Personality goes a long way..

It has to be said that a lot of people are getting worried about Boris Johnson. Ken Livingstone seems to be in a constant state of disappointment and anxiety these days, the left-wing media keeps flapping its wings in panic, and even that bug up Brian Paddick's boring ass seems to be twitching a little more than it used to. It's almost like Bojo's some kind of spoon-in-mouth cowboy that's strolled into town and threatened to shoot the sheriff. The only real question now is whether or not Ken Livingstone can out-shoot him in the May 1st showdown...

After watching a couple of Youtube videos that have surfaced over the weekend, Westmonster has come to the conclusion that, even though he's a bit of a tosser, Johnson may just shine through at the election if that old adage about personality going a long way still rings true. You see, in these post Blair days of the personality cult being something that we all seem to want a piece of, Bojo's the only politician around who seems to have anything to offer.

In the first video we witness a debate between Bojo and Tony Grew, the editor of Pinknews.co.uk. Ken Livingstone and Brian Paddick are also there, but just seem to sit back and watch the questions get fired at Bojo. In fact, if the protagonist of a literary work usually has the world against him (obstacles to overcome, etc), then it could be argued that, in this story, our hero has to be Boris. But will it have a happy ending?

When compared with the smug complacency of Livingstone and his high-pitched whines, or the self-righteousness of an ex-cop like Paddick, it could be argued that Boris is the only candidate who hasn't become a cardboard stereotype of some flat ideal. He's the only candidate with anything to offer. The only one capable of instigating the 'change' that everybody keeps talking about.

The constant pressure and dirty tactics that his opponents are using to get one over on him (Livingstone provided the Gay Community with a pamphlet of Bojo's 'homophobic writings') have simply allowed Boris to shine. Imagine Livingstone in the same situation - he'd probably just keep whining about how unfair everything was and wave his arms around. Or Paddick - all he could do is throw some boring retort about being an ex-cop in your face. The pressure Bojo's opponents have put him under has inadvertently shown us the strength of Bojo's character.

The second video demonstrates this point also. A recording of a radio interview, we hear Brian and Boris arguing about Paddick's approach to drugs. The DJ seems to favour Paddick's perspective and assists in the arguments against Boris. It's something that seems to give Paddick a sense of confidence. But doesn't the fact that Paddick has to be supported by another to find strength show his true weakness?

It's only a theory but perhaps in an age where individuality still seems to be a virtue, the tactics of Johnson's opponents are simply serving to highlight the fact that Boris has something that they don't seem to understand: a personality.