March 19, 2003

Blair's job safe after Commons rebellion says Cook

Robin Cook says Tony Blair's job is safe despite the Labour rebellion over the Iraq crisis.

Mr Cook, who quit as Leader of the Commons this week over the looming war, said no one in the Labour Party was capable of replacing the Prime Minister.

"I don't think his own standing and status is damaged," Mr Cook told CNN's Larry King. "There's nobody who can credibly challenge him for leadership of the Labour party."
[...]
"He's been the most successful Labour leader in my lifetime and I want him to go on."

Former Prime Minister John Major, who also appeared on the programme, praised Mr Blair's stance on Iraq.

Mr Major, who led Britain during the 1991 Gulf War, said his successor had been "very robust" in his support of the US and the actions against Saddam.

"I think that's entirely right," he commented. "He's given America the support that I would have expected of the British Prime Minister."

Go, Tony, Go!
(Note that this is in the TheGuardian no less, the Pravda of London!)
I don't know where Tony's Leftist politics have gone and I can only hope they're gone forever; in fact, his strong stance has routed the "anti-war" Left all over the world, including earning him an endorsement from his old buddy Bubba (However, Clintoon wouldn't go the whole distance and also praise Bush...of course.)
Almost for that alone, I am infinitely grateful to Blair.
The US couldn't hope for a better world leader to stand "shoulder to shoulder" with our President!
Somewhere in Heaven, Winston Churchill is smiling and proud of his living legacy so vigorously alive in Mr. Blair!