Dear Nick Clegg...

I would suggest toning down slightly the "Well we're all fed up of this same old same old and we can offer something different" just a little bit. This can still be your angle, but you don't have to repeatedly spell it out in so many words. Demonstrate the difference through the policies. Play to the strengths (eg Vince Cable) and don't get drawn into the bitching too much, as that made the other 2 look v unattractive options last time. I also agree with whoever it was who said that you overplayed the unique concensus-building point too. Too much of that next time will be leapt upon by the other 2 as indication that you expect a hung Parliament. Stick to debating the issues and putting forward your policies and ideas in a confident way. Oh and don't go on and on about not being able to see people behind cameras. That didn't play so well.

I would say all 3 leaders have to find a way to make sure it doesn't just look like an exact re-run of the first debate. Nick Clegg had one advantage last time in that he was the first to speak, which presumably he won't get this time.

Whilst we're on the subject, I'd also sugest Gordon Brown drops the pink tie, the smug in joke he always seems to be having with himself, giggling into his notes quietly and stops doing that weird thing with his tongue.

Cameron needs to look less nervous and get some half-decent policies.

I was 19 in 1997, so it was the first time that I was old enough to vote.

I remember feeling like our generation had changed the world by getting rid of the Tories (who had been in power since I was a baby).

Oh, the innocence of youth...

Markets really not showing signs of panic so far.

ahh! 1997, when I turned 18, and lived in Scotland and where/when voters had real choice! So many candidates and not a clear cut Lab V Tory fight in sight.

Looking at the OP I am afraid I don't feel excited by this election. I feel weary to my bones.

I do however remember the excitement of 1997 - that was an election to remember....

cat64 I agree with you on the care question, but in fact Brown agreed with the collaborative approach to care, so I think we will have that whoever gets in

I however felt that was seemed like a good plan for one topic ended up seeming like weakness when trotted out for so many others

(pedantry aside )

swc - i don't think anyone of any political hue would advocate joining the euro at the minute. But I'm sure the question will come up in the debate, wonder if NC will have the balls to hold up his hands and say, er, yeah, i was wrong about that.
If the strategy is being 'the honest one', he may do. Who knows?

madamcastafiore, there was quite an interesting article from the Independent's economics chap today, about a hung parliament. Basically saying that the economic stuff that has to be done, will have to be done whatever shade of government we end up with, and ultimately, there's a limit to how much politicians can affect the economy.

Dear Mr Clegg
Please try to give us some real policy this time. I found you saying "this is a unique issue upon which we need to put aside party barriers and reach a consensus with all the parties" irritating

Firstly because you said it 3 times, so it's not "unique"

Secondly because it means a vote for you is actually a vote for you, the Conservatives nad Labour

and Thirdly because it made me feel you didn't actually have any real idea of what to do if in power. It's all very well saying we need to change two party politics, but I'd like to know into what

I did like your trick of remembering the name of who asked which question and looking at them at the end. Very cool

Not replacing Trident on a like-for-like basis will be an option considered and very likely implemented by whoever is elected to Government. The like-for-like replacement will be just too expensive for Labour or the Conservatives (or any other combination) to commit to, especially if they are going to ringfence public spending in other key areas. Therefore not such an "out there" position to take after all in the current economic situation (although that's obviously not what the Lib Dems are saying is their primary motivation for this policy).

I hope he does well, although I will have to watch the debate rather than listen to it because I struggle to distinguish him and Cameron just by their voices (I've had some very confused moments listening to one or the other talking recently, wondering "Since when did he support that idea?")...seriously have a listen...or maybe I have pre-election overload

I for one won;t be voting for Nick - I think people forget what a hung parliament will do to this countries economy because it's rating will be down graded and we will then all be up shit creak with no one wanting to invest their money here.

Also their stance on joining the Euro worries me - do we want to be part of that - stumping up for nations like Greece where they don't actually pay any tax (well a few people do but most people seem to get away without paying a bean!)

I also think the lib dems figures on how much tax is paid by the 'poorest' in this country is balls - once you figure in what they get back in tax credits etc they are actually better off.

People seem to think this is a popularity contest based on who seemed the most personable in a TV debate which I really feel sad about - it is about policies and Lib Dems are so out of the ball park in terms of Trident and what their policies would do to the UK Economy.

Oh, no, don't pick the poor man apart... that's sooo mean.

I can't believe some people on here! The guy is aiming to lead the country and you don't want anyone to ask him a "difficult" question or scrutinise his policies?

[despair emoticon]

x-post with Pony - thanks for the link!

Pony great post - I hope NC or someone from his office reads it and takes note.

I have heard rumours about 'I agree with Nick' t-shirts being produced in a constituency not a million miles away from where I live, Policy. If I hear any more I'll let you know

policywonk I think you want this link. 'I agree with Nick' T-shirts and mugs!

I want an 'I agree with Nick' t-shirt. Someone must be making them, surely.

Dear Mr Clegg

You are not the one who needs to be nervous tomorrow. Take heart from the fact that the other two are now in a spin and desperately trying to play catch-up with you.

If they try to attack you you don't even need to respond. It just shows they are scared. You can rise above it, point at what they are doing, and ask voters 'Do you really want more of this?'

You can inspire voters right across the spectrum that this is not the election to be apathetic; this election is the best chance in decades to actually change the system. Every vote for the LDs strengthens the case for making the whole system more accountable to the people it is supposed to be listening to and serving.

There are two things that voters are really angry about: The Iraq war deceipt, and the expenses scandal. Highlight your differences to the others on these. Now that there is a genuine, credible option to vote differently, ask voters why they would want to give their vote to those who both supported the war and obstructed efforts to reform their cosy political (non-)accountability?

And next time Cameron says 'I agree with Nick' you can tell him 'Thank you, we look forward to your vote!'

LOL, Heathen.

I typically fall between the two stools of 'not poor enough to qualify for anything at all' and 'not so well off that we can pay for dental appointments without noticing'. Labour and the Lib Dems don't give a stuff about people in this bracket.

Antoinette, I suspect your definition of 'badly off' might differ slightly from others on here? if you wish to elaborate, feel free...

(and I barely even have a moustache, let alone a beard, so there!)

I lived and breathed the US elections and was not that bothered about the UK one but it seems to be improving since the debate, I agree with the point he may have peaked too early but even a shake up of the old gurad is better than nowt.

(disclaimer am Irish and our politics is the creator of dodginess at times!)

Oh, and because they have beards hidden under their shaven chins.

Why? Because I would just as badly off under the Lib Dems as I would be under Labour. And because I disagree with so much of what they say.

Yes, think he answered well on all points, even if some people weren't willing to listen to an answer before starting to quibble!