Logo
    Search

    Q&A: How Not To Bet On Politics

    enJune 21, 2024

    Podcast Summary

    • Euros 2020-24 uncertainties, UK electionExperts suggest the UK election's unpredictability is influenced by Euro 2020-24 uncertainties and the Conservative Party's poor messaging, leading to negative media coverage and campaign struggles

      The Euro 2020-24 soccer tournament is full of uncertainties, and while predictions can be made, the finest analysis comes from experts like those on The Times' Euros Daily Podcast. In the world of politics, the ongoing UK election is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and self-destructive in recent history, according to The Times' election experts Matt, Daniel Finkenstein, and Polly Mackenzie. They believe the Conservatives' poor performance is not solely due to their election campaign but rather the political landscape of the last five to six years. The party's inability to run on a clear message has resulted in negative stories dominating the media, making it challenging for them to gain momentum. Despite this, the experts ponder whether the Conservative Party's missteps could have had an even more significant impact on their election prospects.

    • Factors influencing election outcomesThe overall election outcome is largely determined by the state of the parties and the political climate before the campaign, while campaigns can influence the outcome of individual seats due to the first-past-the-post system.

      The polls and election outcomes are influenced by various factors, including the state of the parties before the campaign, the fundamentals of the political climate, and the impact of the campaign itself. The speaker argues that while campaigns can make a difference in marginal seats due to the first-past-the-post system, the overall outcome is largely determined by the state of the parties before the campaign. The speaker also emphasizes that mistakes made by a party during an election campaign are often a result of losing support, rather than the cause. The fundamentals of the political climate, such as economic conditions and public opinion, have a significant impact on election outcomes and are less likely to change during the campaign. The speaker also mentions the example of the Liberal Democrats in 2017, where the campaign focused on an issue that was not a major concern for voters, resulting in a lackluster performance. In conclusion, while campaigns can influence the outcome of individual seats, the overall outcome is largely determined by the state of the parties and the political climate before the campaign.

    • Conservative Party's Ethical ErosionThe Conservative Party's loss in the election is due to the erosion of ethical standards and credibility under their leadership, contributing to a larger perception of the party as unfit to govern, damaging not only their reputation but also that of all politicians.

      The Conservative Party's loss in the election is not due to isolated scandals or external factors, but rather the erosion of ethical standards and credibility under their leadership. The party's once-established commitment to the Constitution, rule of law, and ethical conduct has been abandoned, leading to a culture of self-interest and unethical behavior, such as insider trading. These actions may seem trivial, but they contribute to a larger perception of the Conservative Party as unfit to govern, damaging not only their reputation but also that of all politicians. The arrest and investigation of a few individuals in connection with gambling during the election campaign are just the tip of the iceberg, and the party must address the fundamental issues of ethics and leadership if it hopes to regain the trust of the electorate.

    • 2034 Election OutcomeThe outcome of the 2034 election depends on various factors including the economy, political leadership, demographic shifts, voter fatigue, and party responses to election losses.

      The outcome of elections in the future, specifically in 2034, is uncertain and depends on various factors such as the economy, political leadership, and demographic shifts. The Labour Party, which may have been in power for 10 years by then, is expected to perform worse in elections due to voter fatigue. However, the opposition parties also need to understand the changing political landscape and adapt to win back voters. The economy and leadership will play crucial roles in determining the election result. Additionally, the demographic split and the Conservative Party's response to its election loss will be significant factors. Ultimately, the success or failure of a party in office can influence the coalition it forms and the outcome of the next election.

    • Labour Party elections strategyLabour should not rush legislations or tax rises before summer recess, as political landscape is unpredictable and Conservative Party may regroup in coming years.

      The political landscape is volatile and unpredictable, and parties should not assume their current position is permanent. The fundamentals, such as a party's ability to hold together disparate constituencies and a leader's ability to make decisions, can significantly impact the outcome of elections. In the context of the current discussion, it was suggested that Labour should not rush to pass legislation or implement tax rises before the summer recess, as the Conservative Party would likely take years to regroup and would be less relevant in the coming political landscape. Additionally, the Labour Party's leader, Keir Starmer, is deliberative and takes time to make decisions, which is not a weakness but a strength in the unpredictable world of politics.

    • Balance action and planningSetting initial steps and pausing for substantial tasks helps prevent pressure buildup and maintain control, without becoming too impatient or overpromising.

      Finding the right balance between action and planning is crucial for avoiding both inaction and overwhelming workloads in politics. The speaker suggests that setting a short list of initial steps and then taking a pause to focus on more substantial tasks can help prevent the buildup of pressure and maintain control. It's important not to become too impatient and risk making hasty decisions, but also not to overpromise and attempt to do too much at once. This advice can be applied not only to political campaigns but also to any situation where effective planning and execution are necessary.

