"David Cameron is seen as either a BMW 5 series sports car or a thoroughbred racehorse, while his social event of choice could be mingling at a Live 8 concert or other big stadium gig.
Regarded as a dynamic, virile figure, he would also be at home at a disco, laughing, talking and most importantly listening. His single biggest drawback - and strength - is that he is seen as too similar to Tony Blair, a leader with whom voters have lost faith, and now regard either as a defunct Rover, or minicab. Chancellor Gordon Brown is seen as a tank.
That is the view of voters, according to focus group research commissioned by the Guardian from ICM on the eve of Mr Cameron's first 100 days of leadership. The research shows that Mr Cameron reminds them of Tony Blair, but feel the prime minister has let them down, leaving them suspicious of the political classes. So the Tory leader has a conundrum - he must embrace Mr Blair and distance himself from him.
And while Mr Cameron has created a sense of expectancy, voters feel he has offered only signposts, not policies.
Other focus group work, undertaken for Labour, regards Mr Cameron as an alcopop, but voters like the things the Conservative leader likes, including his home, his choice of shoes and his clothes. As a result, they think he is like us, the voters."
Mr Brown can console himself with the thought that, in times of trouble, it would be infinitely preferable to have a tank available. And, in any case, Beamers no longer have the kind of cachet they once attracted.
Compare and contrast the 20 year old farm tractor which is John Prescott, the Ford Capri (all flash and no guts) which is Peter Mandelson and the Hillman Imp which is Jack McConnell.
Final thought: If I were Mr Cameron, I'd be worried about the alcopop...
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