Coffee House Shots live: the struggle for the future of conservatism
Oct 1, 2024
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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.
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.
Leadership Contest and Celebrity Factor
The presence of multiple leadership contenders at the conference has sparked excitement among party members and attendees. This visibility creates a sense of celebrity, but it is acknowledged that such attention may quickly diminish after the conference. The candidates' performances will likely determine who garners support, indicating that initial enthusiasm could flip based on their ability to present compelling policies and narratives. Participants remained aware that these leadership dynamics could signal important changes in the party's future, particularly in light of the heavy focus on economic growth and governance issues.
Kemi Badenoch's Unique Position
Kemi Badenoch stands out as the only female candidate in the Tory leadership race, yet her gender hasn't significantly affected the dynamics of the contest. While some recognize her potential impact, the focus remains largely on policy rather than gender, with criticisms pointing toward a lack of public policy readiness from all candidates. Despite the challenges she faces, some believe her unique perspective could be pivotal, particularly regarding the party's connection with diverse voters. However, observers noted that her campaign needed to improve interpersonal relations to secure broader support among party members.
US Politics in Parallel
The conversation shifted to American politics, particularly focusing on the upcoming presidential election and the divisive nature of current candidates. Comparisons were drawn between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, highlighting voter sentiment that often revolves around the 'lesser of two evils' mentality. Discussions revealed voter disillusionment in both the UK and the US as individuals grapple with a crisis of identity within their political systems. This atmosphere of uncertainty underscores the common challenges faced by Western democracies as they navigate shifting electoral landscapes while being pressured to respond effectively to current socio-economic issues.
The mood at Conservative conference has been surprisingly jubilant considering the turmoil that the party finds itself in. Labour's misfortunes may have contributed to this, but there seems to be a genuine optimism around the four candidates vying for the leadership of the party. What's the latest? Have Kemi Badenoch's comments on maternity pay impacted her position with the members?
Also on the podcast, this evening will see the Vance vs Walz vice presidential debate. They go head to head in an increasingly tight election. What does Trump vs Harris say about the state of American politics? And can any of these candidates – on either side of the pond – expect to be fighting future elections for their parties?
The Spectator's Fraser Nelson speaks to Katy Balls, Kate Andrews and Sarah Elliott from Republicans Overseas UK.
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