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?
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Narrated by:
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Alastair Campbell
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 AudioListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about But What Can I Do?
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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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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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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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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- neil thompson
- 02-06-23
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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- Daniel Wyman
- 08-06-23
Honest and inspirational
This is a reminder that I have the time to make the change I want to see, a hope that I will be sharing with all those much younger than me.
The book is honest, at times brutal, funny and inspiring. I would encourage anyone to listen to this book but especially the young.
In his rule, Benedict of Nursia said, "The reason why we have said all should be called for counsel is that the Lord often reveals what is better to the younger." Let the young have a voice and encourage them to speak it in the political forum.
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- J. Pritchard
- 25-06-23
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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Murrae Blair-Park
- 28-06-23
Entering politics late in life.
Alastair I found this publication very interesting.
I feel there is an opportunity to emphasise the importance of local government as being the life’s ambition to get into politics.
I am 62 and I won my first election in May 2023.
I find local politics relevant, frustrating and exhilarating all at the same. Keep fighting all the fights we are making a difference. Murrae
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- Mr. Kevin Lawler
- 03-08-23
A very humane book
Politics needs ambassadors like this,. A very engaging read and let’s us hear the authors journey to his conclusions.
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- Phil near Huntingdon
- 24-07-23
Truly inspirational and motivational!
Thank you Alastair, for writing this book. Everyone should read and understand this book and then consider what they can contribute, large or small to help improve politics. Thanks again.
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