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But What Can I Do?
- Why Politics Has Gone so Wrong, and How You Can Help Fix It
- Narrated by: Alastair Campbell
- Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins
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Summary
Brought to you by Penguin.
'Your country needs you. Your world needs you. Your time is now.'
Our politics is a mess. We have leaders who can't or shouldn't be allowed to lead. We endure governments that lie, and seek to undermine our democratic values. And we are confronted with policies that serve the interests of the privileged few. It's no surprise that so many of us feel frustrated, let down and drawn to ask, 'But what can I do?'
That question is the inspiration behind this book. It's a question regularly posed to Alastair Campbell, not least in reaction to The Rest is Politics, the chart-topping podcast he presents with former Tory Cabinet minister Rory Stewart. His answer, typically, is forthright and impassioned. We cannot afford to stand on the sidelines. If we think things need to change, then we need to change them, and that means getting involved.
But What Can I Do? provides each of us with the motivation and the tools to make a difference. It explains how we can develop our skills of advocacy and persuasion. It draws on Alastair's long experience to offer practical tips on putting together and leading a campaign team. It provides priceless advice on developing confidence and coping with criticism and setbacks. And it sets out the practical steps by which we can become political players ourselves.
Part call to arms, part practical handbook, But What Can I Do? will prove required listening for anyone who wants to make a difference.
What listeners say about But What Can I Do?
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- Anita Herbert
- 04-07-23
Engaging and Thought Provoking
I love Alistair’s genuine drive to encourage people to engage in politics. His book is well narrated and very easy to listen to. For the youngsters, he has really sound advice. I particularly liked what he said about leadership.
Bill W is a hero of mine too.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Jen Blaza
- 28-02-24
A call to just get involved
The overwhelming message of this book is that politics is for everyone and to just get involved. Additionally there were practical tips, such as understanding your objective, strategy and tactics and the difference between them. I also liked the realism that no one succeeds all the time and that while our party politics system means having to compromise on some issues you can still stay true to your main cause.
Given Alastair is a Labour supporter it did at times feel very anti-Conservative but his criticism was well explained. The need to move away from extremes to the centre ground resonated with me hugely.
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- sbhandari
- 14-03-24
Leadership lessons avant garde
I am avid followers of Alastair and Rory’s podcast and having heard this book I am now a fan. Where as Rory’s book was revealing , depressing and hopeful at the same time. Alastair’s performance is inspiring and actionable
I made fundamental changes in my very senior teams and to my own self . Clarity of OST has stuck with me
What’s OST ?
Well for that you have to read the book ..
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- AlJoMo
- 12-05-23
Turns out you can do much more than you thought!
I thought the book would launch straight into self help advice about what one can do to help effect change in society. I should have known better! This is Alastair Campbell.
The first section is a reinforcer as to how and why there is a need for both awareness and activation in relation to the troika of Polarity, Populism and Post Truth (3 P's). The author writes and reads with his head and heart. So while you should expect a heartfelt explanation of the exploitation of the 3 P"s by cynical self interested leaders ,including some of the UK's very own, you should also find balance and respect for leaders from across the political spectrum who are acknowledged for their many fine values including "persevilience" (Mr Campbell's new word) in upholding the rule of law and democracy.
"But what can I do" then takes the listener into practical steps offering advice on how one can help fix and get involved. The great thing about these sections is that they draw on previous Campbell , writings ,work and insights, so we have hints and tips on areas such as teamship, leadership, formulating strategies and better mental health.
This book is authentic and carries weight on Audible because it is read by Mr Campbell .
Whatever your passion or political persuasion have a read or a listen.
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7 people found this helpful
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- NatMac
- 14-05-23
Didn’t fail to deliver
Thoughtful, compelling and very easy on the ear. Listen to what he has to say. Take what you like. Leave what you don’t. I guarantee you’ll take more than you think.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Beano
- 15-07-23
A stimulating book
Really thoughtful, insightful and inspirational. My only criticism is that the early sections excessively laboured the point that the tories, especially Boris Johnson, his contemporaries and successors, are the problem. We know, don’t overdo it
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2 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 20-05-23
Beyond inspiring
Alastair’s book is a much needed defence of politics as a vocation in a time where politicians are endlessly derided. Hopefully it will inspire a generation of young people to change politics for the better
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- alan ball
- 15-09-23
Inspiring stuff
A great listen, AC really gets his message across, plus gives an excellent breakdown of how modern politics really works
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- Dellyish
- 02-09-23
Life Reaffirming, Honest, Motivating
Absolutely superb! I wish everyone under 40 would listen to this ...now! I was once (a good 15 years ago) the person in a physical audience who Alastair directed his after dinner speech to, I am an engaged listener he spoke to me afterwards and as I was about the only woman in the audience I thought he was being flirty! How I laughed when I listened to his description of how he manages his nerves. Sorry Alistair!
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- Ms. Susie Knight
- 22-05-23
A beautifully crafted and inspiring read.
Down to Earth, practical but inspiring book about how anyone can become politically active and make a positive contribution to making a better Britain.
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