Alla-BritsFollow

It's rather childish that grown men, who are two of the most powerful in the world, feel the need to exchange gifts - especially when they are already allies.

I know it's all for PR, but still.

We tire of this alliance. We demand that you teach us the secret of Rocketry.

"Would you accept this set of 25 DVDs instead?"

I'm just a little American girl, but in my humble opinion, shouldn't the guest front a better gift anyway? I mean, the Brown children weren't even in attendance.

Let's look at it from the flip side. If the Obamas had gotten them some extravagant gifts and trendy label clothing, wouldn't they be chided for "spending too much in this economy"? I think a couple of modest gifts was the image they were trying to present. Michelle especially is known for her thrift.

Regardless, Obama is damned if he does, damned if he doesn't. If Mr. Brown doesn't want his DVD set I'll take it.

Like who?

No big story here Joph. It was seen as an attempt for him to restore some personal confidence, as there are few giving him any applause here, but there was no big story.

The general tone was that he was well-received, but not to the extent that his political stock would rise significantly.

This is all getting off the subject of whether or not it was an actual new story in Britain. You all carry on regardless, I just wanted to reassert the OP for the sake of future UK readers. (I typed this before seeing Nobby's response)I have no idea what you're even trying to say here. Bush sucked on Pakistan's dong for six long years while Pakistan cheerfully allowed nuclear secrets proliferation to Iran, N. Korea and Syria.

Edited, Mar 9th 2009 11:52am by Jophiel

I saw nothing about this till I came home. No one talked about it at work, no family mentioned it.

No one likes Gordon Brown in the current climate, he just wishes to be seen associated with any success (which Obama still is). The Times had shown a wonderful cartoon of a pudgy Gordon Brown hugging a very surprised and uncomfortable Obama. If you look for the 2nd March, you can see the picture here

More from from the artist here

I am such a "Have I got news for you" gal

Edited, Mar 9th 2009 2:54pm by GwynapNud

It makes sense that it was a put-down to someone who is obviously more liked, out of jealousy. Poor Brown. Apparently the Brits have never heard that it's not polie to look a gift horse in the mouth. (insert joke about bad teeth here)

I was being contrary, mainly, but I don't believe people are being fair to Brown. It's a global recession and Britain benefits enormously from financial sector services, which expalins why we are hit harder than many other countries. At least we're not Ireland. I mean, Brown should have done more, obviously, but I don't think people hate him out of carefully considered opinion.

I've heard nothing but rhetoric from the Tories and the liberals still haven't gotten over their century long identity crisis. I'm not happy with Labour, but the political landscape is as bleak as an hour of daytime television.

Brown lacks leadership qualities. He has no vision, he dithers, he does not inspire and disregarding the financial crisis, his track record with managing the country is extremely poor. He has stumbled from one crisis to another).

October 6 2007
Brown announces he will not hold a general election following Tory fightback at their party conference

November 25 2007
Tyneside businessman David Abrahams unmasked as secret donor to Labour who passed cash to party through intermediaries

December 6 2007
Plans unveiled to extend pretrial detention to up to 42 days for terror suspects.
and we all remember how well that went now, don't we ..

January 24 2008
Peter Hain resigns as the work and pensions secretary after the police are asked to investigate allegations of late declaration of more than £100,000 to his campaign for the deputy leadership of the Labour party

Tax Fubars ..

March 12 2008
Alistair Darling's budget raises duty on alcohol but delays 2p-a-litre petrol tax rise because of surge in oil prices

April 21 2008
Brown promises review of impact of scrapping of 10p tax band as Labour MPs vent their anger; three weeks later Darling ameliorates impact on most of those affected with emergency mini-budget

May 2 2008
Boris Johnson becomes mayor of London while Labour suffers drubbing in local elections
poor Ken might have won if it had not been brown at the helm

June 12 2008
Shadow home secretary David Davis announces he is to force a byelection in protest at the government's Commons victory over plans to increase pre-charge detention to up to 42 days
Oh yes, that little problem about human rights keeps popping up ..

And of course, most incoming PMs can blame the previous administration for any hangovers. But he was the previous administration. And worse still, the Chancellor for 10 years where the largest crisis is coming from. At least Blair could have claimed his chancellor made the error

Getting what you wished for can be a really horrible curse sometimes. Good luck Gordon!

Edited, Mar 9th 2009 3:52pm by GwynapNud

Brown is a penile wart and will not be in power for much longer so there is little point wasting meaningful gifts upon him.

Cameron makes Brown look like Abe Lincoln unfortunately and is even less worthy of gifts.

Maybe is 5 years the UK will finally reallise That Tony wasn't so bad after all.

All I know is that if the loltories get a second term i'm moving to Gambia, those fUckers couldn't organise a pissup in a brewery.

I did not vote for Blair. I did not like some of his decisions, but he was a good statesman and a born leader Crucially Blair earned the right to be Prime Minister by his vision and personality. Thats something Brown has failed to do.