Brown and charisma or not

Charisma - a word that is thrown about so much when it comes to politicians.
Now, who has it?
Well I can think of some names immediately:
Mandela, Sarkozy, Obama, Berlusconi, Lee Kuan Yew, Putin to name a few and that doesn't mean I agree or disagree with their politics. But you know when they appear and speak, you ought sit up and listen.

But there are those who have no public charisma whatsoever.
Some that come to mind are:
Chancellor Merkel, PM Zapatero,PM Filon, PM Harper and GORDON BROWN. Yes, they are all Prime Ministers leading governments. All you can say for them is that they are there, governing and probably Merkel comes closest to being elevated into the charisma bracket. She is indeed tough, sturdy and obviously the Germans think she is a good leader. But I don't think she has any real public charisma.

Now Brown has no charisma whatsoever. He has a public persona that is grumpy, moody, sad, weary, plodding and yes, old. And the same in parliament where he looks morose and moody. Worse still when Blair was PM and Brown was looking to be rid of him asap.

Today at the party manifesto launch, he spoke softly ! Yes, when he ought be passionate about what Labour has to offer and bring to the state in the next 5 years. But no, he was boring, absolutely boring. In his answers to questions he laughed, looked nervous and failed to answer directly. He pushed away any genuine answer as to whether they would raise VAT after the election. What an abysmal answer.

The country needs some dynamic, youthful (but wise and calm) leadership. JFK had it is America in 1961; Reagan had a wit and wisdom and calmness that came with his election. Clinton had it in 1992, even if it was somewhat doubtful he always told the truth. Obama has stacks of it but it may not be working too well. Blair had it and showed it, but in the end it was all an act by a superb public performer. Blair was a flawed political actor.

Brown is just dull, grumpy and boring and why Britain would want 5 more years of him in No 10 just beats me.

Now Cameron has to show he has what it takes as does Clegg. Neither is spectacular leadership material, but Cameron seems to be heading that way.

12 April