Blair is election liability, warn Labour aides

[kskiska]

Tony Blair risks becoming an electoral liability, according to government ministers as the Prime Minister faces fresh accusations that his 'presidential style' is starting to affect Labour's support.

With private Labour polling revealing that one of the most important sections of the electorate - married mothers - are deserting the Prime Minister and the Tories closing the polling gap, Blairite figures are urging a change in Labour's faltering election campaign.

Officials said the Prime Minister would now adopt a less 'presidential' style, appearing in tandem with cabinet colleagues, to head off sniping about his personal unpopularity.

(snip)

The news follows concern that Blair's personal ratings are clouding the picture. One loyalist cabinet minister has told friends that Blair is no longer seen as an asset, particularly among traditional working class supporters.

more…
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/politics/story/0,6903,1426456,00.html

[CubsFan1982]

1. How are the Liberal Democrats polling at this point?

I wonder if they're viable enough to knock off Labour. I doubt it, but what is their strength in relation to Labour and the Tories?

[autorank]

2. Labour must be punished for it's arrogance. LibDems are a good option.

What does it take to dump a guy like Blair? As popular as Clinton was, if he'd done Iraq the way * has, he would have been attacked seriously by his own party. Why does Blair get a free ride. I actually hope Labour hangs in there with him and gets some serioud "marks and lasting impressions."

[struggle4progress]

3. Hmm. Wonder just whose 'presidential style' Bliar is aping ... eom