PM GORDON BROWN LOVES HUSSEIN LOOK AT THE REACTION

[mord]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/barackobama/2713430/Gordon-Brown-triggers-row-with-John-McCain-by-backing-Barack-Obama.html   













Gordon Brown triggers row with John McCain by 'backing' Barack Obama
Gordon Brown has triggered a potential row with John McCain, the Republican presidential candidate, after apparently backing Barack Obama - breaking convention not to get involved in foreign elections.
 
By Robert Winnett, Deputy Political Editor and Tom Leonard
Last Updated: 9:05AM BST 10 Sep 2008

Comments 236 | Comment on this article

 The endorsement of a prime minister as troubled as Mr Brown was of dubious value Photo: Jeff Moore Photo/Shaun Curry
The Prime Minister heaped praise on Mr Obama and the Democrats in a magazine article, saying they were "generating the ideas to help people through more difficult times."

Dealing with economic problems is the crucial battleground in the US elections and Mr Brown's comments were interpreted as backing the Democrat candidate.

The Prime Minister's office and the British Embassy in Washington were last night involved in an embarrassing behind-the-scenes operation to try and limit the fallout from the incident. They were alerted after the highly influential Drudge Report website picked up the story, sparking a flurry of comment and analysis from election watchers in the US.

Well-placed sources claimed that Mr Brown may not have read the article written in his name by a "junior Labour official".

A source said: "It is clearly going to annoy the Republicans and is a naive mistake by a junior Labour person. The American Embassy is doing a lot of work to reassure the McCain campaign that this is not an endorsement of Obama."

In a statement, Number 10 said that the "Prime Minister is not endorsing any candidate and never would." It added: "Presidential elections are a matter for the American people. The Prime Minister looks forward to working closely with whoever is elected."

The article appeared in the Parliamentary Monitor magazine and was intended to set out Mr Brown's plans to overhaul Labour policies ahead of the party's annual conference this month.

In the article, Mr Brown drew attention to policies to help deal with the economic downturn. He said: "Around the world, it is progressive politicians who are grappling with these challenges. In the electrifying US Presidential campaign, it is the Democrats who are generating the ideas to help people through more difficult times.

"To help prevent people from losing their home, Barack Obama has proposed a Foreclosure Prevention Fund to increase emergency pre-foreclosure counselling, and help families facing repossession."

No mention is made of Mr McCain or his proposed policies in the article.

The Conservatives last night seized on the apparent gaffe. William Hague, the shadow Foreign Secretary, said: "A responsible British Prime Minister needs to be ready to work with either Presidential candidate after the US election, and should neither take sides nor be seen to be taking sides.

"Gordon Brown needs to make clear why he appeared to be favouring the Democrats in this article and to explain whether this was his deliberate intention or a careless mistake."

The chief reaction from ordinary US voters on politics websites was one of derision, with many pointing out that the endorsement of a prime minister as troubled as Mr Brown was of dubious value.

There was also a widespread amount of annoyance – not confined to Republicans - that a foreign political leader should be seeking to influence the US election.

Readers of the influential US Politico blog were roughly split two to one between those who were critical of Mr Brown's comments and those who approved of them.

One wrote: "Brits like Obama? That's like a dog whistle to the Dumbed Down Americans to vote for Palin-McCain. Thanks Brown."

Another commented: "Cue beam of light...People of the World, he is the One for you. But we have a quirky little thing here in the colonies, American voters pick our President. Not the British Prime Minister nor the People of the World."

The colonial theme was picked up by others. "The most incompetent PM in recent English history for the first time since King George III and Lord North telling the USA who should run their country," wrote one. "Makes me feel like dumping some tea in the harbour."

British Prime Ministers have largely declined to disclose their support for American candidates.

However the Blair administration was questioned for its close relationship with the Al Gore election team in the run-up to the 2000 election while John Major's links with George Bush senior also came in for criticism. The Bush camp contacted the Conservative government in the 1992 election battle seeking details about Mr Clinton's time as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford.
 
