News
September 15, 2025
Peter Rhodes on a village fete, a doomed politician and a regrettable lack of Irish blood
Predictions I wish I hadn't made. This, based on a single encounter with Peter Mandelson: “He charmed us that day and I wouldn't be surprised if he charms the Yanks, too.”
**Peter Rhodes Reflects on Past Predictions, Including a Rosy Outlook on Mandelson's Career**
Veteran columnist Peter Rhodes has revisited some of his past predictions, offering a wry and often self-deprecating look at the forecasting game. In his latest piece, Rhodes focuses on pronouncements he now wishes he could take back, ranging from observations on local village fetes to judgments on the trajectory of political careers.
Among the predictions causing him the most retrospective discomfort is his assessment of Peter Mandelson, the prominent Labour politician. Rhodes recalls a specific encounter with Mandelson, painting a picture of a charming and persuasive figure. Based on this single interaction, Rhodes admits he confidently predicted Mandelson's future success on the international stage, specifically with American audiences. He wrote at the time, “He charmed us that day and I wouldn't be surprised if he charms the Yanks, too.”
Rhodes now views this prediction with a mixture of amusement and regret. While Mandelson certainly achieved a level of international recognition, his career was also marked by controversy and setbacks, making Rhodes' earlier, unreservedly positive assessment seem somewhat naive in hindsight.
The piece doesn't delve into the specific events that might have altered Rhodes' perspective on Mandelson. Instead, it uses the anecdote as a springboard to explore the inherent pitfalls of making predictions, particularly in the unpredictable world of politics. It highlights how a single, seemingly positive interaction can lead to flawed judgments and overly optimistic forecasts.
Beyond the Mandelson anecdote, the article hints at other regrettable predictions, including observations made at a village fete and a comment about a "regrettable lack of Irish blood." While the details of these other predictions remain vague, their inclusion suggests a broader theme of reflecting on past pronouncements and acknowledging the limitations of human foresight. Rhodes' willingness to revisit his past predictions, even the ones that haven't aged well, offers a refreshing dose of honesty and humility in a media landscape often dominated by unwavering certainty.
Veteran columnist Peter Rhodes has revisited some of his past predictions, offering a wry and often self-deprecating look at the forecasting game. In his latest piece, Rhodes focuses on pronouncements he now wishes he could take back, ranging from observations on local village fetes to judgments on the trajectory of political careers.
Among the predictions causing him the most retrospective discomfort is his assessment of Peter Mandelson, the prominent Labour politician. Rhodes recalls a specific encounter with Mandelson, painting a picture of a charming and persuasive figure. Based on this single interaction, Rhodes admits he confidently predicted Mandelson's future success on the international stage, specifically with American audiences. He wrote at the time, “He charmed us that day and I wouldn't be surprised if he charms the Yanks, too.”
Rhodes now views this prediction with a mixture of amusement and regret. While Mandelson certainly achieved a level of international recognition, his career was also marked by controversy and setbacks, making Rhodes' earlier, unreservedly positive assessment seem somewhat naive in hindsight.
The piece doesn't delve into the specific events that might have altered Rhodes' perspective on Mandelson. Instead, it uses the anecdote as a springboard to explore the inherent pitfalls of making predictions, particularly in the unpredictable world of politics. It highlights how a single, seemingly positive interaction can lead to flawed judgments and overly optimistic forecasts.
Beyond the Mandelson anecdote, the article hints at other regrettable predictions, including observations made at a village fete and a comment about a "regrettable lack of Irish blood." While the details of these other predictions remain vague, their inclusion suggests a broader theme of reflecting on past pronouncements and acknowledging the limitations of human foresight. Rhodes' willingness to revisit his past predictions, even the ones that haven't aged well, offers a refreshing dose of honesty and humility in a media landscape often dominated by unwavering certainty.
Category:
Politics