Some early election observations

The three main party leaders were out and about yesterday as the election commenced. Labour and Conservative looked somewhat staged, but that seems to be their pattern of behaviour and will continue to be so. Brown, Cameron and Clegg do not want to be caught out. But the party faithful seem to surround them and hecklers will be kept away.

But, remember John Major (yes the former PM) back in 1992, when it looked as thought he could not win. Well in the campaign he brought out the famous soap box which he took around the country and stood on and spoke from. Not a major iPad moment, but one which was very human.

Yesterday Gordon Brown was on a railway station and walked past the Newsnight reporter but would not even look at him and answer a question. No smile, no quick word of wit. What is it about this man who wants to connect with people yet when asked a quick question, cannot even be generous for a moment? I thought this was rude to the reporter and to the public. Bad first day PM. You need to connect and answer,after all you want the votes of the people including viewers who want to hear you answer questions, awkward as that may be -BUT YOU HAVE TO DO IT.

Cameron, short sleeves rolled up. Well, he has come out fighting. You can see this is the moment he has waited for, relishing the fight. And fight he will I am sure.

Clegg alongside his trusty financial guru and media saint, Vince Cable. They will be a duet all the way to May 6 and I think may well pick up a lot of seats this time round. I am predicting the LDs will get another 10 more seats, may be more as the public tires of the two main parties.

But Clegg very much needs Cable. It is his link to destiny in any possible coalition and cabinet offerings post-May 6.

Newsnight and SKY had loads of comment last night. In fact the airwaves, TV and radio were supersaturated. Will we be sock of them all by next week? Probably yes, BUT for the TV debates between the three leaders over three weeks.

I predict the TV debates will be crucial. More so for Clegg who has much to gain.
Brown will come under attack from Cameron and this ought be so, as he has 13 years to defend. Cameron has to promise for the future.
April 7