary service which education does not do enough to expose. Thus keeping power in the hands of the scammers.

[@coles_recovery]

He is a legend . the pub Landlord !! Genius

[@chockypompom]

I used to work in the Eagle back in the 80’s. Amazing history

[@thecultofjohnnydelr.soulsw7010]

Able to sense the world quickly, superior memory, what do you expect, a charmed life. He is thanking the wrong things, see above.

[@TheTruthKiwi]

I can't believe how much friendlier Al looks with a beard and his hair grown out a bit.

[@graemeyetts3465]

Ive always liked Al. First saw him for £4 (on a full bill no less) around 1998 and a year later on his own at £20 in the west end. Followed his career.. Also enjoyed his Planet Rock radio show. Great to see him out of character.. Seemed even slightly nervous to start with here!?

[@stevenforgrieve4462]

a lot of investment and hard work going in to this presentation might have contributed, smashing stuff

[@beakfordflappering4647]

clearly... they were arguing that you were 'mucking up the voting levels whilst not being a legitimate or serious political agent".. as they clearly saw it.

[@philpants44]

you're trying to steal my votes! yeah, kinda the point lol

[@kevinscott5839]

Always liked him - even more now.

[@paulmcdonald7735]

The pure definition of satire!👏🏼😂

[@PeteCourtier]

Loved that. Free crisps😂

[@schwek99ify]

beautiful

[@keithmackenzie-ingle757]

Very interesting, and if nothing else, reminds people just how bright this man is!

[@justme-hh4vp]

wow, so many salty comments. OK not the best presentation but engaging and witty and well written. I'm surprised he toned down the pub landlord character for the campaign. In for a penny, in for a pound...

[@BigStevie]

ALL HAIL THE ALE!!! CHEERS TO THE LEGEND AL MURRAY !!!!!!!

[@plerpplerp5599]

"A sense of humour and a little lack of respect. That's what you need to become a legend. " Karl Lagerfeld

[@Dude0000]

BigStevie93 and a fruit based drink for the ladies 🍹👍🏽

[@neorich59]

Love Al Murray, whether as himself, or as his alter ego. The sad thing is, that I've met many people who think that he means what he says as The Pub Landlord and they agree with him! 🤪

[@kellyjay48]

Bloody love Al Murray!

[@jackdaw1328]

I wonder if Al after not getting elected is heartened, by how well our current crop of leaders have picked up his batten.

[@mellowfellow6816]

Let's hear it for the beer!

[@philpants44]

@ThirdTechGuy and welcome the wine (for the ladies)

[@dominicpannell2992]

Nailed jingoism.

[@kubel83]

Funny to see him in and out of character☺️

[@Generalscorpio]

This comments section is fascinating. Several interesting points: 1.) He's already acknowledged that he was trying to take votes off UKIP, as he was off Labour, Lib Dem, Tories etc. that's how politics works. 2.) If you are a UKIP voter and can't tell the difference between Al Murray and your party's candidate then maybe you really are as thick as people think you are, plenty of UKIP voters managed the perfectly simple task of checking the box next to the UKIP candidate, because actually they're not that thick (a lot of them are just pissed off with the mainstream parties), so if you're the one sat there going "He's just trying to dupe the stupid plebs" what does that say about your views on UKIP voters? If you genuinely think he's a threat to UKIP's voter base then you obviously hold the exact same opinion of those voters as you're accusing him of holding. 3.) If you're complaining about him being unfunny why are you watching him? Also why are you watching him give a talk at a university where he's clearly out of character and then expecting him to deliver a comedy routine?

[@Comando96]

Additionally, to add a little bit of quantitative analysis there are 46 down votes out of 394 votes, and that 16 of the original comments, out of the 34, are negative. The disproportionate ratio makes me want to know, are a 3rd of the down voters really really motivated, or is a lot of this comment section Poe's law.

[@powerbite92]

Because you people cant fathom why people think differently from you. This guy is a blue blood elitist who hates not only the working class but furthermore hates the fact that the working class are even allowed to vote and that he doesn't get enough recognition from the world for how smart he is. His lack of self awareness would be staggering but he is just another example of the 'punching-down' elite.

[@lpgibbo7463]

Ahhhh democracy! 4 wolves & a sheep deciding what to have for dinner! Yes I nicked it & can't remember where but it's the best definition I've found? 🤡

[@kevinscott5839]

I am wondering at how Al is presenting. Seeems to me he’s usually more. Fluid But so glad to have seen this. AL I’m stuck in Spain for a while. Can i take you to lunch in the autumn? Anywhere you like in London or Paris Rgds Kevin Scott

[@afe4452]

If Al was to live up the title of this clip he should have included multiple political parties and all their follies.

[@stevehickling7435]

Mint. A very clever bloke.

[@TomStansfield]

It is genuinely crazy hearing Al in his “none-character”

[@leeii337]

I'm watching it just after you... I agree.

[@MrJimbaloid]

Alister you are beautifully eloquent.

