Date:27/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/27/stories/2008082760201600.htm

International

U.K. leaders rush to attend Democratic convention

Hasan Suroor

LONDON: There is, apparently, a scramble among British MPs and Ministers to attend the U.S. Democratic Convention in Denver this week, with leading figures from all the three main parties desperately wanting to be seen at what is promised to be a historic event.

But the demand for tickets is so high that at least one senior Cabinet Minister has been told that there “is no room for him,” according to The Times. As a result, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions James Purnell will have to be content with watching the proceedings on TV at home.

The Labour Party, which has fraternal relations with the Democrats, is sending a four-member delegation comprising, among others, Skills Minister David Lammy, who is of African descent and a friend of Barack Obama, the Democratic presidential nominee.

The Conservatives are reported to have lined up Francis Maude, a former Foreign Secretary, and Simon Burns, a party whip, to represent them while Liberal Democrats are expected to be represented by their former leader Menzies Campbell and two other high-profile figures.

Observers said all three parties, especially Labour and the Tories, were keen to learn from the Mr. Obama’s successful campaign strategy — especially his team’s use of the Internet to mobilise voters — ahead of the next general elections, which are barely 18 months away.

Although the Tories have traditionally allied with the Republicans, this time they are going out of their way to associate themselves with the Democrats. Tory leader David Cameron sees himself in the same league of young and charismatic leaders as Mr. Obama and has been impressed by his “Yes, we can” theme. More importantly, however, the Tories want to be seen backing a potential winner.

“I’m a strong supporter of McCain [the Republican nominee]. But I think this is shaping up to be a very nice even race and we need to be in good shape with whoever wins the presidency. There is certainly a lot to be learnt from Obama — he’s an interesting guy,” Mr. Maude told The Times. Mr. Obama is hugely popular in Britain and politicians literally fell over backwards to be photographed with him during his recent London visit.