Why don't politicians use brief cases?

AustrianJohn

Story in the Times today about Trump ally Mike Lindell visiting the White House on Friday holding papers that appear to discuss details of Trump considering martial law or a coup.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/world/papers-clutched-by-trump-ally-mike-lindell-ignite-fears-of-last-ditch-coup-bxd58msv3

There have been many other examples in recent years of politicians engaged in sensitive negotiations walking around with details of their proposals open for any camera to see.

Why did politicians stop using brief cases?

ThePrettyDamned

They didn't, they just leave them at home when they want cameras to see something. 

ICBM

ThePrettyDamned said:

They didn't, they just leave them at home when they want cameras to see something. 

Exactly. Deniable leaking.

wibble

That mypillow guy is a nut job, I wonder if his sales have tanked?

Although I imagine he can still make a living selling to the Trump/Qanon base

Sassafras

After the Ed Milliband 'bacon sandwich-gate' scandal, they leave their sarnies at home. No need for a briefcase now.

exocet

In the case of David Davis, he had no need because the papers that he was carrying around were blank anyway. He was on LBC a couple of weeks ago with Iain Dale who I’m sure was a bit of a Davis fan boy a couple of years ago. The conversation started on Brexit Trade Agreement - surprise surprise Davis hadn’t read it. Then it moved on to COVID where Davis proudly proclaimed that he was a lockdown sceptic. The interview pretty much came to an end at that point. 

Dominic

They stopped using them because they were always leaving them on trains and in Taxis full of top secret and sensitive information .

Hattigol

.....or wear bowler hats?

I think times change, fella.

Funkfingers

Photo opportunity. 

Here I am, in my expensive suit and club/regimental tie, outside the relevant government building, clutching whatever is the focus of the story I wish to convey via today's television and tomorrow's newspapers.

strtdv

Dominic said:

They stopped using them because they were always leaving them on trains and in Taxis full of top secret and sensitive information .

To be fair there's really no reason for paper copies of this stuff, it should all be on an encrypted laptop. Even the NHS (the world's largest user of fax machines!) have managed to get that far.

An encrypted laptop which requires a secured remote access (ie several additional layers of security on top of the code required to start it up) is substantially more secure than a briefcase of documents

Hurling_Fruitmig

Maybe it’s the malign influence of the Inbetweeners?

Dominic

Hattigol said:

.....or wear bowler hats?

I think times change, fella.

Although it would be nice to see Bowler Hats make a comeback                 
strtdv said:

Dominic said:

They stopped using them because they were always leaving them on trains and in Taxis full of top secret and sensitive information .

To be fair there's really no reason for paper copies of this stuff, it should all be on an encrypted laptop. Even the NHS (the world's largest user of fax machines!) have managed to get that far.

An encrypted laptop which requires a secured remote access (ie several additional layers of security on top of the code required to start it up) is substantially more secure than a briefcase of documents

..........and they've got to "self destruct after  5 seconds like Man from Uncle