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Wednesday, 9th December 2009 Change Date

City candidates head for the States to learn from Obama

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Published Date: 30 August 2008
TWO parliamentary candidates are heading to America to see if Barack Obama's campaign tactics could help them get elected in Edinburgh.
Liberal Democrats Kevin Lang and Alex Cole-Hamilton have volunteered to spend two weeks working for the Democratic campaign in Virginia – one of the most closely-fought states – in the hope of picking up some useful hints for their own bids for power.

Mr Lang, Lib Dem candidate for Edinburgh North and Leith at the next Westminster election, said: "American politics are very different and there are lots of things we would definitely not want to bring over, such as the very negative style of campaigning.

"But Barack Obama has managed to inspire a new generation of voters and we will be interested to see how they go about enthusing young people not just to vote but to get involved in politics."

Mr Cole-Hamilton, who is the party's candidate for the same seat at Holyrood, said they hoped to learn from the Democrats' success in engaging with voters.

He said: "We want to see what buttons they are pushing, what language they are using."

Edinburgh North and Leith is currently held by Labour at both Holyrood and Westminster.



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  • Last Updated: 30 August 2008 11:54 AM
  • Source: Edinburgh Evening News
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

alex paterson,

edinburgh 30/08/2008 12:34:49
Is this for real,or is it an excuse for free holiday,why not try and do things your own way,or is it that bad.
2

Mallory,

Edinburgh 30/08/2008 12:36:28
They should take a look at a mother of five who had the courage to keep and love a Down's Syndrome child born this spring.

That's pretty inspirational for many voters as well.


3

alex paterson,

edinburgh 30/08/2008 15:59:58
#2
These people have short memories.
4

Diana,

Edinburgh 30/08/2008 16:03:09
Please tell me that this isn't being paid for by the public purse! Bunch of freeloaders.
5

The Geniune Mario Antionette,

30/08/2008 16:28:34
That's the LibDems for you though - anything for a free lunch
6

missy,

Edinburgh 31/08/2008 00:22:22
good grief, shouldn't they wait to see if he is successful?
7

celtic4,

USA 31/08/2008 15:24:55
People cannot learn from Obama, and if they do, I would watch them closely. Obama is a farce, an empty suit and an arrogant strutter. Nothing more.
8

Scout Finch,

Edinburgh 31/08/2008 17:12:55
5,6: Do you have any understanding of public financing?
What public purse do you seriously expect this kind of political activty to be funded through? The sooner you realise that not all politicians have their noses in the trough the better.
9

Ian down under,

Musselburgh 01/09/2008 04:06:47
They need to make sure they do it properly too. Obviously the big seats down the front of the plane will enhance their feelings of success and the hotel will need at least 5 stars in order to build up their self esteem to really surge ahead.
If they are paying for this themselves then fine, go for it. If they are expecting the taxpayers to fund it then it shows they are ideal for parliament if they are scrounging freebies from the 'ordinary people' before even getting to power. That's real brass neck.
10

Dragonhead,

Dalian,China 01/09/2008 04:55:04
#8 Celtic4 (wuz it no Rangers 4? naughty me?)
You hit the nail fairly and squarely on the head. He is another one of the 'Personality Politicians'.Long on image, devoid of substance. How soon we forget our own lesson of 12 long years. Teflon Tony was one such politician. Far more experienced and skilled at deceit than Obama (or is he?)So look what the good ole USA is in for with him.
I would trust Sarah Palin as one who can act well in a crisis as Commander in Chief.Obama,is all wind,water and vaccilation.Just like a certain Scottish bumbling nonentity in London at present. He with the credibility of a neutered newt.
11

Miss Pixie,

formerly of Dinleyhaughfoot Cottage, Roxburghshire 01/09/2008 12:14:53
I read this rag to get a foreign point-of-view about America. Why hasn't anyone commented on the transparent (and sometimes childish) shinanigans coming from the McCain camp?
12

Crania Nelsen,

Edinburgh 04/09/2008 11:30:00
It seems pretty clear to me that these guys are paying for their trips themselves! Seriously - who else would pay for this? Their employers? (yes I rather suspect they have normal jobs like all of us) The public purse? (note they're as yet unelected) Get a grip. Some people will say anything to slag off those with other political views...

 

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