Galloway 's certainly no socialist, or even a consistent anti-imperialist as the quotes about Morocco's occupation of Western Sahara shows.
It looks like he also took votes directly from the Tories, whose vote slumped. I think this result can only be understood in terms of communalist politics. In previous elections the Tories had put up a conservative muslim. In this one it was a white woman; Galloway has made it clear he shares the same politics as a lot of small c conservative muslims - anti-drink, anti-abortion, he only looks progressive to some because he talks about jobs and pulling out of wars. This position is not unique to people on the left - the libertarian right in the US are also consistently anti-war.
And he is certainly not a grey career politician, though I'm not keen on career politicians who are more colourful.
Regards,
Are we? It seems to me that the 'balkanisation' of Bradford along cultural and religious lines is exatly the reason why Galloway and the shower of shit Respect can insert itself into that situation and play on it. Letters to particular asian communities (Islamic and Pakistani) about God and his halal behaviour as opposed to the Labour opponent (suggesting he is a drinker) play on these sectarianisms, not somehow an alternative or more inclusive agenda.
He did a similar thing with Oona King in Bethnal and Bow, criticising her for her support for the war in Iraq(correct), but then playing on anti-semetism in the fact that her mother was Jewish (== Isareal). I really see no difference between the multicultural games that the BNP/EDL play and Respect and George Galloway play.