Cameron's kids on TV: A cynical, undignified and cheesy stunt

While the spectacle itself was not overly nauseating, the decision by David Cameron to show his intimate family moments to News at Ten is of great cause for concern.

Firstly, I am concerned that David Cameron does not have sufficient self-confidence not to have to do this. It is sort of "not British". He feels the need to show off his family. That doesn't feel right.

Secondly, this move is inherently saying: "I am a family man and I am not ashamed to show them off" and: "Now it's your turn Gordon".

Gordon Brown, of course, also has a wife and small children. He also has a disabled child. So, we could now be in for a "My son is more disabled than your son" contest.

Then it will be Nick Clegg's turn to show off his small kids.

Let's stop it here before it goes any further! It is a stomach-churning and undignified spectacle.

Most of all, the kids aren't old enough to choose not to be on the telly. That's the crucial point. They didn't choose to be born into a politician's family so they should not be taken advantage of by their father to get more votes for the Conservative party.

It's a disgraceful, tawdry and nauseating thing for Cameron to do. It will reinforce the view of a great many people that Cameron is "all spin and no substance".

Update: The Mole on First Post reveals the cynical reason behind this Cameron stunt:

Now we know why David Cameron risked controversy by being filmed at home with his family, including his seriously handicapped son.

The Tory leader caused a few raised eyebrows with his decision to put his children into the frontline when ITN cameras were invited to film the Cameron family around the breakfast table. Cynical manipulation of the Cameron kids?

Not a bit of it, we were assured.

Except that a leaked Tory strategy document has now emerged showing that one of the party’s key objectives of 2008 is to improve the party's credibility among families. Polling has shown that people move away from the Conservatives when they have children.

The note was used for a presentation by James O'Shaughnessy, the director of research and policy at Conservative Central Office.

Government ministers who held off from openly criticising Cameron for using his kids, saying it was his "personal decision", are less likely to restrain themselves now.

Thanks to Edis for pointing out the First Post link.