I well remember how Margaret Thatcher flitted off to Williamsburg for the G7 summit during the 1987 election campaign and got great media coverage for it. It looks like Gordon Brown will be doing the same. From 12-13 April Barack Obama is hosting the Nuclear Weapons Summit in Washington DC and either the PM or Foreign Secretary have been invited to attend. I am sure that like me, you can't imagine Brown foregoing an opportunity to appear with President Obama and to bask in his reflected glory.
But these trips can also go very wrong, and there is always a danger when a Prime Minister is out of the country during an election campaign.
Lobby hacks will already be booking their seats on the Prime Ministerial jet in order to be able to witness any calamity first hand, no doubt.
18 comments:
Given Brown's proven record in spreading misfortune wherever he goes, the typical press hack would have to be extremely well fortified with alcohol before he'll board a plane with Jonah...
Surely it is common knowledge that Obama has no time for Brown? Will Gordon be hanging out in kitchens again for his appointment with The One?
It seems to me to be a situation with more potential for going wrong than going right.
A couple of points.
If the dissolution happens after Easter, that means Brown will be out the country during the first days of the campaign proper. Also, the first debate will be on 14th or 15th.
A jet-lagged Brown on the TV would be interesting.
What reflected glory, Ian?
Obama's a busted flush.
"If the dissolution happens after Easter, that means Brown will be out the country during the first days of the campaign proper."
I think that's what's officially known as: Labour's Secret Weapon.
Will he be meeting privately in the kitchen again?
Liz
I understand that President Obama's diary planners have found a 3 second window between the washing up and the recycling bin.
Here's a rave from the grave which seems appropriate:
"We have tried spending money. We are spending more than we have ever spent before and it does not work. And I have just one interest, and if I am wrong ... somebody else can have my job. I want to see this country prosperous. I want to see people get a job. I want to see people get enough to eat. We have never made good on our promises ... I say after eight years of this Administration we have just as much unemployment as when we started ... And an enormous debt to boot!"
Henry Morganthau, Treasury Secretary, in May 1939
Is it some sort of job interview, then? Something at the UN perhaps?
I note that my local (NuLab) MP is busy building himself a 'portfolio' career - i.e. scraps from the table stuff. If he was any good he'd have been able to walk into a decent job. Obviously those seeing him are as unimpressed as I am.
It didn't help Margaret Thatcher to be on the world stage in 1990 - she looked out of touch with the country and her MP electorate.
Gordon Jonah Brown?
Nuclear Weapons?
Christ Alive. Time to stock up on beans and candles and get the cellar prepared.
It's not like meeting Obama will help Brown, he's approaching lame duck status in the US and for the first time ever his Gallup approval rating has gone negative (47% disapprove, 46% approve, 7% don't know).
It looks like his ill timed obsession with healthcare and increasing government spending has gone down badly with people in the US and November will bring heavy losses to the Dems...
Obamacare will consign him to the one term presidents list. Too much political capital wasted on healthcare and not enough time spent on the economy when everybody know, it's the economy, stupid!
I predict a brace or two of "too embarassing to watch
moments" from that jaunt.
Two lame ducks don't make a walk.
Will he be flying BA?
Dear President Obama.
We,the British people ask that you do not give anymore DVD box sets to our leader. Instead, please, give him back his dignity.
Have just one photo of him and you smiling on the Whitehouse lawn. Please don't make him chase you into the mens room again. Or have to pretend he's 'just popped back' after all the other leaders have flown home saying, 'did I leave my watch here? No? I couldn't just have a drink could I? I'm so thirsty what with being PM and all. I love what you've done with the place! You must tell me all about it outside in front of those passing photographers..
Sorry I was so late by the way. 18 hours, I know! I came by British Airways..."
"Will he be flying BA?"
It's hardly likely to be Lying Flion now is it?
What reflected glory, Ian?
Obama's a busted flush.
Beat me to it...
If he does go ...then let's hope President Obama snubs Gordon Brown just like he did the last time.
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