tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124360342011-11-24T00:11:32.085+01:00Politics, music and football from a center-left perspective. Often in English since I believe in a global social democratic movement, but also due to the years as a student in Scotland, France, Italy and the US. Don’t hold my employer, or not even Liverpool FC, accountable for the views and thoughts. Enjoy!Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.comBlogger6191100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-61607216658977392512008-08-26T19:13:00.002+02:002008-08-26T19:17:11.635+02:00

Y’all,I am in Denver, covering the Democratic convention for ”Aktuellt i Politiken”. I am blogging quite a lot from here in Swedish, check it out at www.aip.nu.If I have time I will try to write here as well, but my main writing will be in Swedish...And: I still have some ideas about how this blog can continue in English. Stay tuned.Eric

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-47333179176855891662008-07-03T15:59:00.003+02:002008-07-03T16:06:19.880+02:00

A few people have written to me recently, asking me to start blogging on a regular basis in English again. Thanks y’all, I am honestly flattered. As a matter of fact, I have an idea about how this blogging-in-English-thing could and should continue, so keep posted. More to come in August.But as most of you should know, I blog quite a lot in Swedish at Aktuellt i Politiken. And during the

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-91973519269703816222008-02-11T17:34:00.000+01:002008-02-11T18:04:11.905+01:00

Y'all,Please note that I have the honor to be the PES-blogger of the week at the YourSpace Manifesto 2009-site that the PES is running.My first blog post is a Per Wirtén-inspired take on why the Party of European Socialists is so important. Read it here.

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-19099165315730822532008-02-05T23:35:00.001+01:002008-02-05T23:38:43.325+01:00

It’s Super Tuesday kids and I am now finally (after a looong train ride) at the newspaper Fokus’ election night. I will be blogging [in Swedish] at www.aip.nu from here, and you will find more information at Fokus’ website.

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-67191159077787952052008-01-31T22:41:00.000+01:002008-11-13T05:24:23.949+01:00

This is one of the best news I have heard in a very long while. Read the whole article if you have any interest in football and the global economy.In short: Football fans, Liverpool fans!!!, are planning to take a fight with the two US businessmen/tycoons (Gillette and Hicks) who recently bought our fine club. I have been disturb by quite a few things that the US tycoons have done.Examples: When

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-4043116226540065262008-01-15T22:20:00.000+01:002008-01-15T22:32:08.413+01:00

I have written quite a lot about the ongoing primaries on the blog at www.aip.nu. Unfortunately, my original dream scenario will never come true: Al Gore as the Democratic presidential nominee, running with Barack Obama as Vice Prez. When the election is won with an enlarged majority in Congress, Hillary Clinton becomes Majority leader in the Senate, with Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House.In

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-52860803748468399022007-12-30T12:25:00.000+01:002007-12-30T12:35:37.409+01:00

Just wanted to say Happy Progressive 2008 to the readers of this blog! I have some new ideas about how my blog here and my writings at www.aip.nu could be linked and developed, but more about that in 2008.Until then, here’s my summary of international politics and elections in 2007 [written before the tragic assassination of Benazir Bhutto].Take care and watch out for progressive election

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-90100724687549415832007-12-07T14:57:00.000+01:002007-12-07T15:05:31.274+01:00

Bruce Springsteen is about to come to town (Monday) and as always in Sweden, this is a big piece of news. Today, our best and most serious radio channel (P1) devotes a whole program (”Kulturfredag”) to Bruce. I was interview for the program and talked mostly about Bruce as an increasingly political artist.At www.aip.nu you will find my take on Springsteen and politics (is he really a social

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-88901792625355839272007-11-27T09:13:00.000+01:002007-11-27T09:19:40.827+01:00

As y'all know, the elections in Australia went very well (i.e. Kevin Rudd and the Labor party won). What we all wonder know is what other center-left parties can learn from the campaign.E.J. Dionne has already written an article about it, in which he underlines the need to win the decisive swing-voters, while mobilizing you base at the same time. I agree with his analysis:”While Rudd's centrism

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-48553494520699853042007-11-16T16:56:00.000+01:002007-11-16T16:59:26.609+01:00

...did not result in a new government. You can read my take on it in Swedish here.

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-19289193217317624192007-11-12T09:24:00.000+01:002008-11-13T05:24:24.350+01:00

Tomorrow Tuesday there are parliamentary elections in Denmark. If you understand Danish, here are a few progressive (i.e. social democratic) blogs:Jens Steen, a really good friend of mine since the days when I was active in SSF.Dan Jørgensen, one of our sharper MEPs.Jacob Bjerregaard, leader of the Danish Social Democratic Youth (DSU).Peter Strauss, also a friend from DSU.Kristian Madsen,

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-41918338537898766572007-11-10T11:31:00.000+01:002007-11-10T11:37:29.879+01:00

Two big things have happened in my life recently; I have bought an apartment with my girlfriend and I have been on a great vacation to Argentina and Uruguay with two friends from the US (the highlight was my very good friend Lukas’ wedding). That explains the lack of blogging for a while.However, this weekend the social democratic party has a big gathering about school policy in Stockholm. I am

