This was significant for Michael Howard, and it helped to absolutely kill any chance he had of becoming PM. Jeremy Paxman can be a bit of a dick at times, especially when he's up against someone who has done their research, but he's a fantastic person to put against politicians.

Anne Widdecombe's remark about that he had "something of the night about him" didn't exactly help his chances:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/conservative/691317...

I am familiar with Jeremy Paxman's work. It's impressive.

Now that is how you keep your eyes on the prize during an interview.