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    Can Starmer do PR?, the Green Party and being Taylor Swift's ex

    enJune 18, 2024

    Podcast Summary

    • Mint Mobile Promotion, Iheartradio PodcastsMint Mobile offers a reverse auction promotion for unlimited wireless service as low as $15 a month, while Iheartradio provides a range of free podcasts discussing political media scrutiny and managing expectations

      Mint Mobile is offering a reverse auction promotion for new customers, allowing them to pay as low as $15 a month for unlimited wireless service. Meanwhile, the Iheartradio app provides a wide range of free podcasts for various interests. In the world of PR, BBC Radio 4's When It Hits the Fan podcast discusses how politicians like Keir Starmer handle media scrutiny and managing expectations, particularly when polls indicate a potential landslide victory. Starmer, like Arsenal, has been cautious in his public statements, unlike the celebratory tendencies of Manchester City. The podcast also explores the tactics of politicians like Carla Dene and Nigel Farage, as well as addressing the challenges of being thrust into the spotlight and dealing with controversial past associations.

    • Starmer's PR strategyStarmer focuses on avoiding major gaffes and returning politics to a focus on service, positioning himself for potential two-term leadership

      Keir Starmer, the UK Labour Party leader, has a strategic approach to PR that prioritizes avoiding major gaffes and returning politics to a focus on service. Starmer's handling of questions during the election campaign, such as his response to allegations about Labour's tax policy and the Jeremy Corbyn question, reveals his thoughtful and deliberate approach. He is not a natural PR smoothie and instead focuses on the long-term arc of his political vision, aiming to avoid hostages to fortune and position himself for potential two-term leadership. Starmer's emphasis on public service and country over party aligns with his core messaging and sets him apart from more populist politicians. Despite some stumbles, his strategy appears to be effective in shifting the focus away from past controversies and towards his vision for the future of the Labour Party.

    • Labour Party PR strategy under Keir StarmerDespite focusing on making people feel safe under Labour, the party has faced challenges in handling negative arcs and perceived elitism, particularly in economically struggling areas. The Conservatives may attempt to make the campaign more personal in the final stretch, but this approach could be risky.

      The Labour Party's PR strategy under Keir Starmer focuses on making people feel safe under labor, but historically, this has been a challenging task. Starmer seemed ill-prepared during the debates when Rishi Sunak mentioned potential tax increases, indicating a need for improvement in handling such negative arcs. The audience in Grimsby laughed at Starmer when he mentioned his father's occupation as a toolmaker, which Starmer perceived as disrespect towards working people. This incident highlights the economic struggles and perceived elitism in the town. The Conservatives may consider getting personal in the last two weeks of the campaign to save their ailing campaign, but this approach could be risky, as it may not align with the authenticity of Starmer and Sunak. Overall, the Labour campaign has gone relatively well in communications terms, but the Conservatives may attempt to make the campaign more personal in the final stretch.

    • Managing Expectations in PoliticsEffective expectation management is crucial for political success, but there's a disconnect between younger voters and traditional media, requiring parties to cater to both demographics and avoid overpromising.

      Effective expectation management is crucial for political success, as evidenced by the UK's Golden Jubilee and the current Labour party's polling lead. However, there's a disconnect between younger voters and traditional media, which sets the political agenda for older demographics. The Labour party, led by Keir Starmer, must be mindful of this gap and avoid overpromising to manage expectations. Meanwhile, the ongoing PR battle between the parties is largely invisible to younger generations, who are more active on social media and less engaged with traditional print media. Policies and manifestos should cater to both demographics, and the voting age could be lowered to increase youth representation. Ultimately, satisfaction occurs when expectations meet reality, and political parties must navigate the complex media landscape to achieve this balance.

    • UK political landscape shiftsLabour Party's Keir Starmer is bucking the trend by making positive remarks towards young people, while the Green Party, led by Carla Denyer, is focusing on local issues and presenting a more rounded party image, potentially securing more MPs than the Reform Party.