 
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Some people seem pretty het up about "interference" in an election campaign at home, but strangely ambivalent towards spurious foreign conflicts destabilising the world. Odd.
George
on September 10, 2008
at 01:07 PM
Report this commentSome people seem pretty het up about "interference" in an election campaign at home, but strangely ambivalent towards spurious foreign conflicts destabilising the world. Odd.
George
on September 10, 2008
at 01:07 PM
Report this commentMr. Brown is worried about being dumped by his own party as the conservatives in London near taking over the government. They want someone better as the Russians raise their ugly heads and Mr. Brown's mouth show why he should not be a leader.
james andrews
on September 10, 2008
at 01:07 PM
Report this commentDiplomatic deals do not have an afterlife � just because you have done ten deals in the past with a country and therefore have �Good Relations� with them, it doesn�t mean that you will be able to do a deal in the future. France and Germany�s supposedly �Good Relations� with Russia counted for nothing when it came to Georgia. Britain�s supposedly �frosty relations� with Russia have done nothing to affect our bustling trade with them. America�s relations with most of the world are we are told permanently �poor� and yet they seem to have no difficulty trading, protecting and being highly influential everywhere. This is because the �good relations� referred to above are almost entirely worthless when it comes to cashing them in. �Good Relations� won�t help you sell your products because people make spending decisions based upon price, quality and service � the �goodness� of the �relations� are irrelevant. Neither will �Good Relations� prevent a war, protect your borders, your markets or your citizens � only economic pressures and military prowess can do these things. Diplomatic deals are not done on the basis of �good relations� but like all other deals as a quid pro quo � we offer something in exchange for something else. A Foreign Secretary who hopes to be able to swing an agreement on the basis of Britain�s �Good Relations� is as deluded as someone hoping to get a discount on a car simply because he thinks the salesman likes him.
Americans are too smart to give a fig what the rest of the world is said to think of them or their prospective president � they realise that if they continue producing products we like we will continue to buy them and as long as our strategic interests remain aligned we�ll continue to support them. Each country looks out for itself � that�s the reality of International relations, so as a general rule if everyone hates you � you can be sure you�re doing something right.

Charles Gray
on September 10, 2008
at 01:07 PM
Report this commentOK, from this side of the pond, I think the UK would be best served by MYOB. Are there NO problems that the UK PM SHOULD be focused on. I remember that Mom dying because the NHS was on holiday. Perhaps, he should fous on that for example. Leave American elections to Americans.

P.S.: If he wanted to help O get elected, keeping his mouth shut might have been a good start.
reinkefj
on September 10, 2008
at 01:06 PM
Report this commentGet over it Brits. You cannot vote in our elections, so announcing your choice for our president is ridiculous.
Doesn't Mr. Brown have more important things to worry about, maybe like what is happening in Britain?
Michele, Pennsylvania, USA
on September 10, 2008
at 01:06 PM
Report this commentIf we elect Mccain will the Brits go away? One more vote for McCain!
lara
on September 10, 2008
at 01:06 PM
Report this commentWell that clears up one thing. We now know that anything written or said by Gordon Brown was actually written or said by somebody else.
Tony
on September 10, 2008
at 12:57 PM
Report this commentWhy don't you guys take Barry if you like him so much across the pond?
Watta Fukei
on September 10, 2008
at 12:57 PM
Report this commentHe should sy whatever he wants, ever nation in the world favors Obama by an overwhelming margin. I pray we elect Obama or I fear we will lose the respect of the world forever.
Alex
on September 10, 2008
at 12:57 PM
Report this commentBrown's endorsement of Obama actually decreases Barack's chances of election. Keep it up!! President McCain thanks you.
markcostello
on September 10, 2008
at 12:56 PM
Report this commentWhen President Ronald Reagan and PM Margaret Thatcher worked together to challenge the Soviet Union, guess what? It worked!

Apparently Labour PM Brown has forgotten that Conservatives actually stand on principle.

Us 'colonials', especially of Irish descent, do take a rather sour view of any foreign interference in our internal affairs. 1776 and 1812 seem to be periods that Mr. Brown never learned the lessons of (and yet in WWII, it was us colonials who came to the aid of the United Kingdom against fascist tyranny).

We should concentrate on fighting a real common enemy, fascist Islamic extremists rather than interfering in each other's internal politics.

Proud Irish American
Monmouth County, New Jersey

Tom Stokes
on September 10, 2008
at 12:56 PM
Report this commentYour PM's continuing mistakes create an opening for another M. Thatcher...who do you have?We have Sarah. AND,you Brits fail to understand our system. We left for a simple reason. Individuals are capable of taking care of themselves. Those of you blathering in this comment page prove the move.
Wallace
on September 10, 2008
at 12:56 PM
Report this commentGordon Brown should spend more time at the dentist and less time talking about our politics.

