July 9, 2019

British PM Candidate’s Strategy: Ride Hatred of Donald Trump to Victory

David Mirzoeff/PA Wire via ZUMA

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There’s a fascinating bit of political strategizing that’s emerging in the UK right now. Jeremy Hunt is running against Boris Johnson for leadership of the Conservative Party, and with it leadership of the country. Whoever wins will be the next prime minister.

At the same time, diplomatic cables from the British ambassador to the US have been leaked, and they were distinctly unflattering toward Donald Trump. Trump has naturally lashed out and declared that the White House will no longer deal with the ambassador.

This has given Hunt, the underdog in the PM race, an opening. He’s hoping to win votes by being anti-Trump:

Will this work? Is Trump sufficiently hated in Britain that going after him can power Hunt to victory? Can Hunt hang Donald Trump around Boris Johnson’s neck? Stay tuned!

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“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things it doesn’t like—which is most things that are true.

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PLEASE—BEFORE YOU CLICK AWAY!

“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things it doesn’t like—which is most things that are true.

We’ll say it loud and clear: At Mother Jones, no one gets to tell us what to publish or not publish, because no one owns our fiercely independent newsroom. But that also means we need to directly raise the resources it takes to keep our journalism alive. There’s only one way for that to happen, and it’s readers like you stepping up. The deadline’s almost here. Please help us reach our $150k membership goal by May 31.

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