[@GeorgeStyles]

That's the hardest audience I've ever seen

[@plumjam]

And yet this man, who the elite types think so deserving of mockery, has arguably had a bigger impact on British politics than anyone since World War Two. Starting pretty much by himself, with little to no funding, he spent 23 years campaigning tirelessly - through ridicule and smug opprobrium from all sides - for the UK to leave the EU, and bloody hell, he ended up doing it. Even if you disagree with him, dislike him.. whatever.. it's quite a story, and quite an example of perseverance, and having the strength to carry on against the tide. Al Murray: great comedian, decent documentary maker, preachy, self-righteous and just dull when it comes to politics.

[@bipolarminddroppings]

Its hilarious that people couldnt understand that Al, a nationally famous comedian, is rich and able to blow a good few thousand quid for a good gag.

[@davepowell7168]

I bet you don't know what it's like to feel bippy.

[@andrewclayton4181]

Were the 318 voting for Al, or The Pub Landlord? We just don't know.

[@robertdale2964]

I think everyone should watch this. Its a lesson in just how absurd the whole system including the media circus is.

[@AdrieKooijman]

But we, the people, buy this sort of crap from real (?) candidates. This is not about the system, or the politicians or the media: it's about you and me who decide our vote based on content-less oneliners Facebook-lies and Twitter-talk.

[@Mikimarux]

It's so weird hearing his voice when hes not playing the pub landlord.

[@alvshill]

My thoughts exactly. Somehow I’d never heard his true voice until now.

[@adrianrutterford762]

@@alvshill Al did a wonderful documentary about German culture a few years ago. Very much worth a watch

[@powerbite92]

Weird to hear how posh he is and what a snob he is.

[@giansideros]

@@powerbite92 I was about to post a rebuttal accusing you of being reactionary and disingenuous, but the guy is a quasi noble of sorts going by his Wikipedia, his background reads like a Tory politician's with his Oxford education to boot. I still wouldn't argue that he's posh or a snob, he's certainly an anti-populist. He talks about his background and Wikipedia funnily enough, half way through.

[@powerbite92]

@@giansideros Look at his comic alter-ego, look at his campaign, he satirises working class people for the schadenfreude of middle class and higher class people. He makes out that they are prejudiced and stupid. "Populism" ie: people being given choices that are actually popular with them, terrifies his class because they take being in charge of policy etc. as a given. All his little campaign showed was how he couldn't handle the great unwashed getting choices that he doesn't want them to have.

[@dancole2994]

Reading out the world's longest blog article...

[@fulkthered]

I wish I didn't know what my first cousins politics were.Thank you Facebook memes.

[@EdgyNumber1]

28:59 He's answered his own question, there...

[@georgerobert4709]

I have a new view of Al having watched this ..

[@bettytigers]

I am not joking when I say he would make a good Prime Minister, although he might do more good helping the politicians not take themselves too seriously!

[@tomdarling-fernley3178]

Great talk, very enlightening. Seems like a weirdly tough crowd.

[@2nd3rd1st]

It not being a stand-up routine but a humorous talk they reacted appropriately

[@philoshaughnessy906]

Would love to see him on Question Time

[@donaldcrawford5577]

It would be difficult for him. He bounces off other people's remarks. Would the beeb trust him? Would they be able to control the agenda? a loose canon.

[@donaldasayers]

My late father was convinced that all the good comedy came out of the top universities, I see nothing here to contradict him.

[@wezzmusic]

AL Murray is an intelligent man. Who obviously researches his topic. Just look at any of his live performances. I Pity he lives near Thanet & not more people on this silly planet.

[@philcooper279]

So was Hitler! Thick people maybe thick, but it was the educated middle classes, who brought Hitler to power.

[@perryhunter3123]

I'd really like to see more of Murray talking about real issues and less of the luvvie brigades doing "world experiences" TV. It's a pity the network's haven't caught on that people are starving for something more substantial in their viewing diet.

[@curmudgeon1933]

The networks have no interest in providing anything more substantial for the viewing public. The function of the MSM, both left and right, is to keep people sedated. Sports, "reality TV", anodyne costume dramas, and sensation-riddled news, are designed to cause outrage, confusion and helplessness...and to sell products. "All the advantages of Christianity and alcohol; none of their defects." Soma in Aldous Huxley's Brave New World

[@ianturnbull985]

So someone "stopped the steal" in Thanet South!

[@davidlumb3167]

The Ed stone became Ed"s Head stone

[@philcooper279]

Any politician who is not interested in power, should not be in politics.

[@Pincer88]

I had no bloody idea that behind the Pub Landlord - which I still find hilarious - is this remarkable person. I thought I'd never be surprised in my life again, but this certainly is one. Hell, it's comedy of the highest level imaginable, the likes of which we haven't seen since Spitting Image and Alan B'stard.

[@stuauld4912]

Pincer88 beautiful British name.

[@Pincer88]

@@stuauld4912 Which one, Alan B'Stard's or mine? ;)

[@donaldcrawford5577]

So true to form. breaking into the two party system is a very hard objective. Al-Murray spoke a lot of sense in this video. At least he went on to be a great comedian. He also pointed out some truths about our Medea.

