http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2008/mar/18/london08.livingstone Grim reading for many of us. Anyone got any insight into how the 2nd preference votes might play out?
Don't know how many of those people supporting Boris are dyed in the wool Tories or who like me are almost anyone but Livingstone. Personally I'd say that there are probably more who just want rid of Livingstone rather than who actively want Boris. However, the one policy thats sold me on Livingstone is his policy of wanting an increase in power for the assembly. I also think Livingstone is paying the price for standing as a NL candidate in that he is now picking up some of the flak that is aimed at the Govt. Maybe if he had continued as an independent. Doesn't help that Livingstone has shown appallign judgement in hanging onto Jasper the Grasper for so long.
Yes, never underestimate the hordes of fanatical Greg Dyke loyalists, obediently awaiting their leader's fatwa.
The Boris machine has been busy of late.... Was stopped outside Wandsworth Town train station yesterday by a grinning moron distributing 'Back Boris' leaflets. I took the opportunity to have some fun with her Moron: Back Boris sir? Badgers: Boris who? Moron: Boris Johnson, who is running for mayor Badgers: That TV bloke, is he still in politics? Moron: He is the mayoral candidate! Badgers: Is this a joke? Moron: No, the leaflet will tell you more. Badgers: Leaflet? That is not very good for the environment! Moron: Errrrr.... Badgers: In fact look at all the litter you are creating, Boris's name is actually in the gutter....Look!!!! Moron: Errrrr.... Badgers: Anyway, I am late for work! I hope this is not your full time job? Moron: Errrrr.... Fish in a barrel
Sounds like the equally moronic Livingstone canvasser who accosted me outside Victoria Station. 'Vote for Ken' says he 'You must be fucking joking' says I. I got the distinct impression that 'you must be fucking joking' had been said to him more than once that day
I dont' hate Livingscum nor his canvassers. I think they are misguided for allowing a charlatan like Livingstone to charm them but that could equally apply to all poltiicians.
i haven't seen anyone campaigning, i spend most of my time in hackney, none of them seem that bothered about the hackney vote
Livingstone has had more second preference votes in the last two elections (but then he had more first pref votes too then, which isn't guaranteed this time) and I've been told that polling so far this year shows that he is well ahead of Boris on second preference votes - but I got this verbally from some party guy, I don't have the exact figures or a reference for you I'm afraid. Anyway, this suggests that the anti-Boris vote is more solid than the anti-Ken one and - assuming that it's KL vs BJ in the run-offs (and the 12% for Paddick makes that look pretty likely) - this leaves KL still well in the race.
^ ^ This I know that our country and politics are a bit of a joke right now but to actually elect comedians is nonsense. Ken is trying (and failing) to do a thankless/impossible task and is a bigger man (but slimmer) than Boris is, or ever will be.
Doesn't mean I hate him. Don't like his attitude or his politics but if the bloke was drowning I'd probably save him.
If he wins it won't be because he has won on a positive choice it will be because Livingstone lost the support of Londoners and people will vote for whatever gets rid of him.
Indeed, and if Livingstone wins it'll be because the thought of that cynical, bigoted Tory cunt, Johnson, as Mayor is gutting.
i find it completely gobsmacking that the tories even put boris up as a candidate, let alone anyone vote for him... you'd have to be an utter idiot to vote for him, frankly, whatever the provocation from livingstone.
Unlike all those rich cunts who stated they’d emigrate if Labour won the General Election; I’m not in a position to move out of London if Johnson wins – though, I could top myself. Livingstone at his ‘concentration-camp-guard’ baiting worse; at his unbending belief in bendy buses; or, even with his ‘London’ll-have-the-Olympics-whether-they-like-it-or-not’ attitude, is preferable to what the falsely fumbling bumbling Boris can offer. Fuck off Johnson, you privileged Tory cunt!
The Green Party is about to urge their voters to cast their second preference for Livingstone, and vice versa. Matt