      The political landscape in the UK is witnessing significant shifts, particularly in the attitudes of younger generations towards Brexit and the role of various political parties. The Labour Party's leader, Keir Starmer, has made positive remarks about young people, bucking the trend of lecturing them about their responsibilities to the nation. Meanwhile, the Green Party, led by Carla Denyer, has been making waves in the election by focusing on local issues and presenting a more rounded party image, beyond just climate change. The Greens' strategy of morphing from a campaign organization to a political party could result in them securing more MPs than the Reform Party come July 5th. It's an intriguing PR battle that's unfolding, with leaders like Starmer and Denyer challenging the status quo and seeking to connect with their audiences in unique ways.

    • Green Party challenges, Joe Alwyn authenticityThe Green Party tackles electoral hurdles and public perception while influencing opinion and targeting specific constituencies. Joe Alwyn emphasizes authenticity amidst scrutiny in his public persona.

      The Green Party faces challenges in the electoral system and public perception, but they are influencing opinion and focusing on specific constituencies where their leadership dynamic is effective. Meanwhile, British actor Joe Alwyn, who was in a high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift, navigates the gap between what is known and what is said in the public eye, choosing to focus on authenticity amidst scrutiny. The electoral landscape is crowded for smaller parties, but the outcome on July 5th will determine the impact. Additionally, the Green Party's focus on net zero and their unique leadership approach are significant factors in their campaign. Joe Alwyn's interview highlights the importance of authenticity and resilience in the face of public scrutiny.

    • Authenticity in Public EyeAuthenticity and reflection, even during challenging times, can lead to valuable lessons and growth. UK offers more protection for political spouses than for celebrities.

      Being authentic and reflective in the public eye is a challenging feat, especially during turbulent times. The example given is of a public figure who has written songs with Taylor Swift, and the comparison is drawn to Ted Hughes' experience with Sylvia Plath. The price of public service can be high, and the system in the UK is better equipped to protect political spouses compared to the world of celebrity. A new series of quick wins is coming soon on BBC Sounds to help manage personal PR. The discussion also touched upon the Bengal famine and the importance of remembrance. Authenticity and reflection, even in the face of adversity and public scrutiny, can lead to valuable lessons and growth.

    • Greenlight allowancesGreenlight simplifies allowance management for parents with features like instant transfers, real-time notifications, and automated disbursement for completed chores, while also offering educational resources for kids.

      Greenlight offers a convenient and educational solution for parents to manage their kids' allowances and teach them about money. With features like instant money transfers, real-time notifications, and automated allowance disbursement for completed chores, Greenlight makes it easy for parents to set financial goals and rewards for their children. Plus, the platform provides opportunities for parents and kids to learn together about money management through educational resources. Sign up for a free month at greenlight.com/podcast to experience these benefits firsthand.

    Recent Episodes from When It Hits the Fan

    When It Hits The Fan x The Today Podcast x Newscast

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    The episode features Adam Fleming, Amol Rajan, Alex Forsyth, Marianna Spring, David Yelland and Simon Lewis.

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    David Yelland and Simon Lewis discuss Taylor Swift’s 'magical air cover' and the power of having your photo taken backstage or anywhere inside the Eras tour, whether you’re the Royal family or Keir Starmer. But would every politician risk the Taylor test?

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    Can Starmer do PR?, the Green Party and being Taylor Swift's ex

    Can Starmer do PR?, the Green Party and being Taylor Swift's ex

    David Yelland and Simon Lewis administer the Fan Hitter PR slide rule to Sir Keir Starmer's election campaign. How has the Labour leader dealt with some of his stickier PR moments around his previous endorsement of Jeremy Corbyn, questions on tax and his dad's job as a toolmaker provoking laughter in Grimsby? Also, even though they are currently ahead in the polls, Labour - like the England football team - has to deal with the perennial PR problem of expectation management. Perhaps they could both learn a thing or two from the Royal Family?

    Also, the Green Party's election campaign. How do you keep people listening when your core message - climate change - could be seen as alarmist? One solution is to focus your comms locally, which is what the Greens are doing. As is Nigel Farage...

    And finally, actor Joe Alwyn has spoken out about his previous relationship with Taylor Swift. What can we learn about being dragged into the media spotlight on account of who you love – and then break up with? How best to deal with the global glare of Swifty scrutiny?

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