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Original poster

David Cameron tells Angela Eagle to "calm down dear" at PMQ

714 replies

Bennifer · 27/04/2011 13:25

I posted this in feminism but think this is appalling, if true.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13211577

OP posts:
edam · 27/04/2011 22:33

There are something like 22 or 23 members of the Cabinet and what, two or three women? Can only think of Theresa May, Caroline Spelman and Baroness Warsi - and the third doesn't count as a proper minister.

Does that count as an issue important enough for the people who think we should all 'calm down dear'?

David Cameron didn't make a comment that was out of character and says nothing about his government. He let his PR guard drop for just a second and showed us what he really thinks.

smallwhitecat · 27/04/2011 22:34

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QuelleLeJeff · 27/04/2011 22:41

Blah blah blah SWC, I'd be complaining (read that as: Bitching, whining, shrieking, moaning) if it were a Labour Pm or a Lib Dem one or a Green PM or....endless computations.

IloveJudgeJudy · 27/04/2011 22:43

I have skimmed the thread, but would say that Dave Cameron has said this to Ed Balls before, so it's not a sexist comment. I agree he shouldn't have said it, it didn't come across particularly well on the radio, but he isn't sexist, I don't think.

smallwhitecat · 27/04/2011 22:45

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NotaMopsa · 27/04/2011 22:45

patronising twaticus
i do pity his wife

edam · 27/04/2011 22:46

A man who appointed just three women out of 23 cabinet members? His response to a woman in the shadow cabinet talking about the threat to the future of the NHS is 'calm down dear'?

No, can't see any way in which he appears to be sexist at all... Hmm

PumpkinBones · 27/04/2011 22:46

Can't be bothered to read all 16 pages. Has anyone expressed horror that DC thinks that quoting a Michael Winner crappy advert gag is actually funny? Surely that is the most damning evidence, as if any were needed, that David Cameron is just a ginormous knobhead?

byrel · 27/04/2011 22:47

I'm amazed people can get so wound up about so little, if this infuriates you then you must spend your entire life in a rage.

NotaMopsa · 27/04/2011 22:47

the 'dear' part is depressing as hell in itself
little wonder child benefit was the first thing to go Hmm

RobF · 27/04/2011 22:51

Do we really want women in the cabinet just for the sake of it a la "Blair's Babes"? They really didn't do the feminine cause much good.

There are less women than men that are prepared to put in the hours and live the lifestyle that is necessary to succeed in politics. It's nothing do do with sexism. It's no different to the world of business. Women aren't prepared to sacrifice their home and family life in the same way that men are.

smallwhitecat · 27/04/2011 22:51

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QuelleLeJeff · 27/04/2011 22:51

Did you not read my post SWC? I said that I would find this offensive regardless of political leaning?

Uh? Not sure about the "mindless leftie bullshit" thing you state in your post?

What a pity that your view of feminism is so terribly caught up with "leftie bullshit" as far as I know there are plenty of women who believe they are entitled to the same human rights as men who sit on the Conservative benches.

How telling! Grin

alicatte · 27/04/2011 22:51

It was a natural response wasn't it. I've just watched it again. I hope he watches it too and that it has an effect on his future behaviour.

RobF · 27/04/2011 22:51

Child benefit is for children. Not women. The fact that so many women regard it as "their" income is one of the main problems with it.

roisinanna · 27/04/2011 22:52

In Ireland our last PM told the leader of the opposition to "reign her in" when the deputy leader of the opposition (female ) challenged the PM during QT. he followed this with" that's women for you" ... He did not get reelected... Telling anyone in any kind of work environment to calm down is patronising and inappropriate..

smallwhitecat · 27/04/2011 22:54

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NotaMopsa · 27/04/2011 22:54

ali yes you are right 'slipped' out didn't it
i would say that his repetition of the offending phrase was

  1. in shock
  2. due to applause of audience
  3. to give himself thinking space
takethatlady · 27/04/2011 22:55

Grin robf at your second-to-last post. Glad to see idiocy and ignorance are still thriving even among those prepared to 'put in the hours' Grin

toxicpotato · 27/04/2011 23:00

i cannot believe that female posters don't understand that this was a patronising remark..the mp he was addressing is a representative of her constituents and a shadow treasury spokesperson asking a serious question in parliament..this was not a group of mates having a laugh cameron showed his contempt for me as a voter by his flippant remarks.

TethersEnd · 27/04/2011 23:01

I fancy a cup of swan's blood now.

QuelleLeJeff · 27/04/2011 23:02

SWC - what? You decide that I'm lying? Lying about what?

Confused

Lying that I would find the use of "calm down dear" by a man to a woman offensive regardless of political agenda? I have already addressed the use of the phrase to David Milliband earlier in the thread. I assure you that I am neither lying or a mind reader

Confused

Please retract that statement, it is not only untrue but it makes you look like a bit silly.

NotaMopsa · 27/04/2011 23:06

women REALLY are their own worst enemies

huddspur · 27/04/2011 23:07

She wasn't asking a serious question, she was heckling

Lilmeena · 27/04/2011 23:07

DC appoints the best man ( or woman ) for the job - he doesn't stick anyone in regardless of their ability just so he can tick a few PC boxes - The Tories are sensible, it's Labour who make arses of themselvs by choking on positive discrimination bollox - was Diane Abbott ever going to be the new Labour leader? Don't make me laugh, my cat had more chance, she was only in the running because she was the token black woman - the fact that she's a shite politician didn't matter to Labour. Because with them it's all about image

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