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But What Can I Do?

Why Politics Has Gone so Wrong, and How You Can Help Fix It

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But What Can I Do?

By: Alastair Campbell
Narrated by: Alastair Campbell
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About this listen

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.

©2023 Alastair Campbell (P)2023 Penguin Audio
Elections & Political Process Leadership Personal Development Personal Success Politics & Government United States Business Thought-Provoking Inspiring

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What listeners say about But What Can I Do?

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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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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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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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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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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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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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This should be taught in schools. And everywhere else.

Inspirational and important, I know what I can do and I’m going to put my phone down and do something to change the world for the better. Thanks Alistair. Good council.

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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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Inspired me to keep going.

There will be many people who will write a more eloquent review and I. I’ll leave that to them. All I can say is this is a book anyone and everyone needs to read/listen to and to be read to. We need you to!

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Hope restored - in anticipation

Although this book is aimed at a younger generation (and therefore “what can I do” isn’t aimed directly at me at 62!), I was so inspired. It has given me a level of hope for the future that has lifted my spirits. Alistair is spot on, we must all encourage the young people who can and will change our country for the better - I will be recommending this read to family, friends and colleagues to pass on the ‘perseviliance’ - a word I am going to live by too!

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