context for the coffins cartoon - well someone more politically aware than me would have to explain the significance of the 'listening box'
but of course Howard lost the election
and gave in his notice - he's hanging on in there while they look for a new leader from a totally repellent lot
Blair's days are numbered, how long can he hold on? - the knives are waiting in the shadows, Brown is there, crown prince in waiting and calling a
lot more of the shots now - Blair has lost the power and authority he had once
, where he had a more presidential style (the country didn't like that)
Body language experts discussing their appearances during the election were hilarious describing the candidates. Presidential body language was 'in' this year - you know the arms out from the side to increase 'presence', stride purposefully, grab hold of arms of those you speak to in order to detain them or push them away - but control them. Hands outstretched to meet 'adoring' crowds - YEEUUUGHHHH!!!!!
Charles Kennedy didn't go in for it but was his normal slightly sweaty and terribly-seriously-sincere-and-a-bit-wet self.
They have decided that leaders need charisma - well I suppose they do to a degree but I'd do without the charisma for some more caring and practical policies
![[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v607/vivien/misc%20for%20putting%20online/1guardiancartoon.jpg]([img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v607/vivien/misc%20for%20putting%20online/1guardiancartoon.jpg)
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(Though your explanation is very thorough - Now I get it! 
Next time just post a link to a news article or a sentence of two. I feel like I've created a lot of work for you & I didn't mean to at all .
no it's ok - I just thought I'd add the bit about the body language experts because they were so good and stuck a pin in the pomposity and silliness so well 
