Just A Minute

I'm certain over the many years this show has been on the air that politics has come into play more than once in the subjects and discussions.  In fact, I recall several times where Derek would try to challenge someone for deviation on the grounds that what he or she was saying was now becoming a party political broadcast. 

 

In fact, at one time or another they have had politicians of some form appear on JAM, with Clement being an MP at one time, and Gyles Brandreth also being one.  I also recall on the TV version they had Tony Banks, and I seem to recall and early 1970's episode that had Barbara Castle, although I'm not certain if she was in politics per se although the man she was married to was, I think, or he was a journalist or she was a journalist, I can't really remember. 

 

I also recall a really infamous argument that broke out between the panelists and the chairman I think in an episode from the early 70's regarding the subject of politics and then subsequently the subject of 'Drakes'.  I think the panelists were Clement, Kenneth, Derek and Sheila.  I thought it was one of the finest examples of how the passions flare up for the sake of comedy on this program.  I recall that Sheila was making the point that she was 'a-political' and that she used to be believe that one party looked after the rich, and one looked after the poor, and Kenneth got her on deviation even though it was her opinion, and Nicholas agreed and essentially said that what she was saying was untrue, even though it was her opinion and she had established that she used to believe that sort of thing, but no matter how much she justified herself, Nick wasn't having any of it. 

 

I also recall that Clement managed to get in on the last few seconds or half a second, and I think it was a subject he had started with, and in that half second all he could mention was the Liberals and was unable to go any further, and Parsons commented that he hopes that it isn't an example of their potency in Parliament or words to that effect. 

 

In addition, JAM proved itself to be a great forum for poking fun at local politicians as well as whoever happened to be president in America at the time. 

 

In addition, the topicality of what panelists would bring into each subject was always something that brought a smile to my face, like whenever Tony Blair or George W. were made fun of, or even Saddam Hussein or Osama Bin Laden.

 

I'm curious though, I am currently going through the latest crop of episodes that comprise 2008, so far I'm only in series 55 though, but can anyone recall any recent discussions regarding the American presidential race in series 56?  I'm sure I'll find out, but it would be great if any one of them talked about Obama or McCain or Palin.  I'm curious how much more topical the show will be in the next series after Obama is sworn in.