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The Rest is Politics and Alistair Campbell

207 replies

Mixymaxymoxy · 20/10/2026 12:14

Why do you think The Rest is Politics is so popular? And how did everyone forgive Alistair Campbell for his role in the Iraq war?

I did enjoy it to begin with - for political gossip and Rory’s experience of travelling and working abroad and in government. But over time I have found them unbearably, insufferably smug, and their take on women’s issues gives me rage. Laughing about how useless they are at home, what selfish dads and partners they are / were, then utterly it as an issue.

I didn’t march against the Iraq war, wasn’t in the UK at the time. But Campbell was utterly loathed by many for his role in it. How has he been so thoroughly redeemed? They are topping the podcast charts, filling huge venues and making an absolutely fortune. What’s the appeal?

OP posts:
runnerducky · 20/10/2026 12:47

May I recommend The Rest is History as an antidote if you like the format. more likeable hosts, even through they do have opposing political viewpoints which do come out sometimes.

I also enjoy The News Agents when I listen to it for another politics podcast to listen to.

As to your question, parasocial relationships mainly I think. And also they have quite a fandom that sees them as sort of a comedic double act.

JimBobsWife · 20/10/2026 12:46

I find it quite boring of late because they spend most of their time agreeing with each other. Rory is a poor excuse for a Tory. Alastair's smugness and seeming inability to accept any view that is not his own is also a turn off.

OllyBJolly · 20/10/2026 12:44

Same. Used to subscribe to it and largely enjoyed it. They both became unbearably smug and Campbell using his daughter as the barometer of all women's issues just turned me right off.

I did enjoy Rory's autobiography.

MellowSubmarine · 20/10/2026 12:40

Regarding the Iraq war, I think things people may have felt passionately about 20-25 years ago do not necessarily cause the same strength of feeling now.

Plus the Iraq invasion was 23 years ago. Younger podcast listeners, even though they’ll be aware of it, possibly wouldn’t have the same view of Campbell as a 60 year old listener.

WildWindySeascape · 20/10/2026 12:22

Also I feel Rory is weirdly blind to the suffering of women in the Middle East, when he has firsthand experience of their suffering and persecution through his travels.

WildWindySeascape · 20/10/2026 12:21

I feel exactly the same as you, OP! I really enjoyed the podcast at first but now can’t bear it. Once you hear the smugness, you can’t unhear it. And I can’t bear the pretence of caring about equality when they openly admit their attitudes to women and household duties without any attempt to change.

MargoLivebetter · 20/10/2026 12:18

I dislike Alastair Campbell and I think he is a bit of a grifter. However, I can listen to The Rest is Politics for the insights. If he gets on a roll about himself, then I have to fast forward, but I think they are both insightful, while remaining understandable, on the inner workings of politics and Rory Stewart is very good on foreign affairs.