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Diane Abbott MP on Overcoming Racism, Dating Jeremy Corbyn and Mojitos on Trains

How To Fail with Elizabeth Day

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Diane Abbott is a force of nature - and she needs to be, with so much vitriol directed towards her. She has weathered decades of racist and sexist abuse but has still blazed a trail through British politics as the first ever Black female MP. Not for nothing is she now known as ‘Mother of the House’.

We talk about why some people (*cough* white, privately educated men in politics *cough*) are given multiple opportunities to fail upwards, while others aren’t and how she’s always felt the need to prove herself. We also discuss how, as the child of two Windrush generation parents, she had to stand up to her teachers in school when they told her Cambridge University ‘wasn’t for her’ and how she felt she failed in her degree. We chat about political failure in leadership and general elections, drinking Mojitos on public transport, antisemitism and why she’s never had a ‘nice chat’ with Keir Starmer. Plus: dating ex-boyfriend Jeremy Corbyn (warning: involves much tinkering with socialist motorbikes).

00:00 Diane Abbott on Not Being a Victim
00:16 Introduction
02:40 Growing Up Black in Britain
13:49 Failure 1: Not Getting a First at Cambridge
19:41 Sending Her Son to Private School
25:14 Failure 2: Standing for Labour Leadership
27:20 Coping with Racist Abuse
38:21 Dating Jeremy Corbyn
40:35 Failure 3: Losing the 2019 General Election
43:59 Reflections & Farewell

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Website: www.elizabethday.org

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20 Comments

@traceyp5797 6 months ago

She’s fantastic. I have not always agreed with her politics but I respect her enormously. I think she has done so much by breaking ground. All power to her.

@cancelinajolie4218 6 months ago

I cannot explain how moved I am by her life and her character

@FlowerGirl-z5i 6 months ago

I have so much respect for Diane Abbot and what’s she’s had to endure over the years, she has been a representation for her community and is an inspiration for believing in herself when doubted by many. Well done Diane!!!

@Elle_Jay52 6 months ago

Great interviewer and great interview‼️❤️💯

@cancelinajolie4218 6 months ago

Her only mistake is apologizing for that letter. The criticism around that was preposterous and disingenuous. She should have double downed and carried on. That whole ordeal was completely ridiculous.

@serenaelise1721 6 months ago

A very interesting woman with a magnificent ability to navigate such a series of turbulent situations.

@_JONGFIRE 2 months ago

"But I do and that's what matters, isn't it" 🎯

@Ladysan-w6q 6 months ago (edited)

I understand what she went through as a first gen diaspora in the UK. She is the footprint. I simply cannot help, but; adore her❤❤❤

@richardmattis5777 6 months ago (edited)

I don't respect her politics BUT i respect her as a person and the example she has set in our community and the dignity she has shown despite the threats the insults and the blatant racism that has hounded her for decades. I completely relate to her comments about her dad and how he internalised the way he was treated by society and how his outbursts affected the family.

@upendasana7857 6 months ago

Shes an amazing inspirational woman.She has been treated very unfairly by both labour party and press.

@lbcthinkingoutloud3427 5 months ago

I’m Conservative Party member, I have so much respect for her and she is right in many areas.

@abetaresyla9313 6 months ago

Love the title and a huge fan of Diane Abbot and her work and her integration path.

Ps, sometimes I don’t know your guests since they’re mostly British elite and public figures, but I always listen (partly watch) the ones with women guests.

The concept of your podcast, alongside the length and the personal questions that you ask, are very good point especially on self reflection and acceptance.

Love and support 💞✅

@RasheedGhannan 5 months ago

Big respect for dianane challenges shes dealt with rascism

@babymonalisa 6 months ago

I'd love to see Diane start her own podcast. She has a lot of wisdom to share.

@Letsgo99-e3z 6 months ago (edited)

Absolutely love Diane abbot . So proud of her and her response to struggle and she’s not alone. One of the first 👏🏾 . Simply Inspiring . I accept and appreciate her mistakes we are all imperfect . Next person to be interviewed should be Constance briscoe

@greeneyedwolf1464 6 months ago

Lovely interview; what a powerful and unyielding woman ❤

@arawakcommunitytrust 5 months ago

An amazing woman who happens to be BLACK!🖤

@djla6426 5 months ago (edited)

That’s why she couldn’t never become a leader of the party because she has principles that protect her dignity. An aspect of black peoples personality that is usually not required in order to be fit for purpose

@julietliving1016 6 months ago

A personal success with people getting some help along the way, but with respect, all that work continues to be rejected. To really value these efforts a new answer is necessary.