Blair sets departure date

[InsaneApache]

I'm surprised no-one has posted this yet. Anyroad, as Lyntons bestest pal, I would like to say this to him.

Good riddance to bad rubbish and don't let the door hit your arse on the way out.

linky

So, what does the Orgahs think of the man? Should have gone sooner? Or should he have given it, say, another 10 years?

American viewpoints especially welcome. You lot love him over there.

[Don Corleone]

Isn't it funny, you guys loved Clinton and we loved Blair? Maybe that's the answer, Slick Willy in Westminster and tony Tony comes to DC?

I think it's sad and unfortunate that our current administration has no concept of perception in the world at large. Rather than being viewed as a partner, with his own concerns and own decisions to make, our ham-handedness allowed Blair's enemies to portray him as a lapdog.

I understand he may not have had the greatest run with domestic policy. I think we know a thing or two about that as well.

All I have to say is I hope the 'special friendship' can survive Gordon Brown. Things are definitely going to be different this summer.

Edit: What am I worried about. If it could survive "W" (I think we all know how popular he is at large in the UK), I think it can survive anything. Perhaps Louis licking his chops waiting in the wings might be a tad premature.

[Odin]

American viewpoints especially welcome. You lot love him over there.

I think the UK as a whole has been an over the top gracious friend. The fact that Blair stuck with it in Iraq even in later stages of the event strikes me as suspect. I think he might have thought that loyalty would equal influence, sadly he mistook the current bush with his father.

That said, I dont know a great deal about his domestic policies to comment at length, the northern Ireland bit the last few days is a nice end for him, but wasnt the momentum heading in this direction anyway, with or without Blair?

I think his stand on the environment is noble and I had hoped that the influence or "capital" he had attained with Bush through his loyalty would have gotten more out of the Bush admin by way of pushing green issues.

In the end Im conflicted about Blair in relation to the U.S. Im not sure his intentions were national or global (by way of influence), that said he certainly set up good will with the american voting public for his loyalty and that might pay dividends down the road.

[Lemur]

You've only got 48 more days of Blair. I suggest long walks, hand-holding, maybe writing each other a poem. Savor these last few precious moments of your PM.

[Husar]

He acknowledged his government had not always lived up to high expectations but said he had been "very blessed" to lead "the greatest nation on earth".

*looks at the anti-bristishism thread*

Well, I wish him all the best, now that he finally made a good decision.

[Devastatin Dave]

Good guy, especially for a liberal. Best of luck to him. Hopefully the Brits will find someone with testicles to replace him, but I fear they've become very French on the Island lately.

[InsaneApache]

Blair a liberal?

[Lemur]

Blair a liberal?

To some people, everyone who isn't a member of the American Republican party is a liberal. And then there are the RINOs, they're liberals too, don'cha know.

Also note how dear Dave hasn't heard about, or hasn't understood the significance of the new French president. Time to pick a new country for ending all arguments, sir.

[Philippus Flavius Homovallumus]

He is dishonest, corrupt and incompetant. His lasting legacy will be the final death of faith in British Politics.

I will concede than much of the target-culture Blair pushed was pioneered by John Major but just because he didn't invent it, that gives him no excuse to perpetuate it up the wazoo.

[Devastatin Dave]

To some people, everyone who isn't a member of the American Republican party is a liberal. And then there are the RINOs, they're liberals too, don'cha know.

Also note how dear Dave hasn't heard about, or hasn't understood the significance of the new French president. Time to pick a new country for ending all arguments, sir.

He is the leader of the Labor party correct. Anyway, the French election and the reaction of its people (including their "youths") shows that they have a long way to go.
But then again you're a "independent" who never criticizes anyone on the left. So, in a way, we are more alike than you realise. Wrap your head around that one my prehensilled tailed friend.

[Philippus Flavius Homovallumus]

The Labour Party currently occupies the Left of the Political spectrum, the LibDems the centre Left and the Conservatives the centre Right.

Don't let the name fall you.

[macsen rufus]

Blair a liberal?

From DD's perspective, I'm sure he is for all we might see him as an Orwellian schemer and authoritarian over here.

@Odin:

I think his stand on the environment is noble

IMHO I think his (meagre) environmental credentials went right out of the window when he took power. That to my mind was the first big disappointment with "New Labour". He might shine against Bush, but that's saying naff all. Still, it would be naiive to expect any political party to honour election pledges.

