# Do politicians lack the courage to turn the temperature down?

An episode of [Full Story](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1482061243), 23 Oct 2026, 41 min.

Audio: https://flex.acast.com/audio.guim.co.uk/2026/10/23-24658-barries_politicalviolence_20261023_ds.mp3

Tony Barry and George Megalogenis (filling in for Barrie) examine the response to the horrific alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines this week. While the prime minister pleaded for all to ‘turn the temperature’ down, it didn’t take long for many to dial it right up, particularly online. So can politicians from all sides tell their tribes to tone down the rhetoric? And what lessons can we learn from history to help us all navigate toxic public debate?

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