Would an endorsement from Tony Blair help or hinder?

[afleitch]

In 1992, John Major publically endorsed George Bush, who of course lost. As for Blair, he was and still is close to the Clinton's regardless of the current administration. While the current Labour government is supportive of Kerry, Gordon Brown in particular (they met), the traditional exchange of advice and personell between Labour and the Democrats has been put on hold. If Blair publicly backed either Bush or Kerry, would they benefit. Kerry would benefit more so than Bush I feel, though it wouldn't translate into measurable support.

[zachman]

I don't think the American people care.

[??????????]

I don't think the American people care.

Amen.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Won't happen... because of what happend when Major did it...

[Lunar]

I think it would only matter if he backed Kerry.  Someone who has  been so supportive of Bush and his version of the war on terror, it's like Karl Rove switching sides.

[Ben.]

Kerry and Brown have done more than meet, Brown is a good friend of Bob Shrum and has been for many years, and through Shrum he has met and befriended Ted Kennedy and Kerry, the two are good friends as far as i can understand and could make an interesting team in the future.

[Gustaf]

Kerry already has a lot of foreign leaders behind him, remember?

Blair is the ONLY foreign endorsement that would NOT hurt Kerry...I doubt if it would give him much help though. Bush would probably be helped by it, but Blair has no reason to do that since itäd probably toast him...

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

no effect

[MODU]

Remember the flack that Kerry got a few months back when he said that foreign leaders were backing his campaign?  I doubt that either Bush or Kerry would ask for international verbal support.  Additionally, I think foreign leaders would ask the candidates privately first if they wanted a public endorsement.

[© tweed]

Blair won't make the same mistake Major did.  I have no doubt as to who Blair wants to win, but it is a huge risk for him to endorse Kerry.  Plus, I doubt it would matter.