Stay the hell out, we don't get involved in your politics.
Mark Anderson
on September 10, 2008
at 12:55 PM
Report this commentI thank you and John McCain thanks you..JP Yorktown, Va. Where you blew it once before!
John Prine
on September 10, 2008
at 12:55 PM
Report this commentI've got news for Gordon Brown and the rest of Europe; get used to the phrase President John McCain. A large number of my fellow citizens here in the USA couldn't give a rats _ss who the rest of the "world" wants to be our president. It isn't your election its ours and we will elect who WE want not who YOU want. As a registered Republican I love to read articles like this one, because you all are doing more to help get John McCain elected by rooting for Obama than most of you realize. Keep it up please.

Dave
Dallas, TX USA
David Vieregge
on September 10, 2008
at 12:55 PM
Report this commentSo, having one of the least popular politicians in Great Britian endorsing you is a good thing? I think Mr. Brown just did John McCain big favor.
Buford Gooch
on September 10, 2008
at 12:55 PM
Report this commentThe Democrat and Labour Parties and Republican and Conservative Parties have been in contact for years. Party Conferences are not government functions.

Mr. Brown was speaking as PM. How would Labour have felt if President Reagan had written an article suggesting a vote for the Tories and Margaret Thatcher?
Sam Jackson
on September 10, 2008
at 12:55 PM
Report this commentMr. Brown needs to pay attention to his own politics and leave us to ours.
CG
on September 10, 2008
at 12:54 PM
Report this commentObama was a celebrity in Germany. Now he has the the Brit's Prime Minister Brown's endorsement.
Well, that certainly makes me want to vote for the Obama guy!
I think I'll stay with the smart, sassy little conserative lady and the guy who knows how the "Washington Machine" works!
Maybe Barack should look into running for office in Europe! Looks like he would be a shoo in!
Lulu Skates
on September 10, 2008
at 12:54 PM
Report this commentI've got news for Gordon Brown and the rest of Europe; get used to the phrase President John McCain. A large number of my fellow citizens here in the USA couldn't give a rats _ss who the rest of the "world" wants to be our president. It isn't your election its ours and we will elect who WE want not who YOU want. As a registered Republican I love to read articles like this one, because you all are doing more to help get John McCain elected by rooting for Obama than most of you realize. Keep it up please.

Dave
Dallas, TX USA
David Vieregge
on September 10, 2008
at 12:54 PM
Report this commentTwo leftists. Leftist stick together.
T_E_X
on September 10, 2008
at 12:53 PM
Report this commentMary Buchanan from Vero: "Great Britian (sp) is our greatest ally and we love you for it"

Speak for yourself. Not all Americans are so crazy about the Brits.
jeremy
on September 10, 2008
at 12:53 PM
Report this commentSo when should the Invasion of Downing Street begin?

There is now conclusive proof of Weapons Of Massive Idiocy.
Tricky Wombat
on September 10, 2008
at 12:53 PM
Report this commentThanks for the endorsement of Obama Hussein. With his calling Sara Palin a "pig" he is going to need the help of the Brits. We can only hope that the French throw their tiny little berets into the politicol cesspool. Enjoy your socialized lifestyle and leave us alone - we said goodbaye to you in 1776.
Paul Orlando Florida
on September 10, 2008
at 12:51 PM
Report this commentLets make everybody happy.
Mr. Browm and the BBC and the rest of the world want Obama ,The American people want MCcain,On Nov.4TH Obama becomes the President of the ...WORLD and MCcain president of the USA.
ariel
on September 10, 2008
at 12:51 PM
Report this commentWhen will the American public, not the MSM(mainstream media) or the rest of the world, be allowed to vote for POTUSA? It's getting a bit tiresome hearing Joe Blow & Mary Smith from Anywhere-but-the-USA 'voting' for who they would like to see running our country.

While I'd prefer all world leaders to be 'conservatives', it's not the reality is it? Nor would I approve of any of our politicians cheering on foreign candidates. It's none of their business...and it's none of PM Brown's either, respectfully.

