Starting with our current prime minister, Gordon Brown. He certainly looks the most uncomfortable of the three: stuffy, out-of-place and probably thinking ‘why don't they just let me get on with it'. Historically, he has preferred to be hands-on, actually doing the work, which means he hates the position he is currently in. In many ways he seems to be using Winston Churchill as a role model - unfortunately it is Churchill at his worst he is taking after. Above all, he is desperate to have all the right answers and is battling to live down how much went wrong on his watch.
Conservative leader David Cameron is quietly confident but not totally comfortable, as recent problems have indicated that it will only take something small to topple the Tories position. He is working hard at being relaxed and balancing the clean cut image with ‘Mr Casual'. All of this is paying dividends in the way the rest of his team and the electorate are responding. He recognises that speaking doesn't come easily to him but he is mastering it well. Some will argue he is trying to be a little too much like Barack Obama - but that is not necessarily a bad plan at the moment. Cameron is coming up with some popular approaches but still not making the massive impact he would love to make. Ideally, he would like a knockout blow that secures his position.
As so often happens in politics and elections, the man with nothing to lose and everything to gain has the most comfortable time of it. Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrats, appears to be almost enjoying the election. Of course, his youth and energy is well-balanced by the age and experience of Vince Cable, who did a truly outstanding job in the chancellor debate. Between them they come out with good angles and responses to many questions. Unfortunately they then blow it with the old Liberal angles that the public just will not swallow. Again, like Cameron, Clegg can certainly lead his party - but a country? The real test for will be the way he reacts in the potentially hung parliament.
So where does this all leave the public after the first week of campaigning? With Brown, the public knows what to expect. For some this will be a comfort but for most that is a scary future. Clegg would probably make a good prime minister and leader with his down-to-earth style and ability to relate to people but it is not something we are likely to see.
The real test, though, is for Cameron - he needs to communicate the type of prime minister he intends to be if he wants to secure the election. The opening week has focused on policies and manifestos; sooner or later the focus will shift to the man and people will want to know what type of leader he will be. At the moment that is not clear at all.
Paul Bridle is a leadership consultant
