Beware Blair

One of the political curiosities of the age is the love that American conservatives harbor toward Tony Blair. It is an unrequited love—Blair is a modernizing left-liberal—but a heartfelt one. And when Blair survived two major threats to his leadership in the last week of January, there were outbursts of conservative joy at his deliverance. But has he really restored his political dominance? And if he has, should conservatives be pleased?

At first glance, he certainly looks dominant—after winning the parliamentary vote on his proposed reform of college tuition fees, and being cleared by a senior British judge of any underhandedness in the David Kelly affair. But a closer look suggests otherwise.

About the Author

John O’Sullivan

John O’Sullivan is a senior fellow at National Review Institute and a contributing editor of National Review.

Featured Tags

One of the political curiosities of the age is the love that American conservatives harbor toward Tony Blair. It is an unrequited love—Blair is a modernizing left-liberal—but a heartfelt one. And when Blair survived two major threats to his leadership in the last week of January, there were outbursts of conservative joy at his deliverance. But has he really restored his political dominance? And if he has, should conservatives be pleased?

At first glance, he certainly looks dominant—after winning the parliamentary vote on his proposed reform of college tuition fees, and being cleared by a senior British judge of any underhandedness in the David Kelly affair. But a closer look suggests otherwise.