[@jonathanhodgson2659]

"I pledge to leave Europe by 2025" …….. Looks like someone beat you to it.

[@paulmcdonald7735]

I’d vote for him,just because of the honesty! Oh! And the 10% increase in the pound.😂😂😂

[@markriley5863]

They were only notes/bullet points. You fail to realise that his stand up stuff was not strictly scripted. It was riffing/ad lib . The general idea and some lines were written but it was largely freestyle.

[@WillyAndreBergstrom]

Standup is a wonderful art of mixing prepared and rehearsed material with reactions and interactions with the audience (often also with prepared responses stored in the big bag of tricks). This was a one-off speech, not a performance refined through material tests and then dozens of smaller shows before hitting the major venues.

[@bloodyliar]

The Pub Landlord was brilliant, but I liked his other comedy characters the best

[@stevebibs9917]

Not sure I should trust your comment... I blame your moniker :)

[@Ducatipete]

It's Alan, Harry's little brother.

[@alanmahoney167]

You sure?

[@tomsimpson5449]

Brand's "Don't vote" moment was interesting. At the time I thought he was a highly superficial celebrity fishing for media coverage. Having watched him since, I've come to the conclusion that he is a perspicacious and intelligent critic. His "Don't vote" statement pre figures his examination of the establishment that lies beyond the theatre of politics and which ensures that whoever wins an election, the fundamentally unjust conditions of our society are maintained.

[@TristanBanks]

When you vote in a doupoly you are voting for the same candidate.

[@peterdollins3610]

The Spartens with Allies were way more than 318. Even those who chose to remain had more than 318.

[@LtEccentric]

Someone please tell me he will run again at some point. Please.

[@MajorComedown]

So few laughs out loud it's a shame. The title of the lecture is 'Making a Mockery of Democracy'. Fantastic lecture, really insightful (I lived in Sandwich at the time, just South of Thanet). Students need to lighten up.

[@Anonymous-or4ru]

I don't think it reflects on his audience. It wasn't funny. He usually makes me piss but he was reading an essay aloud & making constant misreads so any humour was lost due to poor delivery. As the pub landlord he has great comic timing & as himself, his WWII documentaries were good but in this case, he wasn't. Mildly interesting, though his drawn out analysis of the word 'satire' was painful.

[@Anonymous-or4ru]

That said, while this account of his campaigning was nothing more than insightful, his election campaign was highly amusing.

[@scottnever8732]

The pub landlord is the view of the people

[@alexharrison9340]

This is a funny concept and talk. Sad Mr Murray was so unamusingly (for the destitute, homeless, disabled, the NHS etc) ostensibly sincerely against Labour when it used to be a little bit social-democratic instead of just a Tory understudy, notwithstanding this is good stuff.

[@2nd3rd1st]

Why was this recommended to me, and why was his tweet about leaving the EU in 2025 so prescient.

[@KevinThomas-kxtphotography]

I think Boris is running his campaign based on this :D

[@petertomspeter8879]

Yeah,boris is PM,but of course he's a bumbling fool as is Donald Trump president of USA,maybe that's where the rest of us are going wrong we're to damm clever by far.

[@banjopete]

Petertoms Peter , I’ll bet Boris can spell damn.

[@petertomspeter8879]

@@banjopete haha

[@mjh5437]

@@petertomspeter8879 Joe Biden is the archetypal "bumbling fool"

[@haggler]

@@mjh5437 who cares about Biden? We need to make sure no more Trump's or Johnson's get in! I trust you will help stop bumbling fools from being world leaders, good bloody lord!

[@anthonywalker6168]

As they say, what good is the truth when no one wants to hear it.

[@colinveacock5408]

Bring back the Gov'nor . He's funny!

[@johncharlescaley]

Unless you want a new joke.

[@pspicer777]

@@johncharlescaley Do better.

[@johncharlescaley]

@@pspicer777I`m not supposed to be a comic. He is just a politically motivated bore. As Colin Veacock says bring back the Gov`nor, that worked for years and years.

[@pspicer777]

@@johncharlescaley Fair enough. Be well JC.

[@MArkGilfach]

Brilliant. Insightful and satirical.

[@nightshade2979]

very interesting politics so dirty a game same here in Ireland

[@kennethrollo7891]

I admire Al Murray for his determination to keep going at it after all the bullshit he put up with, so if you've any skeletons in the cupboard you've got to have thick skin to run for politics.

[@andycapp5581]

Really interesting account.

[@scottbird8638]

Imagine planning this as a night out with your new date? How's it going? You don't need to apologise

[@TheMarrification]

I'm curious about the origin of the Cornish Chough bird on the St Edmund coat of arms.

[@sirderam1]

An egg.

[@joebryant8500]

@@sirderam1 Genius.

[@davelister2961]

@@sirderam1 Ah, you went that way. I'd have said something like, "Origin? The Cornish Chough? It's Cornwall, innit? The clue's in the f*cking name!" Egg was a good shout, though. Kudos.