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-27214625072718233462007-10-23T17:57:00.000+02:002007-10-23T18:09:17.068+02:00

For all of you living in the region of Stockholm, don’t miss the seminar about US politics that the excellent magazine Fokus is organizing on Thursday (more information here).And talking about the US: I recently wrote a longer article about the presidential race for the SSU magazine Frihet, encouraged by the new editor in chief Axel Björneke. I have published it below [Swedish].Inledning:

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-48314973432414766842007-10-17T14:39:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:24.522+01:00

I have been listening to the same song over and over again today; ”The South side of Heaven”. And the guy singing - Ryan Bingham - is touring with The Drive-By Truckers in the US right now (the Truckers is one of my absolute favorite bands).On the 28th of October they will both be playing in Baltimore, Maryland, and I wouldn’t mind going there with my US friends who like exactly this kind of

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-34952509727670979512007-10-15T15:48:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:24.630+01:00

I only had ten days of vacation last summer and in Europe folks, that is nothing. So on the 26th of October I am clocking out for 12 wonderful days in Argentina, where one of my best friends (Lukas) is getting married.Yesterday I spoke on the phone with one of my friends who I will meet up with in Buenos Aires. We were both excited about the presidential election in Argentina on the 28th of

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-67351418246102081302007-10-12T08:27:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:24.741+01:00

I was, of course, wrong yesterday. Doris Lessing won the Nobel Prize in literature and I say congrats, also since she is only the 11th woman to win it.So, time for new guess: Al Gore wins the Nobel Peace Prize today and launches a Presidential run at a press conference this afternoon. Remember where you read it first! (Or just forget this, at least my last hope for Al Gore’s entry into the race).

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-45366743844055435592007-10-11T08:20:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:24.924+01:00

Since there is such a buzz about Philip Roth, at least in Sweden, I guess he won’t receive the Nobel Prize in literature today. He is one of my favorite authors so now when you have heard so many great things about him, go ahead and start reading boos like ”The plot against American” and ”American Pastoral”.And if he doesn’t get the Prize, why not give it to Richard Ford? But given the gender

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-198398015879590722007-10-05T15:23:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:25.106+01:00

I just read one of those articles that reminds me why The Economist is a very good magazine. Read their Clinton special here. And don’t miss Torbjörn Nilsson’s article about Sweden’s left party in Fokus this week.* * *The Swedish Social Democratic party presented their alternative to the government’s budget today. When it comes to policy I liked it; a lot of stuff to promote jobs and growth, and

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-77477013984433825802007-09-28T14:37:00.001+02:002007-09-28T14:59:10.328+02:00

We are all following what is going on in Burma right now. I just got a ”Global call to Action” from IUSY (International Union of Socialist Youth) and the blog they have started in order to follow ”the Saffron Revolution” might prove to be a useful source of information.If you grew up politically in Social Democratic Students in Sweden (SSF), Burma becomes a part of your political awakening. Since

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-14539654487408546412007-08-31T15:45:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:25.452+01:00

The US presidential elections are still so far away, but the heat is on. The DSCC is looking for a new slogan, and since James Carville e-mailed me about it [a group mail of course] I decided to help out and vote (see below):

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-33084728281278398202007-08-28T09:52:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:25.563+01:00

The first single from Bruce Springsteen’s forthcoming album ”Magic” has been released and you can download it through different newspapers (Expressen in Sweden). However, we live in the YouTube-age and there you can already listen to the song, see videos that folks have put together, and listen to a cover by one of these men with a guitar, recording themselves in the bedroom.I like the single –

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-29773544666519454322007-08-27T17:39:00.000+02:002007-08-27T17:43:25.067+02:00

I have been working hard for two weeks, did not care about blogging in English, and I noticed two things. First of all, I missed it. Secondly, I got e-mails asking me what was going on. I was asked what happened with my English summary of the SSU-congress. So, here goes: The SSU-congress in three bullet points:1. Overall, I was positively surprised. When I sat listening to the political debates,

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-65281640559027107232007-08-16T19:17:00.001+02:002008-11-13T05:24:25.688+01:00

I have to share a press release I just got:”Bruce Springsteen's 'Magic' Set for October 2 Release on Columbia Records'Magic,' Bruce Springsteen's new studio recording and his first with the E Street Band in five years, is set for release by Columbia Records on October 2, 2007. Produced and mixed by Brendan O'Brien, the album features eleven new Springsteen songs and was recorded at Southern

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-61050476528508513202007-08-14T08:53:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:25.899+01:00

Just as my copy of the newspaper The Economist arrived at my desk, a major piece of political news broke. The piece of news? Karl Rove is resigning. And on the cover of The Economist? The question ”Is American turning left?” For a political nerd, a coincident like this is what we live for and laugh at.And yes, Karl Rove has a brilliant political mind, that I love(d) to hate and fear. But so many

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-52454193212502060612007-08-12T23:43:00.000+02:002007-08-12T23:44:56.204+02:00

You can read my web-editorial about Mona Sahlin’s Summer Speech in Fittja here [in Swedish].

