Desperately seeking Susan Boyle
Everyone loves an underdog triumph, which no doubt appeal to something deep in the human psyche, hence the resonance of the surprise success of Susan Boyle on Britain’s Got Talent. Gordon Brown is in desperate search for his own such moment - to start off being laughed at then ending up obviously brilliant. He nearly got one with last autumn’s bailout, tried and failed at the G20 and failed spectacularly over expenses. He will probably try again with swine flu – a clear opportunity to save the world - and he will probably fail.
The ugly duckling transformation dream is not limited to Gordon Brown, it is a common political fantasy. The Tories used to be hooked on it. William Hague was chosen as Tory leader because of a Susan Boyle moment twenty years previously. Iain Duncan Smith was the perfect such figure – he so obviously had none of the qualities required for leadership and so, according to Boyle’s law, would be perfect at the job. Finally the Tories figured out that looking and acting the part is not a disqualification for leadership, and chose Cameron. Some people still criticise him as “just a PR man.”
The obvious Susan Boyle of modern British politics is of course Vince Cable. No doubt parties and the media will continue their quest for others. However, it is perhaps worth remembering that real star quality can amaze again and again without the need to lower expectations. If you don’t believe me, just remind yourselves of Margaret Thatcher’s final performance as Prime Minister.