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<P class=rdheadline>Blair appears to cringe at 'poodle' query</P>
<P class=rdbyline>THE ASSOCIATED PRESS</P><!--BEGIN ARTICLE-->
<P>WASHINGTON -- It was the last question Prime Minister Tony Blair wanted
asked, and he seemed to cringe as President Bush answered it.</P>
<P>"The prime minister is sometimes, perhaps unfairly, characterized in Britain
as your poodle," began the questioner at a joint appearance by the two leaders
Friday at the White House. "I was wondering if that's the way you may see your
relationship? And perhaps, more seriously, do you feel for the -"</P>
<P>Blair broke in: "Don't answer 'yes' to that question," he mockingly
admonished Bush, prompting laughter.</P>
<P>Joking aside, Bush offered a serious answer.</P>
<P>"Plenty capable of making his own mind. He's a strong, capable man," the
president said. "When times get tough he doesn't wilt. You know, when the
criticism starts to come his way - I suspect that might be happening on occasion
- he stands for what he believes in."</P>
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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>An endorsement of his leadership qualities from the
American president, no matter how hearty, is of little help to Blair.</P>
<P>A wide section of the British public deeply dislikes Bush, viewing him as a
unilateralist. The detention of four Britons without trial at Guantanamo Bay,
his refusal to sign the Kyoto global warming protocol, his rejection of an
international criminal court, and his invasion of Iraq without a specific green
light from the United Nations add to his unpopularity.</P>
<P>Blair's critics are unlikely to be swayed from their conviction that the
prime minister doggedly follows U.S. foreign policy without exerting any real
influence.</P>
<P>No wonder Blair appeared a bit uncomfortable. Still, he couldn't resist
offering a little self-defense.</P>
<P>"As long as I remain prime minister of our country it will carry on being
strong - not because that's in the interests of America simply or in the
interests of the international community, but because I believe passionately it
is in the interest of Britain," Blair said.</P><!--END ARTICLE--><!--pi tools-->
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