
Jeremy Corbyn’s defining personality trait, his downfall as leader, the reason for last year’s in-fighting and second leadership election, all effectively boils down to one commonly held belief: that he isn’t media-savvy, or strong enough to be Prime Minister.
In March, a YouGov poll showed only 13 per cent of Brits thought Corbyn would make a better prime minister than Theresa May.
Another poll found he was less popular than Donald Trump. During his year-and-a-half at the front of the Labour Party, he's often been accused of being the worst leader ever.
It's no coincidence that the Islington North MP has also been victim of extremely biased media coverage.
But things could finally be looking up for Corbyn, and with the general election looming, Labour supporters are feeling more optimistic about his chances.
During his interview with Jeremy Paxman last night, the Labour leader was praised for being up-front, honest and un-politican-like in the best way possible - which is particularly handy when Theresa May appears to have chosen 'malfunctioning robot' as her election campaigning style.
People online are very impressed:
May was brittle, shifty and condescending. Paxman is now a collection of tired mannerisms with very little behind them. Corbyn won.— Philip Pullman (@Philip Pullman) 1496093536
I am having a whirl of hopeful feelings about Jeremy Corbyn that I really don't know what to do with. Except vote. #BattleForNumber10— Laurie Penny (@Laurie Penny) 1496103055
Sadly, Corbyn showed he's out of touch with a significant demographic: billionaire media barons. Otherwise, great performance.— paul bassett davies (@paul bassett davies) 1496129019
The reason Corbyn sounds genuine and sincere is simply because he is. For too long politicians have said what they think they ought to say.— Tom London (@Tom London) 1496098957
.@jeremycorbyn did pretty well there— ALASTAIR CAMPBELL (@ALASTAIR CAMPBELL) 1496087568
Has anyone ever handled Jeremy Paxman with as much enjoyment and ease as Jeremy Corbyn? A clear #CorbynWin https://t.co/9HpZv8bYfv— Tory Fibs (@Tory Fibs) 1496094011
And, as Theresa May was grilled by Paxman separately, many comparisons were drawn:
Corbyn makes audience laugh with him. May makes audience laugh at her. #BattleForNumber10— John Prescott (@John Prescott) 1496090272
So it's all going pretty well for Corbyn today:
Corbz has just reached 1 million followers on Twitter. https://t.co/A9y6m7Xg1t— Fiona Rutherford (@Fiona Rutherford) 1496133579
No new polls have been published since the debate yet, but watch this space.