the globe than previous Presidents. Not to mention the unfortunate episode that saw Obama’s grandfather tortured by British soldiers during Kenya’s Mau Mau rebellion. Obama must still bear a grudge - otherwise he’d have sent Oprah, right?

the globe than previous Presidents. Not to mention the unfortunate episode that saw Obama’s grandfather tortured by British soldiers during Kenya’s Mau Mau rebellion. Obama must still bear a grudge - otherwise he’d have sent Oprah, right? Add to that, Obama’s knack of inspiring political program transponder key leaders to behave like moony adolescents competing for his attention. Britain’s politicians have it especially bad. A general election is due within the year; Prime Minister Gordon Brown is trailing his opponent David Cameron. Both men have paraded their good relations with POTUS, hoping to pick up some of his stardust in the process. In this context, toy helicopters (Obama’s ill-thought out present for the Brown kids) can do almost as much damage as a black hawk chopper. The G-20 summit in London wasn’t just about saving the world economy from disaster - it was about saving face for the PM, and it worked very well, even though Michelle hugged the Queen and hogged the limelight. But the success of the G-20 has faded amid the expenses scandal here, and Susman’s appointment can be made to fit neatly into a narrative about the decline in Britain’s international standing - and the special relationship. So Susman shouldn’t worry. Once the Brits get over their silca key disappointment, they’ll stop seeing him as Not-Oprah and remember he’s Close-to-Obama. California Assemblyman Michael Duvall Caught On Tape Speaking About Sexual intercourse Politicians can be slimy horndogs in a statehouse in your area. This report will come from California, the place Assemblyman Michael Duvall, a Republican that has been praised for his loved ones values positions, is in sizzling water after a report by KCAL, which I submit right after the bounce. Look for your reporter who asks this priceless query: Very sexual audio tapes. Any comment? [Update: Duvall has resigned, declaring his "inappropriate comments" have become a "major distraction."]