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Best of the Spectator

Coffee House Shots live: the struggle for the future of conservatism

Oct 1, 2024
Kemi Badenoch, a leading candidate for the Conservative Party's leadership, discusses the surprising optimism at the Conservative conference despite ongoing turmoil. She addresses the implications of her maternity pay comments and her unique public speaking style. The conversation flows into the rivalry between Trump and Biden, examining voter sentiment and the challenges faced in upcoming elections. The podcast also explores divided opinions on Ukraine aid among conservatives, underscoring the complexities of modern political identities.
39:13

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Conservative Party Conference displayed unexpected optimism despite ongoing political turmoil, emphasizing leadership candidates' roles in shaping future party prospects.
  • Discussions on American politics reveal a shared disillusionment among voters in both the UK and US, highlighting a broader crisis of identity within Western democracies.

Deep dives

Assessing Conference Optimism

The mood at the Conservative Party Conference is surprisingly optimistic despite the party's challenges. Observers noted that even though one might expect a somber atmosphere given recent political struggles, the energy felt more buoyant than at the recent Labour conference, which should have been celebratory. With Labour trailing in the polls and experiencing internal stresses, Conservatives seem to be cautiously hopeful about their prospects. However, this optimism may stem from a degree of denialism, as many acknowledge that significant hurdles remain before the party can regain its footing in the government.

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