    Recent Episodes from How To Win An Election

    Q&A: How To Replace Joe Biden

    Q&A: How To Replace Joe Biden

    After Joe Biden's calamitous performance in the first US presidential debate, will the Democrats have to replace him as their candidate for the White House?


    The political masterminds Daniel Finkelstein and Polly Mackenzie join Matt Chorley to answer your questions, including how to be authentic in politics and when is the right time to launch a leadership bid?


    Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    How To Win An Election
    enJune 28, 2024

    How Not To Talk About Brexit

    How Not To Talk About Brexit

    It's the subject that none of the parties want to talk about - why hasn't Brexit played a bigger part in the election campaign so far?


    The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley as the podcast passes one million downloads.


    They discuss whether we'll ever rejoin the EU, whether a Keir Starmer cabinet would contain any big surprises, and why John Prescott has called Peter to apologise.


    Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.





    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    How To Win An Election
    enJune 25, 2024

    Q&A: How Not To Bet On Politics

    Q&A: How Not To Bet On Politics

    We're answering your questions in another bonus episode, including: Does someone at Conservative HQ have a bet on the party being wiped out? If Labour wins, will it keep MPs at Westminster all summer while the Tories are in disarray? And who will win the 2034 election?


    Political masterminds Daniel Finkelstein and Polly Mackenzie join Matt Chorley to discuss all of that, and whether the Tories should follow the example of Marks & Spencer to win back middle class voters.


    Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    How To Win An Election
    enJune 21, 2024

    How To Oppose A Supermajority

    How To Oppose A Supermajority

    As ministers admit on the airwaves that a Conservative victory looks unlikely, how will a small Tory rump in Parliament oppose a new Labour government?


    The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt to look back at what happened in the aftermath of the 1997 Labour landslide, and to consider which way the Conservative Party will turn next. We've also had our first piece of fan art, and launched a colouring competition.


    Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    How To Win An Election
    enJune 18, 2024

    How Sunak Should Take The Gloves Off

    How Sunak Should Take The Gloves Off

    With Reform UK now ahead of the Conservatives according to one poll, how should Rishi Sunak respond?


    The political masterminds Peter Mandelson and Daniel Finkelstein think the prime minister could electrify the campaign by tackling Nigel Farage head on.


    They join Matt Chorley to talk about whether the polls could still shift before July 4, and whether Keir Starmer really should start measuring the curtains for 10 Downing Street.


    Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    How To Win An Election
    enJune 14, 2024

    How Trump Will Win

    How Trump Will Win

    We've got a special guest on the podcast this week, with American pollster and strategist Frank Luntz joining Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie, Daniel Finkelstein and Matt Chorley to discuss why Joe Biden is in trouble in the race against Donald Trump, and why the Tories are facing a Canadian-style wipeout.


    Was it wise for Rishi Sunak to head to a racetrack to launch the Conservative manifesto, and are any of the parties being honest about the economy?


    Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    How To Win An Election
    enJune 11, 2024

    Q&A: How To Get D-Day Wrong

    Q&A: How To Get D-Day Wrong

    The podcast is going twice-weekly for the rest of the campaign, with the political masterminds answering your questions.


    First up today, how did Rishi Sunak get it so wrong when he decided to leave the D-Day ceremony in France early? Can being a good constituency MP save you from defeat? And what's the point of canvassing?


    Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    How To Win An Election
    enJune 07, 2024

    How To Fight Farage

    How To Fight Farage

    How will Nigel Farage's decision to stand as a candidate for Reform UK affect the election result, and can things get any worse for Rishi Sunak?


    The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley to discuss the chances of a Conservative implosion, Peter's last-ditch plan to replace Sunak with Penny Mordaunt, and whether the TV debates could still shift the dial.


    We also hear a new version of the theme music, sung in the style of The Smiths.


    Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    How To Win An Election
    enJune 04, 2024

    How To Dodge A Dodgy Candidate

    How To Dodge A Dodgy Candidate

    The race is on to get candidates in place for the general election, with the Tories having to deal with more MPs announcing their departure by the day.


    The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley to discuss who the parties will pick, and who they’ll come to regret.


    And has Rishi Sunak’s campaign actually started better than we’d expected?


    Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    EMERGENCY EPISODE: How To Call An Election!

    EMERGENCY EPISODE: How To Call An Election!

    It's happened. Rishi Sunak has announced the General Election for 4th July - as predicted by Danny in the last episode of the podcast.


    The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt for an emergency episode, recorded at the Podcast Show in London.


    Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.





    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.