Letters to the Editor | 7 October 2006

Special relationship spats

From Stephen Graubard
Sir: The interview with Senator John McCain (‘David Cameron has what it takes to succeed’, 30 September) is both informative and interesting but I’d like to correct McCain on two points. The Senator’s thought that the ‘special relationship’ has existed for 200 years conveniently obliterates memories of the War of 1812 and the Civil War, when Lincoln worried greatly about the UK’s policies, not to mention serious transatlantic differences during the time of Salisbury, David Lloyd George and Neville Chamberlain. As for the proposition that Cameron is a ‘Tory JFK’ — that is almost as bizarre as the notion, once expressed by too ardent Republicans faithful to George W. Bush, that Tony Blair was a latter-day Winston Churchill.
Stephen Graubard
Peterborough

Media whore

From David Mayger
Sir: As a longtime Spectator reader, I used to sympathise with Britain’s problem. Used to, that is, until reading that your two major political parties are importing US politicians to address their conventions! John McCain to the Conservatives, and Bill Clinton to Labour; each expected, nay, invited to meddle in internal British affairs.