Comments

Hi Tom,

I thought Galloway's talk was hilarious.

But I guess that is what happens when one tries to band-aid a situation as grave as the oil for food crisis by blaming someone without researching facts carefully.

This trend of blaming people or opining on issues without researching them properly seems to be more common these days. Perhaps there are even people blogging here who do the same.

Food for thought eh?

Regards, Arun

Posted by Arun Sadhashivan at May 18, 2005 5:33 PM

Agree with Arun - Galloway is a lightweight sure to go down - in the mold of the tiny IQ idiot geekweed Kofi Anun - who may be in hell before its over.

Posted by Sean at May 18, 2005 5:44 PM

"I revere the U.S. Senate," strikes me a bit strange on Tom's website. The Senate is undemocratic. States with millions of people are treated exactly the same as states with barely a half-million people. The reasons for the creation of two parts of our legislature have long become silly. The real issue with the Senate is whether or not it's really needed. Like 'em or not, the British system is much more direct and democratic. They argue, sometimes yell, AND vote.

Joel

Posted by Joel Heffner at May 18, 2005 6:36 PM

George really told it like it is. I watched it on the news in Australia. The report here said it did NOT make any US TV news network. Sad.

Posted by Paul Dunn at May 19, 2005 12:04 AM

Mr Galloway is quite the celebrity here in the UK. Whilst most intelligent folk are against illegal wars, surprisingly most people in power either ignore international law, or just lose their voice. Mr G was a vocal critic of the sanctions and the illegal war from day 1. He's just been elected to parliament too.

Posted by Tim Haughton at May 19, 2005 4:04 AM

Hi AJ

'Question Time' is a wonderful programme and yes it is great to see the politicians given a good grilling on TV.

Tony Blair handles it particularly well - he has had many dificult questions in the last two years. His professionalism,integrity, consistency and sincerity still shine through it all as far as I am concerned.

Like him or loathe him Tony Blair makes decisions and despite me probably being in a monority in the UK (but hey ... why change the habit of a lifetime?) ...I believe his sincerity and passion and I am happy to see him leading my country.

Frankly, ANY other choice as a leader in today's political landscape in the UK inspires me NOT!!

Posted by Trevor Gay at May 19, 2005 4:45 AM

There are actually 2 'question times' in the UK - the BBC version, where MPs and opinion formers get grilled by the public, as mentioned by trevor, and 'Prime Minister's QT' where as AJ Hoge said the PM gets grilled by MPs.
This is all part of the confrontational style of politics where a leader has to be able to argue his case rather than relying (only) on pre-set speeches. It means that you ahve to be able to argue very well - as well as the other political skills - if you are to get on in Parilament

Posted by Nathan at May 19, 2005 4:53 AM

I watched in South Africa on SkyNews. If what Paul Dunn above says is correct, it is a great pity the American people did not see the performance. The lead senator was most uncomfortable, fussing with papers and files in small little time-bursts far to short to read more than one sentence, while getting lambasted. Galloway had to bark at the senators to get some eye-contact. Something that doesn't happen often before those towering senate thrones. Riveting viewing - like watching David and Goliath!

Posted by Dave at May 19, 2005 2:25 PM

Townhall meeting where Tony Blair was grilled for 3 hours with absolutely no sympathy by Jake, Ahmed n Emily alike
(Vs)
Townhall meeting of George Bush where 'just the right questions' were asked by Jake the Carpenter, Jake the Blue collar guy n Jake the Veteran!!
If only Brits decide the Prez of USA..

Posted by Hesh at May 22, 2005 11:59 PM

Thanks Hesh - it is really nice that the UK is seen by you guys in America as an open and accountable democracy with politicians held to account

As a Brit I believe that passionately.

Tony Blair has his critics over here - I quickly point out I am NOT ONE OF HIS CRITICS!

Some people over here believe there is too much 'spin' behind Mr Blair but for me Mr Blair speaks from the heart and has all the right qualities for a brilliant modern day leader - honesty, integrity and passion - and loads of all of them!!!

The great news about a democracy of course is we all have our own opinion and we are all allowed to express it openly

Posted by Trevor Gay at May 23, 2005 7:15 AM

Speaking as a Brit it's a shame George did not answer any of the questions he was asked. I'm surprised your guys let him off the hook!

Posted by Chris Nel at May 23, 2005 2:53 PM

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it usually seems that British politicians are generally capable of answering unscripted questions that are put to them in a thoughtful and intelligent manner (the answers that is). As opposed to our American politicians, from either side of the aisle, who always seem to be concerned about whose purse strings they might close by answering a question honestly and without some spin or slant. It's really discouraging.

Posted by Andrew Hayden at May 23, 2005 4:15 PM

I interviewed a Cabinet Minister one month after the 1997 UK General Election and I'm still waiting for the answers to some of the questions that I put to him.

My interview was for the final presentation of my radio journalism module in my degree course and included questions which related to said minister's remit and personal leisure interests, but it was interesting to hear his replies to the BBC and other reporters, because their questions were also skirted around...

Cheers

Keith

Posted by Keith Rickaby at May 24, 2005 1:01 PM