What do you guys think of Tony Blair?

**Batgirl** · 10-25-2004, 10:19 AM

Press coverage of Blair stateside appears to be very favourable especially compared to how he's treated over here. Just curious what you guys make of him? Do you know much about him politically besides his support of Iraq?

**Brad** · 10-25-2004, 10:26 AM

We're pretty provincial over here - don't get into international politics all that much. What we know about Blair is that he was right about one vitally important thing. We will always appreciate him for that. And he was a much better spokesman for the cause than President Bush. Very articulate, even if he does sound like C3PO

I disagree with Blair's position on the EU. I hear rumblings about some laws being enacted in the UK that would result in open revolt over here (for instance the whole thing about fox hunting), so I don't think I would enjoy having him as our president.

I see him, personally, as a very Churchillian or FDR-like figure. Both men fought the war magnificently, but then Churchill lost his post, as I understand it, because of domestic issues. And in the US, even today, many of our social and domestic problems can be traced directly to Roosevelt's domestic policies.

But they were right about the one pressing issue of their time, and so was Blair.

**66MP1** · 10-25-2004, 10:40 AM

I really don't follow the domestic politics in England, but I can say that Tony Blair has my upmost respect for his position on Iraq and his support for the USA.

**Batgirl** · 10-25-2004, 10:57 AM

Interesting comments particularly the comparison to FDR. Even though he's been in power since '97 Blair remains an enigma to me. His left of centre party (Labour) is one I would never support but I do have a lot of respect for him as an individual. Even the diehard conservatives over here haven't been able to fault him for his stand on Iraq and against terrorism. Sometimes I believe old Tone is really a closet conservative just dying to get out but then he blows it with his party's harebrained schemes to drive us further into the EU.

Quote:

Very articulate, even if he does sound like C3PO

Grimmy · 10-25-2004, 05:52 PM

I am about as anti liberal/leftist as a human can be and not be permantly confined to a high security nut ward....but I absolve Mr. Blair of all his political utopian incompetence for his courage and integrity in helping us stand against this plague.

10-25-2004, 06:02 PM

Just from my very distant view, I think TB is a good leader in a time of war. I have never paid a lot of attention to the politics of other nations, but I think Margaret Tatcher would be hard to beat

RedCell · 10-25-2004, 06:03 PM

i agree with grimmy, tb is like jk flip flopping...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grimmy

I am about as anti liberal/leftist as a human can be and not be permantly confined to a high security nut ward....but I absolve Mr. Blair of all his political utopian incompetence for his courage and integrity in helping us stand against this plague.

OkComputer398 · 10-25-2004, 06:50 PM

Tony Blair is the man!

**Batgirl** · 10-26-2004, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grimmy

I am about as anti liberal/leftist as a human can be and not be permantly confined to a high security nut ward...

I feel the same way about the left but there's something about Blair that tugs at me. He's screwed up domestically but I really can't fault him for his resolve on Iraq and his genuine belief that the coalition is doing the right thing. There aren't many leaders who would put their neck on the line like that while being persecuted not only by the opposition and the media, but also from members of their own party.

Brian, I agree with you about Thatcher. As much as I respect Blair's leadership on Iraq/terrorism, he doesn't come close to matching this great lady in any capacity.

USMC Chuter · 10-29-2004, 04:56 AM

Wow, I need to pay more attention to politics beyond the US... I admit ignorance to British politics, but I would have put money on Blair being a conservative. I know enough to know that I applaud his support of the US in Iraq/war on terror, and cringe at the thought of the UK sinking farther into the EU. "EEEWWWW"

**Navy6064** · 10-29-2004, 06:51 AM

I thank he is a great man.

**Batgirl** · 10-29-2004, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by usmc chuter

...but I would have put money on Blair being a conservative

That's one of the reasons I asked the question. I wondered how much people outside the UK know about Blair's politics besides his support of Iraq. You could say Blair is a "conservative" amongst his Labour peers, he definitely takes more of a "centre" position than that of the left. I would say generally that his political beliefs are more in line with your Democrats than the socialist ideals typically held by previous Labour PMs. Another interesting insight that has come to light recently is his close personal relationship with Bush. Apparently they are close friends away from the political arena with religion being one of their strongest bonds.

And I strongly agree with your comment about the EU!!