

May as well: Boris Johnson’s electoral bet
Oct 30, 2019
In this discussion, John Peete, Brexit editor for The Economist, breaks down Boris Johnson's recent call for a general election and the complexities surrounding Brexit. He highlights Johnson's optimistic strategy to secure a Conservative majority while navigating the challenges posed by Jeremy Corbyn and tactical voting. The conversation also touches on Amy Klobuchar's campaign dynamics in the U.S., her ability to unite moderate voters against Trump, and a critical look at the alcohol industry's role in promoting responsible drinking.
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Johnson's Gamble
- Boris Johnson seeks a larger majority to pass his Brexit deal, viewing an election as the best path forward.
- However, this is a risky move, as polls can shift, and the election involves multiple parties.
Corbyn's Challenge
- Jeremy Corbyn hopes to repeat his 2017 success, where he outperformed expectations despite low ratings.
- His historically low popularity may hinder him, yet tactical voting against Tories could help Labour.
Tactical Voting and Third Parties
- Tactical voting will be a significant factor, with "remain" voters potentially supporting different parties to defeat Conservatives.
- Smaller parties, like the Scottish Nationalists and Brexit Party, could impact the results by taking votes.