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Welcome to political thinking, a conversation with rather than a newsy interrogation of someone

who shaped our political thinking about what has shaped theirs.

My theme this week is liberalism in retreat.

The election of Donald Trump, the imminent fall of the

government in Germany, the growing weakness of Emmanuel Macron in France, and the rise of the

populist right all over Europe, leads many to think that the ideas that liberals have promoted,

globalization, free movement of people, refugee rights, trans rights and a rapid

transition to net zero are all increasingly unpopular. And yet, here in the UK, the Liberal Democrats

have just secured their biggest election success in an election for a very long time.

Their deputy leader, Daisy Cooper, is my guest this week. She's often the face and election success in an election for a very long time.

Their deputy leader, Daisy Cooper, is my guest this week.

She's often the face and the voice of her party.

She says that campaigning is what gives her life purpose and meaning.

Daisy Cooper, welcome to political thinking.

Thank you.

Let's turn to that election result.

Where were you when you heard that Donald Trump had won and how did it make you feel?

Oh, goodness.

I think I very quickly started to flip-flop between feeling depressed and determined.

If I'm completely honest, I think we had all, or certainly I had hoped, and many liberals had hoped that Kamala Harris would win, but I think we were prepared for that not to happen.

I'm very much one of those people who hopes for the best and plans for the worst.

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