El Gato: Is Corbyn’s cat masterminding the Left’s clawback to power?
An apparent shift towards socialist politics by parts of the electorate has conservatives and right-wingers looking over their shoulders in the United Kingdom, US and parts of Europe.
The appetite for left wing politics is evidenced by the fact British Labour has anti-austerity politician and ‘threat to national security’ Jeremy Corbyn at the reins.
Meanwhile, Vermont state senator Bernie Sanders – a self described democratic socialist – is breathing down the neck of rival Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries.
Last year, Portugal’s government was forced to resign after the country’s Socialist Party joined forces with the radical Left Bloc and Communist Party to reject further austerity measures.
In all likelihood, any popularity increase with the left is the result of people having become tired of welfare cuts, increased taxes and social upheaval – the fallout from economic recession and its mismanagement.
But leave common sense at the door for a moment. What if the change in the political paradigm is actually all down to one, four-legged creature – El Gato.
Just found this picture of Jeremy Corbyn with a cat on my phone. No idea where it's from. Anyone? pic.twitter.com/BrcTR4xSfa
— Jim Waterson (@jimwaterson) February 2, 2016
Following an interview with the Independent on Sunday, in which the Labour leader let slip the non-name of his left-leaning cat (it’s El Gato, the Spanish for cat), a bizarre theory about a powerful feline has emerged online.
Well, I think I've discovered the secret mastermind behind world socialism. #TheyCallHimElGatopic.twitter.com/cKDOucnBKH
— Lawrence Miles (@Lawrence_Miles) February 2, 2016
It comes from an image showing Jeremy Corbyn and Bernie Sanders both embracing what looks to be the same black and white kitty.
The picture has inspired the internet to do what it does best – throw out images of cats – but this time they're cosying up to powerful political figures... and some influential literature.
@Lawrence_Miles pfft sheer coincidence pic.twitter.com/38QnkHZXLl
— bat020 (@bat020) February 2, 2016
@Lawrence_Miles exactly! pic.twitter.com/J9njefXSQV
— Christian Smith (@xion_smith) February 2, 2016
One Twitter user points out that the theory should come with a health warning: “Not all cats are liberals.” Too true.
@Lawrence_Miles@charliegould not all cats are liberals pic.twitter.com/8wUGVkRHWl
— Luke Jennings (@LukeJennings1) February 2, 2016
Of course, the ridiculous theory has no basis. But it’s fun to pretend.