Wednesday, 20th February 2008

Gordon's American problem

James Forsyth 7:25pm

Gordon Brown should be casting nervous glances across the Atlantic because a defeat for Hillary Clinton, which is now the most likely result, would be bad news for him. First, it would remove any chance of Brown getting some easy opportunities to play statesman. A President Hillary would likely have teamed up with Brown on a bunch of popular initiatives on things such as climate change and given Brown the chance to strut the international stage. It is unlikely that Obama, who Brown apparently snubbed last summer, would do as much with the Prime Minister. While John McCain is on the record with high praise for David Cameron and has criticised Brown’s pullback from Iraq. Second, the British political class are obsessed with the US elections and in most people’s minds Hillary Clinton is the Gordon Brown candidate. The failure of her campaign would lead to a slew of articles about how Gordon shares Hillary’s shortcomings. Finally, it would make the 57 year old Brown look isolated in generational terms. Anyway, more 'turbulence coming out of America' for Brown to contend with.

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Chuck Unsworth

February 20th, 2008 8:49pm Report this comment

Well he's running to form, then - backing losers.

Verity

February 20th, 2008 10:43pm Report this comment

If Obama wins the Democratic nomination, a lot of Dems will stay home and a lot of Republicans will decide to turn out to vote. I can't see McCain giving the time of day to an inadequate operator like Brown. Either way, he loses. Warms the cockles of my heart.

David Telfish

February 20th, 2008 10:48pm Report this comment

I am a UK ex Pat living in the USA. I met Obama yesterday at a rally in San Antonio Texas. I told him " I am English don't have a vote but support you all the same" He was pleased and seemed a really genuine honest individual. Really unusuall for a Politician. The contrast with Gordon Brown is like chalk and cheese. I left the UK because of the Nulab mess of a goverment. Believe me Obama is a wind of change compared with the useless crap the Nulab crowd spout.

Ruddigore Topsider

February 21st, 2008 9:00am Report this comment

Verity: Even more warming is that Mr Obama would, I think, deal quite happily with EU President Blair, which would be even more infuriating for Mr Brown...

Peter Reavy

February 21st, 2008 10:43am Report this comment

Brown would just as likely to gain by a Barack Obama presidency. It is wishful thinking to believe otherwise. Obama desperately needs to prove himself on foreign policy. He must show the statesmanship that has been claimed by his supporters. He will be seen as a foreign policy failure around the world if he allows the special relationship to weaken. Personality differences and minor snubs will not be allowed to affect any of this. If he becomes president, Obama will aim to build the warmest of relationships with Brown and Brown will happily reciprocate.

Ian C

February 21st, 2008 10:46am Report this comment

David Telfish - read the twaddle that was Obama's speech in Houston the other night and see some sense. The man is as left wing an opportunist as Brown is. His voting record is the most left-wing of all senators. He says one thing (e.g. pro-free trade) and then announces removal of tax breaks for US companies setting up operations abroad. He says he will talk to Iran and Syria and invade Paksitand. The man is dangerous to world peace and American self-respect. They have lost enough of that recently without giving an over-verbose pleased with himself, too far left politician a chance to treble their insecurities.