Future Now

What's the alternative, people ask in response to criticism of Rush. Over in the Think Now column, we have a link to a fascinating profile on David Cameron's success in the UK - and how it was achieved with small changes in policy supported by dramatic changes in style and tone.

The picture changed at the Conservative Party conference in October 2005, where Cameron gave a speech -- without notes -- in which he argued that the party had to "change and modernize our culture and attitudes and identity ... a fundamental change, so that when we fight the next election we have a message that is relevant to people's lives today, that shows we're comfortable with modern Britain and that we believe our best days lie ahead." The speech was perhaps as significant for Britain's Tories as Barack Obama's 2004 Democratic Convention speech was for the American left. Before the speech, Cameron was a long shot for party leader. After it, he was a sure bet.