- Laura Kuenssberg
- 1 Aug 07, 02:49 PM
Watching from a distance, we pored over the words they chose, the body language, even why George Bush took Gordon Brown for a spin in Golf Cart One. But what did the White House press corp's finest make of the prime minister's first visit to the United States? Could he match the affection in which much of American public opinion held his predecessor?
Not quite. The tone of most of the American newspapers, networks and blogs is respectful. But are not falling over themselves to praise Gordon Brown.
The Huffington Post, one of the leading liberal blogs says there is 'no kinship' between the Bush and Brown compared to 'the kinetic Blair'. , talking from the other side of the political spectrum says there was 'no daylight' visible between the two men on George Bush's priority, fighting terrorism.
But they note that Gordon Brown went way beyond discussion of things Mr Bush could do anything about, by setting out a long term agenda that will involve the NEXT president of the US, not the man who was standing at the Camp David podium beside him.
There's relief reported in many outlets that Gordon Brown said there were 'duties to discharge' in Iraq - no sign of decision on pulling out troops in Iraq before the US General Petraeus reports in September.
But although, as reported, the two men worked to present a 'united front', many American commentators remark on a 'coolness' between Bush and Brown - very different to the 'George' and 'Blair' relationship of the last few years. No doubt the men both know the importance of being strong allies, but US observers don't think there's much chance of them becoming best buddies.
- Laura Kuenssberg
- 1 Aug 07, 11:21 AM
So Ali Miraj, whose extraordinary of David Cameron I first reported on the Ten O'Clock News on Monday night, is struck off the list of approved candidates for the Conservative Party.
The view from the leadership, his behaviour was completely unacceptable and he therefore should be punished.
Now there is no chance of him being selected to fight any constituency for the party at the next election. But he knew that would be the case when he opened his mouth on Monday night for his scathing attack on what he termed, David Cameron's "complete lack of judgement". He told me, "I know this means I'll never be an MP now but I felt I had to speak out."
So if he knew he would never have a chance of being selected, did the party actually need to suspend him? Was it smashing a nut with a sledgehammer?
Ali Miraj was not a big name in the party. A 'new Tory' and someone formerly close to David Cameron yes, but by no means a major player.
Indeed, had his criticisms not come on the same day as comments from Lord Saatchi, arguably they might not have been much reported.
The story was beginning to die down yesterday afternoon when the party then announced his suspension. So why reignite the row? Didn't that just draw more attention to Ali Miraj's criticisms?
Certainly, there was real anger that an obscure former parliamentary candidate could, in the leader's office, make clear his ambitions for a peerage, be turned down, and then march out and brief journalists like me, and circulate what was clearly a pre-prepared and damning critique of the leader. So the party wanted to make it clear they wouldn't put up with it.
But this isn't just about Mr Miraj's behaviour. David Cameron's authority has been under attack in recent weeks.
First the over grammar schools, then two disappointing , then his decision to to go to Rwanda while much of his constituency was under flood water. So the Miraj episode presented itself as the perfect chance for him to assert that authority, to look in charge, and tell members of his own party, 'Don't mess with me'.
David Cameron knows there are plenty of people in the party who have doubts about the direction he's taking them in. But by suspending Ali Miraj they have all been told, keep those doubts to yourselves.
- Laura Kuenssberg
- 1 Aug 07, 11:12 AM
Most of the politicians are on holiday, and after his encounters with the US president, so is Nick.
So for the next few weeks I'll be tending to the blog. I've been working in Westminster since 2003, becoming a political correspondent via 91热爆 Two's Daily Politics, Newsnight and other encounters with 91热爆 News across the country over the years.
Highs? Nail-chewing moments as the results dripped in while I was reporting the last US Presidential elections from Washington DC. Talking our way in to a prison for the first ever live outside broadcast for the 91热爆 from behind bars.
Lows? Spending weeks filming the cull of thousands of animals during the foot and mouth epidemic. Being caught in a hailstorm during a live broadcast at an old coal mine wasn't so much fun either.
I have never however, as some assume, worked full-time in my native land, Scotland. So sporadic trips to Holyrood Parliament, including telling the story of the May election for the 10 o'clock news, have to suffice.
I studied history at Edinburgh and at Georgetown University in Washington DC, indulging an interest in politics stateside. But Westminster goings on are plenty to keep me busy. Parliament may already have packed up for the summer but with Gordon Brown keen to keep the political momentum, and the Conservatives determined to try and get it back, don't be surprised if this turns out to be a very political summer.
91热爆 again. Phew. Just time to pack my bags and head off again on the family holiday. Never would have guessed that I would be heading off with an ultra confident Prime Minister Brown soaring in the polls - and a stricken Mr Cameron sliding in them. Still, the Autumn is another country.
In my absence Newslog will not rest. I am handing it over to my highly capable colleague Laura Kuenssberg, who will chart the summer of action ahead.
If like me, you're off for a rest - enjoy. If not, stay tuned...
