Der Rassismusstreit um Nigel Farage verschärft sich, als sein überschwängliches Lob für Enoch Powell heftig ausfällt

I’m kinda not expecting this to stick in the way that the Trump “grab em by the pussy” thing didn’t. Like he’s clearly this person so who’s surprised/changing their mind on it? But I suppose it can’t hurt to put the screws in a bit more.

Man with written reports from his teacher confirming racist views at school (repeatedly making targetted anti semitic comments towards a Jewish classmate is racist, it’s not banter, and the victim might reasonably hold a good memory of it even if it was 50 years ago) goes on to make political career of saying things that appeal to racists and now is realistically close to achieving ambition to become Prime Minister, and refuses to deny being racist when called out for it. I miss the days when you could ostracise racist dickheads for being racist dickheads, or at least expect aspiring world statesmen to be held accountable.

He’s toast now. the attack dogs are out. You know there’s a room at several newspapers frantically phoning around to get the receipts. for someone who has been given the easiest of rides by the media (led by the BBC platforming him) as he was a convenient tool to get what they wanted from the main parties, I can’t wait to see this unravel.

So basically reform up +1 is what the papers have decided

The issue Farage is facing is that he’s always presented himself as a political outsider. He wants people to think he’s the jolly bloke who just wants a pint at the pub and a quick fag every so often.

However, he’s now an MP and is considered to be a legitimate contender for Prime Minister. Controversies which would previously be washed out of the news cycle won’t go away as easily and he’ll be under more scrutiny.

His current strategy of refusing to admit guilt for anything and deflect deflect deflect won’t cut the mustard any more. He could have just stood up and admitted “I said some regrettable things when I was younger, I apologise for that and can ensure that they don’t reflect my current beliefs” and this controversy would have probably gone away by now.

Instead, every deflection is an admission. Continued refusal to address the issue directly gives the press more incentive to keep digging. None of what’s coming out should be of any surprise to anyone paying attention but it’s still damaging to his credibility.