Andrew Grice: They had a mutual interest in making trip work – and it did
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.They don't need to act; the bonhomie is real," one British minister said, reflecting on David Cameron's bonding with Barack Obama as his three-day visit to the United States ended last night.
The Prime Minister and his team were surprised that the red carpet was rolled out for an extra mile. It seems the US President was very moved by the reception he received in London last May – not least from the Queen – and wanted to return the favour.
On the face of it, the PM and president make an odd political couple. But they had a mutual interest in ensuring the trip was a success. It suited a president described by his critics as the most left-wing one in modern times, to be best pals with a Conservative leader as he prepares to seek re-election. It did Mr Cameron no harm to be seen on the world stage being feted by its most powerful leader.
Relations between the US Democratic Party and the Conservatives were in the deep freeze in the 1990s but those tensions are now forgotten. Mr Cameron's socially liberal views have more in common with the Democrats on issues like gay marriage than a right-wing Republican movement.
Right-leaning Tories keep lines open; Liam Fox has been helping Mitt Romney's bid to win the Republican presidential nomination after resigning as Defence Secretary last October. But it was significant that Mr Cameron avoided meeting any of the Republican hopefuls.
Mr Cameron has always tried to play down the "special relationship", believing his two Labour predecessors spent far too much time fretting about it. Yet this week's visit showed it is still special, not least because of the unique military and intelligence links. Mr Obama said Mr Cameron was "just the kind of partner that you want at your side," adding: "I trust him."
The two leaders are on the same page on withdrawing from Afghanistan and discussed how to stay there. "We don't have a veto on the US pull-out but we have asked them for no surprises," said a British source. They will hope to remain in tune on Syria and Iran, though an Israeli strike on the latter could provoke a different split for Mr Cameron – with his Liberal Democrat Coalition partners.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments