A laughing shame: Clinton Stumps for Blair in UK Elections!

It is an open secret that Democratic politicians in the US generally favor the Labor candidate for Prime Minister in British national elections. Nevertheless, respect for British sovereignty and the intelligence of the British people have always constrained Democratic politicians from expressing this preference openly (in the US or, perish the thought, the UK).

(And, with good reason; after all, as the visceral and indignant reaction of Ohio voters demonstrated when the London Guardian newspaper tried to sway their vote in favor of John Kerry last year, no sensible voter wants outsiders telling her how to vote – even if it is an amiable cad performing the political seduction.)

Yet this is precisely what Bill Clinton did last night – in a narcissistic, self-indulgent and overreaching appearance on British TV. There he was schilling at a campaign event for Labor’s Tony Blair – showing no regard whatsoever for the long established and respected tradition referenced above and, thereby, leaving yet another stain on his dubious political career.

Of course, no one in America would be surprised by Clinton’s disregard for the bounds of political decency in this respect. And some might even argue that he has every right to appear on Blair’s behalf in his capacity as a private citizen. Indeed.

But can anyone imagine any other ex-President or ex-Prime Minister doing anything so gauche? Moreover, Clinton remains the de facto leader of the Democratic Party and his wife is already campaigning to become the next President of the United States. Therefore, there’s no denying that his insult to the leaders of the UK Conservative and Liberal Parties (and the British electorate) carried the imprimatur of the most influential American politician – after the sitting president.

What is most puzzling about this juvenile political farce, however, is PM Tony Blair’s gleeful surrendering of his country’s electoral independence. After all, notwithstanding Clinton’s impudence, one would’ve expected Mr. Blair to show more respect for his fellow candidates and the British people….Can he be that daft and desperate?

[More on the British Election next week]

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