I think his legacy will be tainted by Iraq, the increasing centralization of power and the surveillance state, and the undermining of cabinet government.

Goodness only knows what Brown will really be like. I find him a lot harder to read, although I expect he'll be more steady and thoughtful, and less impulsive than Blair. But that impression could as easily have come from the Brown spin dept.

Recent developments in Ulster will go on the plus side of his record, for sure, but who can tell how much of that was down to him personally, or just the zeitgeist.

I can't help wondering what the past few years would have been like if John Smith hadn't died when he did, I believe he had the makings of a fine statesman. Nonetheless, for him or agin him, Blair was definitely a significant figure and his legacy will not be truly understood or evaluated for at least another decade or so.

[Odin]

@Odin:



IMHO I think his (meagre) environmental credentials went right out of the window when he took power. That to my mind was the first big disappointment with "New Labour". He might shine against Bush, but that's saying naff all. Still, it would be naiive to expect any political party to honour election pledges.

I think his legacy will be tainted by Iraq, the increasing centralization of power and the surveillance state, and the undermining of cabinet government.

Goodness only knows what Brown will really be like. I find him a lot harder to read, although I expect he'll be more steady and thoughtful, and less impulsive than Blair. But that impression could as easily have come from the Brown spin dept.

Recent developments in Ulster will go on the plus side of his record, for sure, but who can tell how much of that was down to him personally, or just the zeitgeist.

I can't help wondering what the past few years would have been like if John Smith hadn't died when he did, I believe he had the makings of a fine statesman. Nonetheless, for him or agin him, Blair was definitely a significant figure and his legacy will not be truly understood or evaluated for at least another decade or so.

Odd, his portrayl in the US media as a champion of the environment was played out rather loudly, as I reflect thats when he was taking over the EU presidency. Green issues are a little indulgence of mine (dont tell my conservative friends), and, again, from his portrayl here he certainly made the issue a talking point.

I think the taint of Iraq is going to follow a lot of people, however I think Blair's rational was slightly more noble then some. I recall a speech he gave after 9/11 that he vowed to stand "shoulder to shoulder" with the U.S. on terrorism.

While hindsight allows us to classify that as a poor decision (in the case of Iraq) I as an american appreciated it. For me, i'll remember that. The environmental issue is hard to contrast and compare because here in the states we are so far in backward that Blair seems a beacon. AS world leaders go, with clout in the U.S. he was the most vocal "green" I heard.

Not being schooled in all the goings on in Northern Ireland it seemed to me that the march toward power sharing was the only conclusion left after all that was under the bridge. Perhaps Blair benefits from the timing? It did happen under his watch, and while it would be fashionable to minimalize his influence on that outcome, I'll give him a check mark on the positive side for it.

[Louis VI the Fat]

I'm surprised no-one has posted this yet.

I read it earlier today, but, like everybody else here, we didn't want to rob you of your glorious moment.


My opinion of Blair is ambiguous. I think the bad aspects will be posted by plenty of others in this thread. As to the good, here's something for all you British to ponder about: over roughly the past decade, which country has seen the most progress, has had the better understanding of the challenges and opportunities of globalisation, has had the better government: France under Chirac, America under Bush, Italy under Berlusconi, Germany under Schröder, or Britain under Tony Blair?

Sink your teeth into that one, IA.

[rory_20_uk]

I'm no fan of Blair. But I shudder at what Brown unleashed will do. Under his direction we have increased the complexity of the tax system every year until we have the honour of having the longest in the world.

So, apart from increasing complexity of, well, possibly everything I imagine a shift the the Left as again money is lavished on Public Spending; the Unions might also get a closer relationship again as well.

Best he stayed on so we can all bemoan the Tories for a few years...

[Tribesman]

He is dishonest, corrupt and incompetant.

Perhaps he will enter Irish politics .

On a positive note Blair did carry on Smiths much needed reform of the Labour party , though some may consider that he went too far .
Also sticking with the Peace process , funny that Blair announces his actual departure and Ahern announces that he is going to stand down .

What he will probably be remembered for as his legacy is the complete mess and deciet over Iraq .

[lancelot]

I think his stand on the environment is noble...

Oh yea, after announcing his decision to step down today in his constituency he takes a private jet back to London...

What an eco warrior.


On the thread topic...the only reason I can think of that I want him to stay is that his replacement could be worse...

[scotchedpommes]

He's going on my birthday.

[Geoffrey S]

I'd be happier about him going if it didn't mean we're headed for a Britain under Cameron...

