simonmee's review
4.0
Three years after the transformative 2017 election, do the opinions of this book still hold up? Actually, not too badly.
In a little over a month, Jacinda Ardern turned the Labour Party around from 9 years of moribund opposition into the cornerstone of a governing centre left coalition. It's a little complicated, as the previously ruling National Party actually did remarkably well, but Labour's revival allowed it to knock out National's supporting coalition partners and knit together a new government.
Ardern takes up alot of lines in the book, and the subseqent three years suggests the authors were prescient. While I am a little uncomfortable with lines such as As such, retaining positive perceptions of Ardern's leadership throughout her tenure may be important for retaining or increasing female interest and involvement in politics, she has continued to show "stardust and substance" in her performative role as leader. Labour will base its 2020 campaign around her.
There are multiple other matters analysed in this book, albeit mainly from a historical perspective. They are interesting for a New Zealander but definitely context specific. Ironically, the most abstract and therefore possibly most internationally interesting chapter (economic policy) is the most incomprehensible. I am also not sure whether academics analysing immediately after the election the use of satire is really of value, it's just too slippery to get a grip on.
The chapters by the party leaders and analysis of electoral campaigns are valuable, mainly for where faults are identified or ignored. Some are more "frank" than others, albeit to what extent they are correct is too hard to tell, even when ostensibly admitting errors. Turei's benefit scandal is one with many contrasting viewpoints.
This is a worthwhile collection, that holds up well. My only caveat is I wouldn't see it as necessary for informing a voter's choice going forward. Stardust and Substance doesn't claim to be that, but it does make it more of a snapshot than a moving picture, outside of Jacindamania (which is not minor).
In a little over a month, Jacinda Ardern turned the Labour Party around from 9 years of moribund opposition into the cornerstone of a governing centre left coalition. It's a little complicated, as the previously ruling National Party actually did remarkably well, but Labour's revival allowed it to knock out National's supporting coalition partners and knit together a new government.
Ardern takes up alot of lines in the book, and the subseqent three years suggests the authors were prescient. While I am a little uncomfortable with lines such as As such, retaining positive perceptions of Ardern's leadership throughout her tenure may be important for retaining or increasing female interest and involvement in politics, she has continued to show "stardust and substance" in her performative role as leader. Labour will base its 2020 campaign around her.
There are multiple other matters analysed in this book, albeit mainly from a historical perspective. They are interesting for a New Zealander but definitely context specific. Ironically, the most abstract and therefore possibly most internationally interesting chapter (economic policy) is the most incomprehensible. I am also not sure whether academics analysing immediately after the election the use of satire is really of value, it's just too slippery to get a grip on.
The chapters by the party leaders and analysis of electoral campaigns are valuable, mainly for where faults are identified or ignored. Some are more "frank" than others, albeit to what extent they are correct is too hard to tell, even when ostensibly admitting errors. Turei's benefit scandal is one with many contrasting viewpoints.
This is a worthwhile collection, that holds up well. My only caveat is I wouldn't see it as necessary for informing a voter's choice going forward. Stardust and Substance doesn't claim to be that, but it does make it more of a snapshot than a moving picture, outside of Jacindamania (which is not minor).
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