It was the worst of polls ...
The long awaited YouGuv MRP data was released this week. A weekend poll suggested the Tories had an eleven point lead over Labour with 42% of the vote.
The MRP model released on Wednesday, predicted 359 seats for Conservatives and just over 211 for the Corbynistas. If the model predictions are correct, Boris Johnson will have a clear working majority of 68. A great opportunity to get "Brexit Done", put the "Bun in the Oven", release the "Tiger From The Cage" and get the Mogg out of solitary confinement.
For Conservatives it was the best of polls, for Labour, it was the worst of polls. Sentiment was mixed in Conservative headquarters. With mood swings from complacency to crisis, Dominic Cummings, the "eminence grise" in the Tory Shadows, lit up a bat signal from his cave. Brexit could yet be in danger. There is still a possibility of a hung parliament. No time for complacency. "Powerful forces are plotting to block the democratic outcome of the 2016 referendum."
For manifestos, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness. The socialist doctrine of yore, returned to the Labour ranks. The Tories avoided any major commitments that might offend. The triple lock on increases in tax, national and insurance cheered the rank and file. The commitment to 50,000 new nurses melted under scrutiny, like an ice carving of a party leader subjected to studio lighting.
For the party faithful, it was the epoch of belief, for the Institute for Fiscal Studies, it was the epoch of incredulity. Taxes are set to rise to historically high levels and beyond. Labour spending plans would push levels beyond anything ever sustained in previous history in the U.K. Tax plans are unrealistic for all parties with higher levels expected than revealed in the Tory manifesto.
It was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness. Opponents sought to shed light on the Prime Minister's statements made about single mothers over twenty five years ago. Jeremy Corbyn tossed the cloak of darkness on anti semitism in the Labour Party.
It was the Spring of Hope, it was the Winter of Despair. Hope the political uncertainty might soon be over, despair as reality dawns, the uncertainty of a deal with Europe may well run on for years to come. Boris Johnson didn't help matters, suggested a "No deal Brexit" was yet a possibility.
We had everything before us, we had nothing before us. How easily we learn, promises written on the side of a bus, are easily thrown under, once the primary objective has been achieved. It remains to be seen, how promises outlined may yet be delivered.
We were all going direct to heaven, we were all going the other way. Donald Trump arrives next week to stress NATO and have dinner with the Queen. The Prime Minister will avoid a photo shoot with the President and an endorsement from the White House. That may be difficult. If Johnson looks like a winner, the President will be keen to take the credit.
If polling narrows, the future period may look much like the present period, heaven forbid that nothing changes but "What the Dickens" not long to wait now ...
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