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-88832750185652277782007-08-07T16:31:00.000+02:002007-08-07T16:34:33.827+02:00

So I am here, at the SSU-Congress 2007 in Örebro. I will blog in Swedish at www.aip.nu from here, and write a summary in English when it is all over. [The election of a new president will take place tomorrow Wed in the morning.]

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-20314294614055732112007-08-07T14:49:00.000+02:002007-08-07T14:55:09.085+02:00

The New Republic has an article on ”Why Obama Is Repeating Bush’s Foreign Policy Mistake”. Obama and his foreign policy blunders have been a major debate during the last couple of days, but the article concludes in a rather positive way:”Obama is correct in asserting that the war in Iraq has fueled jihadist terrorism around the world, but, it is not clear that a U.S. withdrawal would unwind this

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-27370912577610037832007-08-03T13:49:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:26.163+01:00

Guess who has started blogging? Yes, it seems to be a group-blog, and we don’t know how often it will happen. But it would be great with regular postings, about old times and what is happening today. Welcome to the blogosphere, president Bill Clinton!

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-70242941696366084322007-08-02T09:11:00.000+02:002007-08-02T09:12:47.717+02:00

There has been a lot of talk of what would happen when/if Bill Clinton returns to the White House on 1600 Penn Avenue as the husband of the new president Hillary Rodham Clinton.But, and most naturally, this would also mean that Chelsea Clinton would be the child of an American president for probably another eight years. Here is an article on this lifelong Truman Show from The New York Times.

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-8247140825027655022007-07-30T22:31:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:26.338+01:00

The great Ingmar Bergman passed away in his bed this morning. Sweden, as well as the world, is paying respect to the greatest filmmaker of the 20th century (at least according to Woody Allen, and he should know).To me, Ingmar Bergman will always be synonymous with the Christmas of 1984. I was 10 years old and my family spent the holidays with my grandmother and grandfather on a small island on

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-57640762995729965462007-07-28T22:31:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:26.522+01:00

I spent two hours watching the CNN/YouTube Debates the other night (you know, the debate when the Democratic presidential hopefuls answered questions submitted by “ordinary” voters through YouTube. The Republican debate will be held on September 17). If you are interested in politics I recommend you to see it, I was positively surprised. Here are my main conclusions.1. I liked the format with the

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-55000243562159542922007-07-25T22:17:00.002+02:002007-07-25T22:31:34.511+02:00

The reports in media about the Turkish elections, but also comments by Western European leaders, have been very mainstream. Most commentators seem to agree that the Islamic-rooted AKP has implemented important reforms domestically, while pursuing a pro-EU foreign policy. Pretty good for an Islamic-rooted party, Westerns seem to say, and thus their election victory is welcomed.One thing I would

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-62078090205113585292007-07-24T21:45:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:26.690+01:00

Just have to share some pure joy with y’all: Yesterday my sister Anna gave birth to a wonderful boy, William Bo Axel, and I am even more happy and excited than I thought possible. William is gorgeous and both parents are feeling fine (even though my wonderful sister is a little bit tired, of course).And as Tony Soprano would say: Friends are great, but the only thing you can really trust in life

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-53261478495584149672007-07-15T23:31:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:26.936+01:00

The week of politics in Almedalen [Wikipedia in English here] is over and I now have two wonderful weeks of vacation (that will be spent in Sweden due to a veeery pregnant sister). But first: Some conclusions from Almedalen for y’all who follow Swedish politics through this blog.Mona Sahlin held a very good speech, focusing on young people and youth issues, but quite a few people seem to have

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-37516280666774848202007-07-13T15:52:00.000+02:002007-07-13T15:59:59.470+02:00

Here is a summary of most of the stuff I have written about ”Almedalsveckan”. It is all in Swedish but I will post some thoughts in English here tomorrow. Just need to sleep and think about anything but politics first.

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-29705687651321607212007-07-11T11:53:00.000+02:002007-07-11T11:56:35.981+02:00

New stuff on www.aip.nu again, for example my column about Mona Sahlin’s speech [Swedish].

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-51511465631472927832007-07-10T15:08:00.001+02:002008-11-13T05:24:28.282+01:00

Göran Persson during the seminar with BIL Sweden. Krister Nyman and Nisha Besara right before Mona’s speechThe little ”hill” besides the stage where journalists hang out, right before Mona’s speechThe social democratic gang called ”Katapult”, politics as street theater.Torbjörn Nilsson at the bar Vinäger with a very cool umbrella.Åsa Petersen and Johan.The young gang at Aftonbladet; Jocke

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-734328665068657412007-07-09T11:42:00.000+02:002007-07-09T11:43:30.406+02:00

... loads of news, columns etc from Almedalen at www.aip.nu [in Swedish].

