Clegg

[huncamunca]

Assume that I have no opinion on the Clegg, despite him being last years Messiah

In one sentence, provide me with information so I will be able to form a reasoned and balanced view

[reggie]

In a word? Cleggmania!

 

[Huguenot]

Most of the attacks on Clegg seem to be utterly witless.

It seems the emotional projectile diarrhoea that was triggered by the death of Diana seems to have permeated every aspect of British society.

It's as if every moron thinks they have a valid opinion that should shouted from the roof tops, regardless of how poorly informed or gormless they are.

[Atticus]

I'm no Liberal but have to ask what else could he have done? share power with Labour, Green and every other party, that would have been ridiculous.

I've heard commentators describe him as politically 'toxic', a bit over the top really.

In a word Humanaca, 'Scapegoat'

[Marmora Man]

Clegg: an honourable man who chose to lead a a party that is a loose coalition of naive, optimistic, unconventional, anti establishment individuals, often embued with and youthful and unrealistic student idealism.

By careful marketing and positioning he became, in a small way, "king maker" after the last election and, logically, decided to support the Conservative party - which historically the genuine Liberals [aka Orange group] that believe in personal freedom and small government are closer to. He is now experiencing the reality of political power, the need to compromise, negotiate and the shock of seeing the financial truth in the books. He has achieved some significant wins - not least the establishment of a much higher initial tax threshold of ?10,000 which will do more the low paid than welfare benefits.

He has been subject of unthinking and unfair vilification from the left of his party and Labour. If he and the coalition stay the course and active the balanced economy that remains their key priority he may yet gain the proper respect he deserves.

Not being a Lib Dem (I don't fit the demographic described in my opening paragraph) I won't be voting for him - but I respect him as an honest, if perhaps journeyman, politician. He's a far better man than the meretricious Ed Balls or Ed Milliband and other "deficit deniers".

[Jah Lush]

I can't feel sorry for Nick Clegg. He sold out his party and their politics for power. It must be demeaning for him though, trying to find different biscuits every day for the Prime Minister's tea.

Clegg is Cameron's fag and a sell out.

[Townleygreen]

Well said, Marmora Man.

Atticus also.

I am sick and tired of him being pilloried by all and sundry.

[Huguenot]

I'm not sure that Clegg sold out his party - it was more that getting into power exposed the contradictions and conflicting philosophies mired within it.

It didn't matter who the leader was, getting into power was always going to involve significant acts of betrayal to followers whose beliefs had never been tested.

Clegg achieved significant concessions, but has been let down by the fickleness of his supporters. The betrayal is theirs, not his.

[ruffers]

He always looks said though