T. Linden
Texas
Tracy
on September 10, 2008
at 12:51 PM
Report this commentAmerica cannot solve its economic problems with the Obama position of Anti Oil Drilling. Anti Coal. Anti Oil Shale and Anti Nuclear Energy. I guess Gordon believes the OBAMA Pixie Dust will fuel America.
Dennis D
on September 10, 2008
at 12:50 PM
Report this commentEndorsements from overseas are unwelcome here in the colonies. They generally do more harm than good, e.g., the well-meaning but misguided letter-writing campaign from abroad seeking Bush's reelection defeat. Believe me, that LOST the Dems more votes than it gained, if any.
George Parker
on September 10, 2008
at 12:50 PM
Report this commentThanks to your Communist/Labor Party Prime Minister for his political support of comrade Barack. Would comrade Putin please stand up for comrade Barack as well?
John Detmar
on September 10, 2008
at 12:50 PM
Report this commentWhat a pair on this wimp Gordon Brown, he has no right to put his opinion in on our political process, no matter how creepy it is. I have many brits that I call friends, most of them have spent much time in NYC so they have witnessed our weak liberal political leaders. they however all display incredible class. I wish I could say the same for Gordy. I've got news for him, McCain is going to win, and he will regret making his stupid comments!
Vt Libertarian
on September 10, 2008
at 12:50 PM
Report this commentJust another good reason for me to vote for McCain.
tytl
on September 10, 2008
at 12:49 PM
Report this commentWhat the hell does it matter to the Brits or any other nationality who our President is? Few, if any of us could care less who is in your government. I can't believe this internationalist or globalist crap.
What a load of horse crap!
Old Wolf
on September 10, 2008
at 12:49 PM
Report this commentThe American people vote for the President, not the World. If the World wants Obama to be President it is because they know he will be a push-over. Not So with John McCain.
I think the other countries should elect their own people and keep their noses out of our elections.
Ruth
on September 10, 2008
at 12:49 PM
Report this commentExcuse me, please explain to me again why us Americans should give a flip about which foreign countries support which US candidates? We are electing our leader....not Homecoming Queen of the world...it is not a popularity contest. However, the Brown support for Obama if a no-brainer since the inexperienced Obama supports that total failure in the UK called socialized medicine. I KNOW. I have much personal experience with it there. Sarah Pallin is the best VP candidate that McCain could have chosen!
Cheers Ya'll from Houston, Texas
Christine Byerly
on September 10, 2008
at 12:48 PM
Report this commentSocialists love their own kind.

It's gonna make relationships difficult when McCain wins in a landslide.

If an American President (especially republican) took sides in a British election, the the world media would be up in arms.
Arthur M
on September 10, 2008
at 12:48 PM
Report this commentTo our friends across the pond, We Americans have high respect for your elected officials and would suggest the PM needs to keep his choices on the US elections to himself. Senator McCain would make a fine President, and his VP Governor Palin is an excellent choice. Personal reassurances to McCain are clearly not enough to repair the damage already done.
Jane
on September 10, 2008
at 12:47 PM
Report this commentActually global security is kind of an important issue going around these days, and an EU-wannabe like B. Hussein Obama is just likely to result in Europe having to attempt defending themselves for a change.

It's cool, America can pack it's troops back home and let you guys attempt to go toe-to-toe with the Russians if you all want Obama so bad. We in the States could use a good laugh.
Joel Slack
on September 10, 2008
at 12:47 PM
Report this commentFortunately, only American citizens are allowed to vote in American elections.
If we allowed Europeans, (especially European politicians) to get involved, it would be a complete disaster.
People of Europe, please keep your Communist leaders on their leashes and let us elect our own clowns in the US.
Dave Ashworth
on September 10, 2008
at 12:47 PM
Report this commentMcCain shouldn't worry as Brown is on the outs with the English public and will probably lose the next election. His endorsement is really not worth much
david Smallbone
on September 10, 2008
at 12:46 PM
Report this commentGordon Brown won't be the PM much longer anyway, what with the UK economy in full collapse.

Maybe when President John McCain goes to Europe on his first trip overseas, he can visit with PM David Cameron.

And Gordon Brown can go back to being a doofus.
James Marsden
on September 10, 2008
at 12:46 PM
Report this commentMaybe you Brits should tell us whom to vote for especially if you are going to follow our stupid mistakes. If Tony Blair had not been licking Georgies boots maybe you would not have lost any soldiers in Iraq. We are still there and McCain will keep us there. Want to come back and join us in Iraq if Obama loses?
keith s
on September 10, 2008
at 12:46 PM
Report this commentHeadlines The World wants Obama makes me want McCain even more. PM backs Obama. Russell Brand's MTV remarks. GO McCain.. Arrogant Brits, what do you expect. This coming from a descendant of the UK...Brits are running a close second to the French for my contempt.
It goes on and on