Boris – The Aftermath

It’s been a few days since the metaphorical lynching of our dear Boris, and many of the kneejerk reactions will now have been put to rest. The visits to Boriswatch have increased threefold, the comments and forum posts on Boriswatch have been measured and considered, and all in all Boris seems to have a lot more support both here and on other websites than is being reported.
On top of the Boriswatch input, I’ve found that people – both who I know and who are complete strangers to me – have asked my opinion on Boris’s faux pas, and also on his future. It seems that many care what happens to Boris, such is his support. I’ve wondered whether I should put my thoughts in writing – mainly because I see so many ill-informed people recklessly giving opinions, and I didn’t really want to become another one. But, I thought as I lay back and sipped my cocoa, I run Boriswatch, and I have a duty to update and provoke discussion. So, for what it’s worth, I thought I’d stick my oar in, put my thoughts to paper and spout forth, with one proviso – that, like many others who have commented publicly on the issue, I don’t know Boris. I’ve no idea of the extraneous factors that may be involved. I’ve no idea what it’s like to be an editor, an MP or a media personality, least of all all three. But I think I know what the public thinks – and they will ultimately decide Boris’s fate.
Boris has enjoyed huge success in all areas of his career, causing more than a few jealous detractors in the media and in politics. He is feted by many for higher things – and this is based not only on his obvious intelligence. He has an ability to talk a great deal of common sense, and convey his thoughts in a way that both entertains and informs. This in itself is a rare talent.
But his journalistic genius is at odds with political life. The two professions have, to put it mildly, a history. Journalists comment on politicians; the two should, by rights, be mutually exclusive. Boris has managed magnificently to balance the two careers he holds most dear. He has stumbled. From now on The Spectator, a publication always meant to enrage and inform, will be constantly monitored by opponents for further transgressions. That cannot be good for Boris or for the freedom of The Spectator.
I have no doubt that Boris will bounce back. The outpouring of support in response to Liverpudlian attacks of the last few days goes to show that many people believe in him. He is frankly the best prospect the Conservative Party has, and let’s face it, if any politician is likely to survive a public mauling it’s Boris. As he said a few days ago, “I’m simultaneously clinging on and coming out fighting.” The public on the whole love him, and the odd transgression is more than countered by the pleasure and common-sense he has put forward over the years. He is widely acknowledged as a shining light in two professions with dull and mendacious reputations, and for that the whole country should salute him. I, for one, would love him to continue as he always has, being a popular media figure and using that to liven up the political spectrum.
There’s been talk in the media that he cannot possibly be giving his multitude of jobs their full attention. I disagree. All areas of his career were blossoming before this episode, and he has proved himself a very able man. In a few months, he’ll be back as big as ever. But after the embers of this episode have died down, one simple, blunt question remains – a question that I and countless others really hate to ask. In the current politically correct climate, can Boris continue to ride two horses with one arse? I hope he can – but this has made it just that little bit more difficult.
UPDATE: Boris responds to the Spectator article on his website