Washington, D.C.
David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg – the obvious targets to blame for the disillusionment engulfing British politics. But let’s not forget the role of the Americans. Thanks to the main Westminster parties’ increasing use of technologies and personalities from Washington, the traditional British forms of electioneering have been gradually abandoned for slick, expensive techniques that have inadvertently allowed more traditional campaigners, the SNP and Ukip for example, to take the establishment by surprise.
Despite this, 2015 is set to be the most American election to date. The television debates are happening, the use of social media, voter targeting and data are all on the up while the conflict between Cameron and Miliband is brewing to be a particularly personal battle. But there are two Americans in particular who will be exerting their influence on the next election campaign.
In the Washington Post, I
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in