University of Otago lecturer and political commentator Dr
Bryce Edwards (left) and Labour Party MP David Cunliffe at
a Vote Chat 2011 forum yesterday. Photo by Peter McIntosh.
The writing was on the wall for Labour MP David Cunliffe
at a University of Otago political forum yesterday, as a
running stream of tweeted messages from students kept him
looking over his shoulder.
Mr Cunliffe's visit to the university was hosted by Dr Bryce
Edwards, a political commentator and university lecturer, who
is running the weekly "Vote Chat" series featuring
politicians before the November election.
The Vote Chat forum has, so far, featured Green Party
co-leader Meteira Turei, National MP Michael Woodhouse,
Labour list MP David Parker, and Dunedin North Labour
candidate David Clarke.
Dr Edwards has interviewed the politicians in front of an
audience, while the forum is streamed live on the internet,
and a stream of tweeted messages and questions is displayed
as a running commentary.
"The idea is to foster a different type of political
environment, whereby the audience doesn't just get the usual
well-rehearsed campaigning speech from a politician," Dr
Edwards said.
Mr Cunliffe deflected questions about potential leadership
challenges to Labour's Phil Goff, a topic which was a
favourite among "twittersphere" followers.
Mr Goff had the support of all the party and would make a
fine leader of the country, while National would sell New
Zealand out, Mr Cunliffe told the audience.
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