The Daily The Making of Boris Johnson
Jul 22, 2019
In this engaging discussion, Sarah Lyall, a seasoned writer for The New York Times, joins Boris Johnson, the former British Prime Minister known for his charismatic yet chaotic political style. They explore Johnson's tumultuous rise to power amid Brexit negotiations and the political turmoil following Theresa May's resignation. Johnson's unique ability to blend charm with political expediency is examined, alongside family dynamics regarding Brexit. Their conversation highlights the unpredictable nature of British politics and the implications for the future.
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Johnson's Inaccurate Journalism
- Boris Johnson's journalism career was marked by entertaining, yet inaccurate, reporting, particularly about the EU.
- He exaggerated and fabricated stories, like the EU regulating condom sizes or banning shrimp-flavored chips.
Impact of Johnson's Journalism
- Johnson admitted to prioritizing his narrative over factual accuracy in his EU reporting.
- This biased coverage shaped the Tory party's anti-EU sentiment and boosted his popularity among them.
Johnson's Mayoral Election
- In the 2008 mayoral election, Johnson presented himself as a liberal, pro-immigrant, and pro-business candidate.
- Surprisingly, he won, demonstrating his personal popularity despite being a Conservative in typically liberal London.