Good day for Gordon

It was good to hear Gordon Brown so well received yesterday by both houses of the US Congress - though it was noticeable that his call to resist protectionism was heard in respectful silence rather than enthusiasm - but all in all he got some exposure in the United States and at least the Americans now know who they are dealing with rather than 'the guy who replaced Tony Blair'

Of course it is window-dressing to some extent in that it provides Mr. Brown with an opportunity to be statesmanlike in front of a friendly audience and a good speech can't do his ratings in this country any harm. That's not to say I think it did his ratings that much good either, and certainly didn't much affect the British perception of the Labour government. But let's be fair, it was a good day for him and he deserves the favourable press coverage.



I do, however, wish British leaders, when addressing American politicians, would stop harping on about 'the special relationship'. It makes me wince every time I hear it because it sounds so desperate somehow. The British need the relationship to be special to retain some sort of illusion that we have some power and influence in DC when events have shown this to be pure self delusion. I'm sure the Americans take a deep breath and listen politely whenever this phrase is used, and feel slightly compromised by it. Successive Presidents have paid lip service to it out of politeness and then treated us just like any other outsider with an opinion. So this is my appeal to all current and future British leaders. Say what you have to say to the Americans and make them respect you for what you offer. Don't cling to this cloying 'special relationship' appeal which exists in the minds of one party only - if it exists at all.