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-49214515908008127762007-07-08T11:48:00.000+02:002007-07-09T09:32:07.915+02:00

So it has begun yet again, ”The week of politics” on the beautiful but today rainy island of Gotland. I took the ferry here early this morning and this is the deal during the week: For blog posts, articles, columns, op eds etc about Almedalen in Swedish, stick to www.aip.nu. For photos and some general remarks in English, stick to this page (www.ericsundstrom.blogspot.com). As I have said

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-20231647180983559332007-07-06T15:59:00.000+02:002007-07-06T16:04:45.202+02:00

Don’t miss the latest political news from Argentina; Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, the wife of the present president Néstor Kirchner, will be the ruling Peronist party’s candidate in the presidential election (October 28th). Yeah, you remember the history, Juan and Eva Perón, etc etc. Full article in The Economist here.

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-88964489833722397822007-07-04T23:46:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:28.497+01:00

It’s Fourth of July and a perfect day to be confused.On the one hand, I started the day by listening to the song “Independence Day” by Bruce Springsteen (YouTube here) and ended up thinking of the Fourth of July in 2002, when I sat on The Mall in Washington DC and discussed the values of the Declaration of Independence versus terrorism with some friends. As y’all know, I admire the US of A in

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-88477927015205614982007-07-03T08:20:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:28.725+01:00

I have written before that I would like to see Al Gore running for the Democratic nomination. He was right on the big issues (environment, balanced and competitive economy, welfare) already 15-20 years ago; he can provide the experienced leadership Americans are asking for; and therefore he will win (I am not that sure that Hillary Clinton would win, and she will get the nomination if Gore won’t

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-36784697450493240702007-07-02T14:36:00.000+02:002007-07-02T14:47:35.884+02:00

One of the weirdest things in Swedish politics starts on Sunday: The week when almost all politicians, journalists, consultants etc etc gather on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea (this week is known as ”Almedalsveckan”).The pretext is the 462 seminars that will be held, but the most important thing to do is to hang around and meet other ”important people”. Even a guy like me have mixed

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-52520199638840780392007-06-27T23:19:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:28.866+01:00

Today it is ”Over to you, Mr Brown”, as the title of the book I am reading (by Anthony Giddens) is also suggesting. I have been watching Sky News for an hour and for a political anglophile, these are interesting days. Blair was really in good form today as he participated in the Prime Minister’s questions for the very last time (watch it here), and Sky has been running clips and debates for most

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-46585506399013730252007-06-25T14:13:00.000+02:002007-06-25T14:21:08.995+02:00

What would happen if the Bush administration got all mixed up with Apple and Steve Jobs? Maybe a new product, the iRack!? Check it out here, hilarious. [Thanks for the link, Anso]* * *Had a Tom Waits morning on YouTube and found some totally brilliant clips from a show once broadcasted on Italian Rai Due (!?). Downtown Train, and (Looking for) The Heart of a Saturday Night, and Jersey Girl in

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-89412963834553428302007-06-21T13:13:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:29.029+01:00

A wonderful friend and fellow blogger Åsa Petersen recently had a release party for the new, updated and re-written edition of her book ”Bortom normen”. I had a great time at the party, attended by our fantastic party leader Mona Sahlin, and you can see pictures from it at Helle Klein’s blog. Åsa’s book taught me quite a few things when it was first released, and I look forward to reading the new

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-68846628527386802212007-06-20T23:42:00.000+02:002007-06-21T13:01:40.093+02:00

I wrote about worlds colliding the other day, and then Hillary decided to mix politics and The Sopranos in a new video just the day after! Read more in Washington Post and The New York Times. Don’t miss the new video, featuring Hillary’s husband Bill and ”Johnny Sack” from The Sopranos.But after meeting with Robert Kuttner (yes, the man who co-founded American Prospect) at Arenagruppen yesterday

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-5406108996364981512007-06-18T23:21:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:29.170+01:00

As readers of this blog know, I like a few things very much. Some of these things exist in parallel and seldom cross path, and when they do I get all fired up. An example for you: Remember when Bruce Springsteen wrote an op ed called ”Chords for Change” in The New York Times, explaining why he supported John Kerry and John Edwards?Now it is time again. The last episode of The Sopranos has been

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-75477237894220924742007-06-15T15:01:00.000+02:002007-06-19T08:21:16.874+02:00

Can someone explain this? Seems like he met Jeltsin... Was Sarko just ”sick”?

