THOUGHTS ON TONY BLAIR AND BRITAIN:

“The U.K. matters,” says one senior administration official. “In the 1950s, British power appeared to be ebbing. Now British power seems to be growing. The Europeans who have sided with us have managed to put their countries on the map as global powers. I question the whole basis that Blair hasn’t gained anything. He’s gained a tremendous amount.”

Hmm. The protesters don’t get that, but apparently lots of other people do: “Protests begin but majority backs Bush visit as support for war surges.”

Imagine.