Almost as soon as Ed Miliband began his speech on the economy, the Labour leader's words on working families sent tweeters running for their touchscreens.
"All the hours god sends" - Ed #Miliband. I thought the #Labour Party didn't "do" god?
— Stuart J Orr (@StuartJOrr) January 17, 2014
But reaction soon cranked itself down a few notches as his words appeared to hit their intended target.
"I work 60 hours a week, I do two jobs, I don't have time to see my kid" - Yes, my life is a lot like that, actually #Miliband
— Jonathan Todd (@Jonathan_Todd) January 17, 2014
"I just can't afford this government"...exactly what the regulars down my local say #Miliband
— Ian Silvera (@ianjsilvera) January 17, 2014
It didn't last long.
Ed Miliband has the charisma of a shoelace #Miliband
— Stewart Frater (@stewart_frater) January 17, 2014
@SymonHill seemed to take issue with the reactionary and sensationalist commentary found on social media, particularly in the context of bipartisan politics. His measured observation was in no way ironic.
It's both funny & frustrating to see how #Miliband's suggestions of very minor bank reforms are treated by some as outrageously left-wing.
— Symon Hill (@SymonHill) January 17, 2014
It was about this time that @guardian readers appeared to disagree with @n_b_jones.
Building some good momentum now #Miliband
— Nathan Jones (@n_b_jones) January 17, 2014
The perennial criticism of Miliband's leadership qualities soon reared its head.
You can have my vote labour, if you get rid of #Miliband #weak
— James brophy (@Brophy2990) January 17, 2014
In a flow of public commentary dominated by increasingly negative male voices, @FreeBesieged and @bevclack, a Labour councillor, were notable for voicing their firm support for both the style and substance of the speech.
Seems to me #Miliband is talking about things that REALLY matter to ordinary folk - not the scapoegoats being pushed by #Tory media . GOOD
— Maggie Aitch (@FreeBesieged) January 17, 2014
This is #Miliband at his best:passionate, bold & willing to take on vested interests that fail the people of this country. @UKLabour
— Beverley Clack (@bevclack) January 17, 2014
@Brendan_Surrey has a question for @GuardianTech.
#Miliband closes his eyes so much during speeches. Does he have Google Eyelid Prompt?
— Brendan (@Brendan_Surrey) January 17, 2014
Will Miliband's latest rhetoric come back to haunt him? @poppy2324 seemed to be trying to make it happen.
The Reckoning mmmmm, yes there should be a reckoning for pushing UK into such debt #Miliband
— Anne (@poppy2324) January 17, 2014
Finally, speech and questions over, @dandiedinmont voiced what is sure to be a common and lasting thought among voters.
Banks should be forced to give up "significant" numbers of branches according to #Miliband. How does that help customers??
— BevL (dandiedinmont) (@dandiedinmont) January 17, 2014