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-9809761743027221932007-06-13T08:37:00.000+02:002007-06-18T08:42:13.109+02:00

Here is some additional information on the election in Belgium (I wrote an article about it for AiP):In Wallonia, the Parti Socialiste did not become the biggest party for the first time in modern history, only collecting some 11 percent of the vote. A corruption scandal in Charleroi is one explanation, but from what I understand the PS is suffering from a bad image in general (symbolizing old

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-84019504773325113742007-06-11T17:40:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:29.546+01:00

I promised to follow up with an election report from Belgium, and my dear friend Brian just sent me the following update. Here you go (it's sad news):”The left took a hard blow, especially in Flanders – and that came as a shock, as polls pointed them around 20%.In the French speaking community the loss is around 10% – but could have been much more difficult considering the context of affairs in

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-45545688110172298302007-06-08T08:48:00.000+02:002007-06-08T08:56:53.404+02:00

In the US Presidential race, there are a lot a candidates mainstream media seldom writes about. As a change, watch this interview with Republican candidate Ron Paul on John Stewart’s Daily Show. And don’t miss Stewart’s debate advise to Ron Paul (right at the end).* * *I got some questions about the election in Belgium, and yes I am trying to follow it (mainly through Le Soir). But honsestly, it

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-1566737010969811312007-06-07T10:30:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:29.819+01:00

So, a new Bruce-record has arrived (”Live in Dublin. Bruce Springsteen with the Sessions Band”). I have not had time to buy it yet, but you can order and watch two videos here. I really like the version of ”Growin’ up”.

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-49023033986115523902007-06-05T23:28:00.000+02:002007-06-06T20:35:39.209+02:00

…on the Danish bloke who ran onto the pitch and tried to hit the referee (YouTube here). Two thoughts:1. Sure, it would have been great if Ljungberg scored on the penalty, giving Sweden the victory 4-3. But who knows what could have happened in that stadium then? So, the referee made the right decision.2. Since I am a Liverpool fan, high fences immediately bring back very tragic memories. But

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-42000917693595786982007-06-04T20:19:00.000+02:002007-06-06T20:36:26.340+02:00

Had a great weekend, hanging out with some of my ”civilian” friends (i.e. people I did not meet in the social democratic movement). We started Friday evening with a bhoys dinner and my job was to provide a nice drink before the first dish.Since the weather is picking up, I wanted to serve one of my favorite drinks, Pimm’s No 1. But I ran into one problem; according to the original British recipe,

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-77728972021963285622007-05-31T17:01:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:29.939+01:00

Just learnt that Ryan Adams is about to release a new album, again. The album will be called ”Easy Tiger”, more here.In the meantime, one can always listen to some of the songs Ryan Adams has played on The Late Show with David Letterman: ”Come pick me up”, ”Let it ride”, ”So alive”, and (of course) ”New York, New York”.But my favorite song with Ryan Adams is this one.

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-2028162074355753612007-05-30T22:24:00.000+02:002007-05-30T22:31:37.442+02:00

And speaking of Italian politics, did we just watch another ”decent onto the field”, just like when Berlusconi entered politics in 1994? From a newsletter The Economist just sent me: And so, to the front of the grid of challengers roared Mr Montezemolo. In his last big speech as president of Confindustria, the Italian employers' association, the elegant and telegenic Mr Montezemolo appeared to

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-40838472720753997442007-05-29T21:48:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:30.144+01:00

Just a short note on the regional and local elections in Italy as well. Obviosuly, Prodi’s coalition did not do too well, but when Berlusconi calls for his resignation we can only laugh. Who lost regional and local elections all the time when he was PM? Berlusconi of course. Here is a summary of the election from FT.In provincial and local elections on Sunday and Monday Mr Prodi and his allies

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-25531659052995287882007-05-28T21:01:00.000+02:002007-05-28T21:21:44.941+02:00

Ireland: Read Graham’s comments below and the Labour website. The latest from Irish Times [i.e. social democracy is not winning in Ireland yet]:”A third coalition in a row between Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats, supported by a group of Independents, has emerged as the favoured option of the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern.” Analysis à la The Economist here. Seems like Bertie managed to do what

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-44894285505385444442007-05-25T12:09:00.001+02:002008-11-13T05:24:30.252+01:00

The election in Ireland was completed yesterday and they started counting the votes this morning. The first exit poll was not good for Labour and the alliance FG/Labour/Greens (see below).IrishElection.com and Politics.ie are good sites if you want to follow the developments.EXIT POLL: Margin of error 2.5% Fianna Fail on 41.6% almost = to 2002 Fine Gael up 4% to 26.3% Labour 9.9% down 1% PDs down

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-56601467126526216162007-05-24T00:58:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:30.585+01:00

If y’all wonder, it feels totally shit to lose a final in the Champions League to a team run by a man who has shown some worrying semi-fascist tendencies (yes, I am totally willing to describe Silvio Berlusconi that way, and I don’t use the F-word since I know George Orwell told us to use that word with caution). Needless to say, I think we were the better team tonight, AC Milan was lucky, and

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-53962253995486508882007-05-22T09:31:00.000+02:002007-05-22T09:40:36.073+02:00

As all Swedes know -- guess that no one else noticed -- Swedish Prime Minister Reinfeldt has visited his fellow IDU-party brother George W. Bush. Here is my take on it (editorial in Aktuellt i Politiken).My basic argument in the editorial is that these guys are essentially brothers in arms; they belong to the same international of right-wing political parties. Therefore, it might not have been

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-29799617515889320772007-05-20T23:06:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:30.724+01:00

