Without reason to listen to what the parties are saying, the minds of both the public and the media become more fascinated by the scenery, the props, the greasepaint, lighting and stage direction. Without the imperative to listen in order to decide, we are drawn to observe the way things are done. The absence of voter involvement in the substance of this election and the natural tendency to be interested in the process of presentation are conspiring to create a dangerous mix for Labour over the next two and a half weeks of the campaign. Labour is being as laudably professional as ever. Just like 97 and 92 and 87, it is a great, professional effort and, as we have grown to expect, better than the other side's.
Different circumstances require a different response.
The concentration by the public and the media on the packaging rather than the product can only fuel a cynicism that it is all a game. Everywhere artifice, nothing natural and true to itself. This, combined with the poll-fed impression that it is in the bag, could lead to record levels of abstention. Not differential abstention, as the usual distaste of Labour voters for any Labour government is offset this time by Conservative voters' dismissal of their own leader, but an absolutely low turnout. So we could be heading for a thumping Labour majority, but one where more have abstained than have endorsed Labour's second term.