Prime Minister Gordon Brown appeared on US talent show ‘American Idol’ to discuss Britain’s successes towards the fight against Malaria on Wednesday evening.
He said he was proud that Britain was leading the way by supplying the funds for 20 million bed nets.
Generally speaking, a politician on a music show never mixes well, particularly our Prime Minister – who let’s be honest is hardly Mr Charisma.
Radio host James Whale told Sky News: “He has made a real pillock of himself – it’s the most embarrassing thing I have ever seen.”
The public perception doesn’t seem to be positive at all with comments such as:
• “He thinks swanning arounds with celebs like George Clooney and appearing on US trash TV shows can somehow adhere us to him. It’s not working!”
• “Blair was much more media savvy than Brown.”
• “He can’t increase pensions for our elderly or get our NHS in shape, but he sure has bottomless pockets for Africa.”
• “Pillock? I think James was being charitable.”
Needless to say, reaction to his appearance has been far from promising.
This just goes to show that selecting the appropriate media opportunities is essential; otherwise all you are creating is bad press for yourself on purpose.
Where the Prime Minister perhaps thought the public would think it was a moving appeal, most people seem to think it was a pathetic publicity stunt.
Oh dear.
Posted in Latest Media Training News | 2 Comments »
April 11th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
The article, and James Whale makea fair point, however, I think it’s safer the world see’s Mr Brown doing the Mosquito net routine than crawling around in a cat suit in a house full of nutters a la ‘gorgeous’ (ahem!) george galloway?
April 21st, 2008 at 9:55 am
Greig, here’s another great example! Enjoy.
http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,91211-1313441,00.html