During my vacation in the US, I asked the question above to almost all my close friends. Even if this was a highly informal poll, quite a few said something along the lines: “I am tired of all of them, but I hope Gore will run”.Most people I talked to thinks that Hillary will win the Democratic nomination, easily so if Al Gore doesn’t run (polls here). But it was clear that there is a vague

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-9322837253317020512007-05-17T22:33:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:31.646+01:00

Just one more thing about vacationing in the US: If you ever end up living in Washington DC, or if you are just there for a longer holiday, try to drive down the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. It is not far, it is absolutely gorgeous, and you can combine the drive in the mountains with loads of other activities.For example, you can do like Jim, Emma and I did: Drive out

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-74522977778211510392007-05-16T23:15:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:31.789+01:00

There is a fantastic bookstore right by Dupont Circle in Washington DC called Kramers, and as usual I had to spend a buck too many there. This time I bought Everyman by Philip Roth, one of my favorite American authors. I have already read it (yes, it is quite a short novel) and I liked it from the first line (“Around the grave in the rundown cemetery were a few of his former advertising

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-47598938138014400932007-05-15T22:46:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:32.197+01:00

Nobody has done for my appreciation and almost love for the music also known as Americana, than my friend Jeff from Texas. When we were students at SAIS in Bologna, Jeff gave me my first issue of the magazine No Depression. Every once in a while he brought me a new cassette (this was before the iPod, kids) with music played by bands like Uncle Tupelo, Whiskeytown, and Golden Smog.Last week, Emma

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-80668228008211370942007-05-11T23:16:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:32.293+01:00

One good thing with vacationing in Washington DC is all the nice houses my “no longer in grad school” friends have bought (thanks for having us, Jim, Bob and Kevin; Lukas and Lucrecia; Jeff and Holli). And a great thing that my friend Jim has in his house is “On Demand”; a service that automatically downloads movies and HBO-series to your flat-screen TV. So if you want to see all the latest

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-80878237627735218822007-05-10T23:06:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:32.491+01:00

As I said before, I am currently on holiday for 10 days in the Washington DC. And as my barber in Stockholm said: “Are you going there again?” My barber is right, but the truth is that I have so many friends here and nowadays there is at least one marriage a year I just have to go to. This time, Brian and Mendi (picture) finally got married, and the marriage was an amazing Thursday to Sunday

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-88926496898146475592007-05-08T19:23:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:32.617+01:00

Just a quick one on Royal’s defeat as well. Here are some obvious reasons why she lost:1. A normal election in France ends with right winning, just like the social democrats have the natural majority in the Scandinavian countries. Remember, we have only had one socialist President in the Fifth Republic; Mitterrand.2. Sarkozy did a great job of positioning himself as the candidate if you wanted

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-70418800149667295502007-05-07T23:47:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:32.798+01:00

Just a quick one on what happened in the UK: Obviously Labour took a beating, but I feared it would be even worse. And before you say ”Labour is no longer the biggest party in Scotland”, you have to have more than only one mid-term election to refer to. And the pattern after the election is really mixed.One rather sound analysis I read was this one in The Telegraph. And don’t miss The Economist’s

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-77202943416120030402007-05-06T22:23:00.000+02:002007-05-08T18:47:20.731+02:00

Yeah, I know. Labour got a beating in the UK elections and then Royal lost. But I am on vacation in the US and will blog about this later, time to go to Georgetown for some shopping...

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-64538834509501410362007-05-02T23:09:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:32.993+01:00

My First of May celebration in Hudiksvall was one of my best ever. We were around 200 happy social democrats in the demonstration and according to the local paper almost 500 people listened to my speech. Before I started, Sara from the local SSU-club delivered a very good speech on climate change.I started my speech as I always do on the First of May; by quoting a sentence from Olof Palme’s First

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-50698585201153036842007-04-30T11:34:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:33.157+01:00

Aktuellt i Politiken is a Royal newspaper this week. In my editorial I link Ségo with Mona and stress their work with internal democracy in their respective party. These two women can be put in contrast to Sarkozy and the likely new leader of Sweden’s ”liberal” party, Mr Jan Björklund. Both these angry men thought it was a-ok to invade Iraq without support in the UN. Moreover, I support Mona’s

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-57002589521356121082007-04-26T15:42:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:33.398+01:00

After a few wonderful days in Paris everything went back to normal; loads of work to do and things to write – and Liverpool cannot score away against Chelski. Anaway, a few shorties:If you read Swedish; don’t miss all the good stuff in AiP this week (editorial, interview with Mona Sahlin, my article about France, Arvid's article about France).* * *ECOSY – Young European Socialist – has started a

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-77396813723135356512007-04-23T08:47:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:33.592+01:00

Long day yesterday, but a lot of fun: Election night at Rue de Solférino (PS HQ), and then Royals speech at 1 am. And then I wrote this article for Aktuellt i Politiken, and now (Monday morning) it is time for some more seminars before we fly home.The main theme of the article in short: PS-people I talked to were happy since a lot of people voted, Le Pen messed up, they got the larger share of

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-26193420210217692862007-04-22T18:08:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:33.878+01:00

