Tony Blair Is Absolutely Magnificent

The above You Tube posts cut to the chase at around 2 minutes.

This one includes the build up. Around 4 minutes. All are busy.

Well. Who'd have thought I'd be writing a headline like that? In fact I have blogged before that I think that Mr Blair is a class act while disagreeing vehemently with some of his judgements. Many of his judgements. If only he had been batting for a centre left (in Labour terms) programme.

I believe there are some New Labour myths that need busting:

1. It had to be Blair. Rubbish. A number of talented Labour people could have bished sad Major as leader.
2. It had to be that Programme. Rubbish. People voted for a change and would have backed a more selfless direction for the country after years of Thatcherism. They thought they were backing that in fact.
3. It had to continue to be Blair and to continue with that Programme. Rubbish. No commentary needed.

Labour has achieved a great deal. Minimum wage. Much better deal for the poorest 40%. Fantastic economic stability. Record investment in the public services. And as Matthew Parris agreed a more relaxed and happy society too. There really ARE 100 positive and worthy achievements in the Labour Achievement Film (or LAF). Tony Blair can be proud.

But the Iraq War was folly. New Vanguard submarines when the existing ones are hardly used and good for decades are folly. Marketisation - especially in the Health Service - is folly. Tony Blair should recant.

This skit with Catherine Tate's Lauren is magnificent in many ways. Tony Blair shows his sense of humour and his magnificent performing abilities. It is a classic. The highlight of a night of some hits and many misses.

But - assuming they haven't already finished their edits in Notting Hill and Bethnal Green - this thing is a time bomb. 600,000 deaths in Iraq. Am I bovvered? Years of mayhem in Afghanistan. Am I bovvered? Buses don't run on time. Am I bovvered? This one is set to bite back.

Headline Revisted: Tony Blair is an Absolutely Magnificent FOOL.


If you enjoy the tapes or this analysis give Comic Relief a bell and give some money. 08457 910 910. If you are Respect or Uber Tories have a heart and don't stitch up our Mr Blair.

TIMELINE: Got to finish this blog post 12 hours after the fact. Have left it carrying its timeprint from last night.