An American Perspective of "A Journey" - The New Tony Blair Book

As an American, the only experience I’ve generally had of Tony Blair, in his time as leader of Great Britain, are the glimpses of him through the U.S. media. When Princess Diana tragically died in 1997, it was Blair who suggested that she was the “people’s princess”. Blair’s immediate compassion following the 9/11 atrocities was also evident. But, it wasn’t until the recent publication of the new Tony Blair book “A Journey”: My Political Life, that audiences in America had the chance to learn about him on a more personal level.

Blair’s Insight of America and it’s People in “A Journey”

Blair attempts a bit of Oscar Wilde in the opening. He writes, “America’s burden is that it wants to be loved, but knows it can’t be”. Which, seeing as Blair isn’t an American, is a peculiar statement for an American to digest. He then goes on to impart more of his views on American society. In my opinion, Blair’s comments and insights about American culture are a bit pathetic, however he seems to be a bit more accurate in his thoughts and comments on Clinton and Bush, which makes for very interesting reading.

When Tony Blair appeared, in 2008, on Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show, he gave a very good account of himself when questioned about the military conflict in Iraq – especially when compared to our own George W, Bush. “America and England have a strong bond with one another” was his message – and we all agreed. Blair declined to criticize President Bush when pushed and has remained faithful to his Political associates in his book.

American Presidents

In his book, Tony Blair verifies what many Americans thought about President Bill Clinton. He doesn’t hold back in his compliments of President Clinton, calling him “brilliant” and “formidable”. He also offers an accurate tribute when he says, “the blessings of his times is the disadvantage of his legacy.” However, Blair stays true to form, keeping his religious beliefs and his political life separate, by not mentioning Clinton’s nadir, the Monica Lewinsky humiliation.

When mentioning George W. Bush, Blair is more cautious with his words and less complimentary. He says that President Bush was a less complex character who tended to make his decisions, not from a particularly rational or intellectual stand point, but from a more simplistic guide of what’s right and wrong.

Blairs admiration for President Obama is clearly evident in his book. He pays tribute to Obama’s moral fiber and agrees that he is both unswerving and strong-minded. Tony Blair also praises President Obama’s calmness. He says that it wasn’t until the twilight of his premiership that he was himself able to attain that level of serenity.

Whilst some of the new Tony Blair book could be construed as being a bit insulting to America, I myself would heartedly recommend it – if only for the very interesting insights into our own presidents and Blair’s relationship with them.

An American Perspective of "A Journey" - The New Tony Blair Book