Xenophobic Purple People Meters

U.S. Republican pollster Frank Luntz traveled to Britain, "to examine the mood of the voters." According to 30 "swing voters" using "people meters," George Bush may be Tony Blair's biggest liability. Luntz wrote, "We showed them the first few moments of the recent White House press conference where President Bush and Mr. Blair stood side-by-side and talked about 'a clear way forward' in Iraq. The dials plummeted. Never in 17 years of moderating people-meter sessions have I seen an audience react so negatively." Adding that "nothing riles the undecideds ... more than immigration," Luntz suggested, "If the Conservatives have the courage to tackle the immigration issue head-on, and the skill to avoid crossing the fine line into race-baiting, they can recapture many working-class Labour seats."