1. There are 3.3 million more registered voters than 2002.2. As you can read below, turn out is really high, which in theory normally benefits the left (more working-class people and immigrants are probably voting, and they tend to vote more to the left than the average).3. For Royal, ending up in the second round is crucial; otherwise the Parti Socialiste might explode. She/the PS will be happy

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-76939776774982434942007-04-22T17:30:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:34.023+01:00

I am sitting in front of the TV in lobby now, and by 5 PM 73,9 percent had alredy voted (+15 percentage points compared to 5 PM in 2002). Five years ago, the final turnout was only 71,6 percent. So turnout will really be high.Later our group will have an election night at the Swedish club on Rue Rivoli in Paris, but I plan to also cross the river to the Parti Socialiste headquarters on Rue

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-23547352218070586032007-04-22T13:57:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:34.236+01:00

I spent the morning just outside Paris, in St Denis, were we visited a local polling station. Alreday before noon, more than one third of registered voters had voted there. We knew that the amount of registered voters is 3.3 million higher than 2002 (according to Le Monde today), and now all of France seems to be voting in large numbers. At noon, voter turnout in all of France was 31.2 percent,

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-55903538808318593232007-04-21T12:26:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:34.624+01:00

At least on the official campaign posters on Rue Payenne in Paris...

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-60917543258399830172007-04-21T09:32:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:34.783+01:00

As y'all can guess, Paris is great: The sun is up, the sky is blue and there is a major election tomorrow.The program here is arranged by the progressive center-left think-tank etc “Arenagruppen” and we are 25 Swedes traveling together. Yesterday we had a great program and met with the following people: Eric Aeschimann (journalist at Libération, the newspaper founded by Sartre); Thierry Dedieu

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-10369154633387360522007-04-19T09:16:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:34.796+01:00

New Bruce Springsteen-record and DVD in June, pre-order here. 23 songs drawn from the band's performances in Dublin, Ireland at The Point in November 2006. Will make you wanna dance!* * *You haven’t missed Leo Messi’s goal à la Maradona 1986, have you? Link here. * * *Recently Erik Fichtelius interviewed an important man who is building a

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-12413524503948555652007-04-18T18:28:00.000+02:002007-04-18T18:45:18.753+02:00

Thanks to Eva, I found the blog ”Frenchly Speaking” and this useful summary of the latest polls in France (I added the three latest polls). And yes, and I am flying to Paris Friday morning in order to follow the first round. Hopefully, more reports will follow.CSA 14 April: Sarkozy 26 (-), Royal 23 (-), Bayrou 21 (+), Le Pen 15 (0), Undecided 21 (0)IFOP 15 April: Sarkozy 28,5 (-), Royal 24 (+),

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-9631919671869262202007-04-18T09:53:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:34.950+01:00

I was just interviewed over e-mail by a French newspaper in Lille and since a lot of us are following the French election, my answers are posted below:1‑Do you have a lot of news in the Swedish media about the French election? If yes, what kind of articles or reports?Yes, the reporting is rather extensive, both on TV, radio and in newspapers. Many pieces of news are about the election in general

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-11248793500416225452007-04-13T08:22:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:35.068+01:00

Maybe it is not a total surprise; the British journal The Economist supported George W. Bush over Al Gore in 2000 (but never Silvio Berlusconi). Now they endorse another man of the right; UMP candidate Nicolas Sarkozy.To their credit, The Economist has two basic doubts:As he showed in his brief stint as finance minister, he has most of the traditional French politician's meddlesome economic

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-31953368632073308392007-04-12T17:41:00.000+02:002007-04-12T17:51:35.743+02:00

Labour will face tough elections on May 3rd (Local government elections in England; Parliamentary and local government elections in Scotland; Assembly election in Wales). Therefore I was glad to read (in The Guardian) that cool Labour is still mixing politics and music:Dave Rowntree may be better known as the bespectacled one from Blur, but the drummer has gone from Blurite to Blairite after

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-85103712156194293752007-04-11T22:59:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:35.991+01:00

My sister’s fiancé Per-Erik, excellent with the camera, has sent me some photos from our days in Prague. Enjoy!The wonderful Old Square:My mum Gunnel, girlfriend Emma, me, and sister Anna (close to the Czech parliament):My dear friend Jan Hamacek and me in the speaker’s chair in the Czech parliament. Yes, we know each other from ECOSY, and if you wonder why I look proud, it is because Jan is now

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-71993210048638110252007-04-07T19:32:00.000+02:002007-04-07T19:35:46.740+02:00

I am in a hotel lobby in Prague, currently on a private trip for the Easter holidays with my mum Gunnel, girlfriend Emma, sister Anna, and sister's boyfriend Per-Erik. As y'all should know, this is a great city, but now we are off for dinner. So: Happy Easter everyone, more photos etc when I get home!

