Posted November 30, -0001
It seems even more overwhelming when the Labour leader, floundering in the polls, said people would like him once they got to know him. As a media training specialist, I would ask him: “How will voters get to know you if you refuse gift appearances like this? Here’s my theory. When people vote, they usually ask themselves one question before they cast their ballot. National want them to ask the question: “Who are the best economic managers”? If that’s the question, National usually come out on top. The question Labour want people to ask is unclear. But my guess would be something like: “Who will help the under-privileged and create a more equal society.”? Labour may get a tick if that’s the question asked. But here’s the point. If that is Labour’s question, David Cunliffe seems uncomfortable showing the Campbell Live audience his expensive house when wanting to help the less well off. He sees it as a disconnect with the question. He shouldn’t and it shouldn’t be an issue. But his unfortunate comments a few weeks ago about downplaying his wealth have made it an issue. So now he will either have to pass up a wonderful opportunity to show the ‘real David Cunliffe’ or be comfortable being a wealthy Labour Leader. If he was a media training client of mine, I would encourage the latter. Time will tell. For more on our media training, contact [email protected]