Strong Message Here U-Turns and Turncoats (with Stewart Lee)
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Jan 22, 2026 Stand-up comedian and writer Stewart Lee joins to dissect the art of political U-turns and turncoats. He and Armando riff on the absurdity of prestige language, mocking political euphemisms used to justify sudden shifts. They explore Trump’s bluntness versus bureaucratic obfuscation, revealing how terms like 'responsible reprioritization' conceal true intentions. Stewart also updates a stale political joke while offering insights on the theatricality of politics, making sharp observations about language that reflects public trust and political performance.
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Contradictory Positions Are Politically Useful
- Politicians often hold contradictory positions simultaneously and exploit that ambiguity to advance agendas.
- Armando Iannucci compares this to a 'duck-rabbit' or quantum superposition where meaning fixes only when interpreted.
OBE Snatch Joke About Ceremonial Theatrics
- Stewart Lee recounts being given an OBE and jokes he 'took it off someone else' to mock ceremonial antics.
- The anecdote illustrates how public honours and theatrical gestures are treated humorously in political culture.
Euphemisms Mask Real Motives
- U-turns are often defended with euphemisms like 'responsible reprioritization' or 'listening to concerns'.
- Armando points out these phrases mask budget or political motives rather than neutral rationales.