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-8732884960270540242007-04-04T13:20:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:36.402+01:00

The new Finnish government (“Vanhanen II”) has just been presented; the Center party will govern with the Conservatives, the Swedish Peoples’ Party AND the Greens. It seems like a pretty smart move by Vanhanen (!?); in this way he moves the Green party into his own block (away from the leading opposition party, the Social Democrats). So, we are officially in opposition in Finland as well. Hope

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-28236793445076242242007-03-31T17:00:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:36.512+01:00

At a congress you always have rather sensitive elections when you elect the leadership who will represent and govern ECOSY until the next congress. As a veteran I am not involved in this at all, which is a great relief. My only advice would have been: Try to compromise and focus on the political work. Anyway, I want to congratulate everyone who was elected a few minutes ago, for example my old

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-38370065124776951342007-03-31T15:34:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:37.277+01:00

Still at the ECOSY-congress, still having a great time. Since my last blog post, Dimitri has given me an excellent update on the political situation in Georgia, I have discussed the elections to the European Parliament in Bulgaria in May, I have met people from both the Israeli Labor party and Meretz. And last night in the bar, I made friends with people from Northern Ireland (SDLP) and Macedonia

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-3005594013464836362007-03-30T16:16:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:37.420+01:00

Many of my best memories and friends in politics are connected to all the congresses, camps and meetings organized by Young European Socialists (ECOSY). This weekend ECOSY has its 8th congress in Warszawa, Poland. I was invited as a veteran, and since I knew I would meet a lot of old friends, I decided to go. Also, since we always make at least one international page in Aktuellt i Politiken every

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-43238123323808914142007-03-30T15:11:00.000+02:002007-03-30T15:14:36.742+02:00

Mona Sahlin is now starting to reform the internal work of the party, and the first article describing these changes can (of course) be read at aip.nu.

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-26756085465824304682007-03-30T11:08:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:37.574+01:00

The big topic of discussion the last couple of days has been the documentary in which Göran Persson sits in front of a camera and describes his life as Prime Minister (the interviews were made during his whole tenure as PM). Now Göran Persson complains about how the material – over 100 hours – has been cut. And I agree: please do another loooong version for all political nerds who wants to hear

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-54632947093481271982007-03-26T08:07:00.000+02:002008-11-13T05:24:37.678+01:00

The succession race in the British Labour party seems to be toughening up: Miliband can still challenge and win over Brown, according to some news reports this weekend. The Guardian has an excellent website with all the latest.[Thanks Niklas]

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-80325103763631400152007-03-21T17:06:00.000+01:002008-11-13T05:24:37.825+01:00

It’s Wednesday and I still get a smile on my face when I think about the congress last weekend. There is some stuff to read at aip.nu; editorial, a summary of the political debate, Ingvar Carlsson’s pieces of advice to Mona, but also an essay about US politics written by my friend Kevin Croke.Also: Here is photo of me and my girlfriend Emma during the party Saturday evening. A fun and historic

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-90570906807770335862007-03-20T17:59:00.000+01:002008-11-13T05:24:37.967+01:00

Yesterday I read one of the best blog posts I have come across in Swedish so far. I had to listen to ”Kärlekens tunga” (Eldkvarn) and ”Famous blue raincoat” (Leonard Cohen), which this story reminded me of, quite a few times just to let the text sink in. Once again, don’t miss ”Svart blogg”.

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-68826001737668044902007-03-19T15:32:00.000+01:002008-11-13T05:24:38.139+01:00

As you know by now, the Finnish Social Democratic Party (SDP) only came in third yesterday. If you read Swedish, don’t forget that Finland has a major newspaper in that/our language. My good Finnish friend Esa sent me text message already 21:29 Finnish time yesterday: We’re f**ked, getting loaded now... When I called him very early this morning to get an election analysis for an article I was

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-27132958200973532452007-03-19T15:07:00.000+01:002008-11-13T05:24:38.493+01:00

One thing was bad with this weekend’s congress: the wireless network did not work in the congress hall, where I spent most of the time. And this was a historic congress, so I wanted to be in the congress hall, listening and watching and writing articles [hey, I was working the whole weekend]. Finally, some reflections:1. This party did recently obtain its worst election result since 1914, but the

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-79297422348163780672007-03-16T12:20:00.000+01:002008-11-13T05:24:38.757+01:00

Parliamentary elections in Finland on Sunday and early this morning I got this text-message from my friend Esa:”2 days left and polls suck. Center party leads by 1%, we come as 2nd and the right 0,7 behind and on the rise… Doesn’t look too good, but we will work as hard as we can.”So, maybe we shouldn’t expect a social democratic PM in Finland anytime soon, but let’s hope that the fuzz about the

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436034.post-19896084387194441382007-03-15T09:34:00.000+01:002008-11-13T05:24:38.868+01:00

As you probably have heard, the Blair Government is moving forward with a new Climate Bill. In order to spread the word, the Secretary of State for Environment David Miliband [blog here, Wikipedia here] is also presenting the Climate Bill on YouTube. Check it out, and take a good look. If it won’t be Brown, or if Brown messes up, David Miliband might soon be heading a Labour Party close to

Eric Sundströmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538269338774027755noreply@blogger.com2