There was a lot of promise in Blair, backed up by an incredible pr machine in the first years. Just think what kind of a PM he could have been and be remembered as if the promises had matched up to his obvious skills! I guess his time in office will be remembered as a wasted oppurtunity for real, effective change.

[Odin]

Oh yea, after announcing his decision to step down today in his constituency he takes a private jet back to London...

What an eco warrior.

curious you quoted me, but thus my response....

Based on my comparative of what we have here in the U.S. he's far more seasoned a combantant in the eco war, but far be it from me to praise someone from another country

[econ21]

I like Tony Blair - personally, he's quick witted and charming; politically, he got it wrong on Iraq but has overseen significant improvements in most areas of British life (economic, educational, health, Northern Ireland, even crime).

But I was about to curse him for being a war criminal this evening when I heard a rumour on the Channel 4 News that the official secrets trial concluded today concerned a discussion between him and GWB over bombing Al Jazeera. Thankfully, I checked online and found out he argued against such a move (apparently to be carried out against AJs HQ in Qatar, although some say GWB was not serious in his proposal to bomb an allied country).

However, the fact that my immediate reaction was to believe he was colluding in such a despicable move does underline that he has lost even my trust in his judgement.

[Seamus Fermanagh]

Who knows? Maybe the Liberals will suddenly wina majority -- or even those SNP chaps. Now there'd be a bit of fun.

[BigTex]

IMHO I think his (meagre) environmental credentials went right out of the window when he took power. That to my mind was the first big disappointment with "New Labour". He might shine against Bush, but that's saying naff all. Still, it would be naiive to expect any political party to honour election pledges.

He may not have been the greatest eco minded president but Bush did an amazing amount of ecological stuff in Texas while governor. He was the governor who lead Texas to be the leading state in wind power. Without his determination to help free Texas from oil and other forms of power, electricity would be pricey. Not to mention the massive amount of innovation that has been created in wind farms from the rapid growth in Texas. The sheer size of these monsters compared to what they were 10 years ago is amazing.

There are now parts of Texas that are nearly exclusively serviced electricity by wind energy. Bush is solely to thank for this.

As for Blair, sad day, he was a good man, and a good leader. He had the balls to lead, and not to be chained to the gallop poll's. Sad, if only he had the will to stay to be voted out honorably.

The USA has lost a great friend today.

[InsaneApache]

As for Blair, sad day, he was a good man, and a good leader. He had the balls to lead, and not to be chained to the gallop poll's. Sad, if only he had the will to stay to be voted out honorably

Unfortunately he his and did. His entire agenda was tabloid driven, even the Iraq war. He thought that the populace would 'come around' to his decision.

Terrified of what happened to Kinnock in the '92 election, when the media slaughtered the Welsh wind bag, he promoted a culture of spin and double, or even triple announcements on the same thing.

The man is fixated by the media.

Anyway here's fun clip of our great leader...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9dg8Eoj3RM

[Samurai Waki]

Personally, I've always been a bit iffy on Blair. I'm not so sure that Americans love Britain because of Blair, rather the other way around. As I recall Americans also liked Churchill, Thatcher, and *gasp* Majors.

I'll be just as glad to see GWB go as Blair. OTH I'm rather worried about what lies ahead, I can't imagine the level of political incompetance to get any lower than it has on both sides of the pond, but then again, I've been wrong before...

[Geoffrey S]

I like this one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1vwKZiDsY4

[InsaneApache]

I like this one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1vwKZiDsY4

Absolutley freakin' brilliant.

[Pannonian]

A taste of our incoming Great Leader, as interpreted by Rory Bremner.

[Sir Moody]

while im normally the first to jump on the "complain about blair" bandwagon i have to say i dont think any of the opposition through out the years would have done as well - we occupy a very bad place in politics right now... all the leaders are morons...

Frankly if Brown comes to power i think ill vote for blair mark 2 aka Cameron even tho i think he will be an awful leader - anything to avoid Brown

[rotorgun]

While there are many who can find fault with him, and I have a few bones to pick with him myself, I cannot bring myself to dislike him. As he has been a faithful freind to the United States, I honor him. It takes great courage to remain faithful to your allies, especially when they are making such obvious blunders. I will also miss his performances during PM time, which I am able to watch from time to time on CSPAN here in the States.

Good luck Mr. Blair.

Incidentally, he has an open invitation to visit my family and I any time that he should care to visit. It would be an honor to have him as our guest.