Blair Woos Women Voters With New Hairstyle

Differences in voting patterns between men and women can be decisive. Recent US opinion polls indicated in some states that Bill Clinton would be in trouble against Bob Dole if men alone were allowed to vote, but he typically enjoyed a lead of 20 points or more among women. Conservatives believe Blair is viewed as smarmy and insincere by voters. His clean-living image as a Christian family man contrasts sharply with that of Clinton. The Labour leader has agreed to make more high-profile visits to feminine environments, instead of to conferences where he is often surrounded by businessmen in suits. His female colleagues have also advised him to adapt his language to make it more relevant to women, particularly mothers.

 

Tony tends to talk in grand terms about the economy, but we want him to talk more about cash and household budgets, said one Labour MP.

On Tuesday, Blair revealed signs of the new tactics at prime ministers question time. Why dont you talk to women who had children in the NHS a few years ago and that have children now and know of the difference in the standard of facilities? he asked John Major.

Major, in spite of his apparently grey image, is relatively popular with women. He was nominated by listeners to Radio 4s Womens Hour as one of their favourite 50 men.