Gove gets the Humph'
It's not many politicians who can get the better of the Today programme's John Humphrys, but Gove managed to hand him his arse on a plate in just ten minutes today.
Gove had been got out of bed early to discuss the words of Paul Carter, a Tory council leader who had apparently criticised the party's policy on education.
Gove took the wind out of Humph's sails straight away, by revealing that he'd spoken with Carter already. "What, since we spoke with him?" asked Humphrys, outraged to have his scoop scooped. Oh yes.
Humph' was then further unbalanced by the inevitable, should-have-been-forseen claim that Carter's words had been taken "out of context" and that - of course - he actually completely supported the Tory policy.
But don't worry, added Gove, phasers set to 'patronize', it's "..understandable at election time that the BBC would be keen to create a story like this". "Create?" spluttered Humph', but Gove had moved on.
Humphrys stepped up a gear, and began to throw in some tougher questions. Gove swatted them away, pointing out that Johnny was merely repeating Labour smears: "You're better than that, John" he added. Shame it wasn't televison: we couldn't actually see Johnny going puce with rage, but he surely was.
As Humph' got madder and madder, Gove continued, banging out the soundbites, pouring scorn on Labour and ploughing through the endless attempted interruptions.
When Humph' finally got another question in, Gove calmly dismissed it as "..your elegant argument..", then dodged it anyway
As Gove continued, Humph' sulkily pointed out that this was "..not a party election broadcast".
No, agreed Gove, it's an interview where I tell you about Tory thinking.
"We'll you've had ten minutes for that" pouted Johnny petulantly.
"Most of which has been taken up with you asking me questions" replied Gove, smoothly.
"Well, we'll change the system" said Humph' sarcastically
"No, we'll change the system.." replied Gove, going on to deliver the remainder of his set text, with Humphrys reduced to spluttering impotently in the background.
So rattled was the nation's favourite interrupter that he could barely managed to bring the interview to a close. He just could not stop Gove, who must be very pleased with his ten minutes' work today.
If (and it is if) Humph' allows the BBC to put the interview online, CF will update with the link.
Most excellent listening.
++ Update ++ Hat-tip to commenter 'enslaver' who reckons you can listen here.
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