"Revealed: Blair's secret mission to woo Kerry"

[Bluebear]

By Andrew Buncombe in Washington and Francis Elliott

31 October 2004

Tony Blair has sent one of his closest advisers on a secret peace mission to mend relations with John Kerry, the United States presidential challenger, The Independent on Sunday can reveal.

News of the confidential meeting comes as the campaign enters its final 48 hours, with the candidates running neck and neck. Mr Blair is concerned that he will appear isolated if George Bush loses in Tuesday's poll, because of his support for the Iraq war.

The Prime Minister authorised Philip Gould, his polling guru, to seek a meeting with Mary Beth Cahill, Mr Kerry's campaign manager. Lord Gould, a co-founder of New Labour, is one of Mr Blair's closest confidants who keeps him in constantly in touch with floating voters.

Ms Cahill is tipped to be chief of staff in a Kerry administration. The meeting, which took place 10 days ago in Washington, is being seen by aides to the Kerry campaign as an olive branch by Mr Blair.

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/story.jsp?story=577867

[DemsUnited]

1. oooh, that's so good if true!!

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[BayCityProgressive]

3. Yes Blair is trash for supporting Bush

But hopefully Labour will get good press for being linked to Kerry. I dont want the right wing to win in ANY states. I am hoping Labour ditches Blair and either they or the liberal Democrats run the government.

[glitch]

2. Very disloyal - and * doesn't like disloyalty. Uh oh, poor Tony. nt

[Rainbowreflect]

8. He is a slut. He will give it up for who ever is in charge.

[Gyre]

4. Blair's an effin weasel.

Hope he brought his kneepads; cause he's got a whole lot of apologizing to do.

Gyre

[jrthin]

5. Agreed.

My sentiment is, "Go eff yourself, Blair." I hope the Brits toss his butt.

[grasswire]

6. you know this is going to drive George to fits

He'll be so paranoid over what they said about him. He'll consider Blair disloyal.

[AlCzervik]

7. oh yes, thats the best part indeed

i can just picture him stomping around with his high heeled cowboy boots huffing and puffing and swilling some Jack.

[Walt Starr]

9. Looks like T-Bone sees the writing on the wall

If I were Kerry, I'd tell him to pound sand.

[Steelangel]

10. Even though I dislike Blair but that is good news

Europeans, you did the good job. Keep pressuring on Blair and other governments. Thanks!

[pacalo]

11. Olive branch, indeed!

Your signature picture summarizes the latest OBL tape perfectly, pt!