Talking with Boris

The Talk London event with mayor Boris Johnson was held in Westminster, an area historic for its national and international politics, this event was strictly concerned with local issues and policy. The mayor took unscripted and unfiltered questions (which was apparent when one inquisitor had to be escorted out for loud and belligerent comments) from the live audience of several hundred and a radio audience of potentially several millions. Mayor Johnson adeptly fielded questions ranging from bus fares, to tickets to the 2012 Olympics. Mr Johnson is notorious for spouting ridiculous, politically risky comments but his political tactfulness and witty responses kept the crowd engaged and he managed to steer clear of any comments that would make headlines for the wrong reasons. However, for the American student nearly every comment seemed brash, unpolished and even vulgar when held to the standards of typical American political rhetoric.

The average American voter would likely perceive Boris Johnson’s responses closer to that of a stand up comedian than the mayor of one of the world’s great cities. However Londoners seem to have quite a different opinion. The attitudes and expectations of Londoners became very apparent during this discussion. While American politics is often full of lofty promises and radical rhetoric there was a degree of transparency and realistic dialog at Talk London. Johnson often used humor to admit his shortcomings and hi pledges were markedly humble and realistic. While the actual dialog in the room was much louder and more unfiltered than any American political debate or discussion I have ever witnessed it simultaneously seemed more understanding, an outburst would be met with reason and an explanation.

The striking difference to me became clear when I realized that had I not know Mr Johnsons political affiliation prior to the meeting I would have never been able to pin down what party he represented. This was not entirely due to his tactfulness but the general attitude in the room. While there were many differences of opinion and surely some of the audience left dismayed, disappointed or unimpressed there was a distinct feeling of unity in the room. London is handling some serious political issues but the atmosphere of compromise and togetherness was nothing like American politics. In the US all to often politicians behave as if the person on the other side of the aisle is their enemy when in actuality they are neighbors. Politicians all want the same thing, they want to make the place they live better, they may have differences of opinion, but they have dedicated their careers to the betterment of society, their ideas of what better entails might be divergent, but they all love the region they represent and intend to work for its improvement.