My worry is that this anti-Semitism stuff has a limited shelf-life and will blow over

[Burney]

Of course there is also the notion that Israel rather cynically exploits the conflation Of anti-zionism and anti-semitism to ensure that all criticism of its actions are written off as anti-semitism. You know, the way you claim Muslims use the term islamophobia.

I do think Corbyn's insistence on giving balanced answers to all these sorts of questions is a difficult sell in a news cycle. Denying you are anti-semitic but criticising Israel wont help put this to bed....

For Corbyn, the mural thing was the real killer since the mural in question had nothing to do with Israel, but contained blatantly anti-semitic imagery and Corbyn gave it his endorsement.

So I would put it another way and say that it is quite helpful to this conflation you suggest that so many of the people who attack Israel - like Corbyn - also happen to be repulsive anti-semites.

[Pokster]

For Corbyn, the mural thing was the real killer since the mural in question had nothing to do with Israel, but contained blatantly anti-semitic imagery and Corbyn gave it his endorsement.

So I would put it another way and say that it is quite helpful to this conflation you suggest that so many of the people who attack Israel - like Corbyn - also happen to be repulsive anti-semites.

Problem is I would suggest 99% of the population aren't that bothered about it and feel there are more important things to be concerned about (rightly or wrongly)

[Burney]

Problem is I would suggest 99% of the population aren't that bothered about it and feel there are more important things to be concerned about (rightly or wrongly)

Of course. But this stuff does resonate and have an effect. Look at today's PMQs. Corbyn had the opportunity to get a Minister (rightly) sacked over the John Worboys thing and - incomprehensibly - totally missed it. You have to wonder how much of that is his own deep reserves of stupidity and incompetence and how much it's an effect of the anti-semitism stuff putting Labour off balance, damaging their confidence and taking their eye off the ball.

[Pokster]

Of course. But this stuff does resonate and have an effect. Look at today's PMQs. Corbyn had the opportunity to get a Minister (rightly) sacked over the John Worboys thing and - incomprehensibly - totally missed it. You have to wonder how much of that is his own deep reserves of stupidity and incompetence and how much it's an effect of the anti-semitism stuff putting Labour off balance, damaging their confidence and taking their eye off the ball.

Again, the problem is that a weak opposition is bad for the country, we have a weak Govt as it is

[Burney]

Again, the problem is that a weak opposition is bad for the country, we have a weak Govt as it is

At the moment, I think a weak opposition is a godsend. The EU is seizing on any and every weakness in the UK's internal politics to kick us in the b0llocks over Brexit. An effective opposition committed to reversing the vote would only ensure the worst possible outcome from these negotiations.

[Peter]

Of course. But this stuff does resonate and have an effect. Look at today's PMQs. Corbyn had the opportunity to get a Minister (rightly) sacked over the John Worboys thing and - incomprehensibly - totally missed it. You have to wonder how much of that is his own deep reserves of stupidity and incompetence and how much it's an effect of the anti-semitism stuff putting Labour off balance, damaging their confidence and taking their eye off the ball.

I think that is his (largely misguided) belief that he should focus on issues rather than scoring points. Its no way to behave in politics.

[SWv2]

I think that is his (largely misguided) belief that he should focus on issues rather than scoring points. Its no way to behave in politics.

Good man Pedro.

[Peter]

Good man Pedro.

Its true. This isnt the Oxford Union. Its professional politics and its about courting favour, however it's achieved.

[Burney]

I think that is his (largely misguided) belief that he should focus on issues rather than scoring points. Its no way to behave in politics.

Spare me the 'Jezza is a principled naif set adrift in the cesspit of cynicism' bit, p.

I think it's more to do with the fact that he's too fvcking thick to score the points.

[Peter]

Spare me the 'Jezza is a principled naif set adrift in the cesspit of cynicism' bit, p.

I think it's more to do with the fact that he's too fvcking thick to score the points.

Don't be silly. Nobody is that thick.

Its all about the 'new type of politics' isnt it. Its what people want apparently.

I favour the points scoring model.....