Review: BBC Question Time, 1st October 2009

Dr. David Starkey says The Sun's decision to back the Tories was a sign that the Government is dying. Took a nice pot shot or two at Peter Mandelson. Made a fun quip about satire magazine Private Eye being more reliable than mainstream serious media. Said that Downing Street denies things that are true and we can't believe the Government spin machine. Said that rumours about Gormless and prescription painkillers were heightened by his media appearances. Said that what he knew about Ben Bradshaw and Sarah Brown made him "want to vomit". Said the Government had lied too often and the forthcoming election would partly be about trust. Socked it to politicians - especially Gormless - for a "devils compact" with the banks ahead of the financial crisis. Accused Gormless of being "ignorant of economics". On Afghanistan, he said that as an old man, he had never known a war to be such a disgrace as this one and that the politics being played around it 'stink'. Also pointed out that Pakistan should be examined if the reason for our being there is to fight 'terrorism'. Quote of the night on Roman Polanksi: "The French take culture seriously - here we've got Ben [Bradshaw]".
Our Rating: We thought Starkey was fantastic the last time he was on Question Time... and his insight and constant punning at the expense of ZaNuLiebour tonight did nothing to alter that position. 9/12

Ben Bradshaw (ZaNuLiebour) said The Sun's decision was patronising and people live their own lives. He was picked up on this by Dumblebee and denied the move had zapped ZaNuLiebour morale. He used the questions to attack The Sun and News International. Dumblebee slapped him down when he tried to claim that the media were creating the story of The Sun's support. Said he thought Andrew Marr asking Gormless about prescription painkillers was "absolutely outrageous". Kept claiming that the question originated with a "right wing" blog. Strangely brought up former MP Chris Smith being HIV positive in a question he put to David Starkey, in order to try arguing for privacy for Gormless and his health. Used 9/11 as "the reason" we're in Afghanistan to keep safety on "our streets". Dumblebee made him look rather foolish on his brief of culture, media and sport for not having much of a clue on a question of Roman Polanski.
Our Rating: Empty answers, unable to counter much from the non-political tour-de-force of David Starkey, made to look ludicrous on his brief by Dumblebee - time that he found an opposition bench to sit on... if his constituents re-elect him. Not much on view here worth supporting. 1/12

Theresa May (Conservative) said that newspapers do not win elections but The Sun's decision to back her party was a sign of recognition for their policies and vowed that the party would continue to try to win the support of voters on the ground. Said that the question of Gormless taking prescription painkillers was not appropriate for him to have been asked. On the issue of banker bonuses, she said that new powers for the Bank of England would be used as a safeguard against risk taking in the banking sector under a Conservative government. Said that the regulatory system that allowed the banks to fail was a failure created by Gormless. Supported Ben Bradshaw on his stance of our being in Afghanistan to fight terrorism.
Our Rating: Sounded scarily as though she was part of the ZaNuLiebour Government and the fact that she expressed agreement with Ben Bradshaw virtually throughout gives a worrying indication that if the British public vote out TweedleDum, we'll only get TweedleDee in return - unless we collectively vote outside of the established order of things. 4/12

Charles Kennedy (LibDem) said the switch of The Sun's support was not mirrored in Scotland, but he admitted that he would have liked their support when he was LibDem leader. Said that it was unreal that the question of Gormless and prescription painkillers would not be asked after similar questions in America. Spoke of his own skeleton regarding drink problems and said that he never sought an apology for revelations on that issue. Said that the strategy in Afghanistan is not working and the aims in the country keep being redefined to suit political agendas of the day. Raised an eyebrow at the timing of the extradition of Roman Polanski.
Our Rating: He was always a likeable chap. Quite why the LibDems haven't taken him back as leader yet is a bit of a mystery. Didn't set the world on fire tonight, but he spoke with some thoughtful reflection and actually came across with a warmth and genuineness that are endearing traits. 7/12

Dambisa Moyo said the interest in The Sun's support for the Conservatives was "laughable". Said on the story of Gormless and prescription drugs that she felt the public has a right to know about issues of health surrounding the national leader. On moves to curb banker bonuses, she said that Governments should not legislate wages for privately owned businesses. Salaries should instead be set by shareholders, she said. Urged for long term strategies in nations like Afghanistan rather than "shooting from the hip".
Our Rating: Never heard of her. Probably never hear from her again. Barely noticed her anyway. At least she wasn't annoying. Seemed nice enough. Didn't say much to get us excited or passionate. 4/12

The link to the official BBC web page for this week's show can be found here.