I saw Eric Idle recently interviewed on a talk show and he remarked that in the UK, Blair is referred to as Bush’s Bitch. Is this true?
Not usually in quite those words, but the sentiment is not uncommon
No.
I’ve heard “lapdog” and “poodle”, but not “bitch” before. (Personally, I’m quite capable of criticising the Dear Leader without resorting to zoological epithets.)
Variations on that theme, yes.
Wasn’t there a movie about it a few years ago? “The Blair Bitch Project” or something?
So, what’s the general consensus on Blair’s political future (or the lack thereof)? I’ve heard rumors that his party will remove him if he goes to war w/o UN approval.
One senior Cabinet minister (Robin Cook) has resigned in protest, another (Claire Short) is apparently thinking about it. There will probably be a massive Labour rebellion in the Commons vote tomorrow; it’s entirely possible that Blair will only get the majority he needs to commit to military action if the Conservatives vote with him, which would be a major embarrassment. He’s not going to go in the immediate future, but unless the war goes spectacularly well, I would not bet against a serious leadership challenge soon, and I would not be at all sure Blair will survive it.
Which regime is going to change first, UK or Iraq?
Short has to resign now to retain any political credibility. She publicised her unhappiness but didn’t act on it. Cook did, without the fuss.
Blair will almost certainly require the support of the Conservatives in the House of Commons (and he will get it). I think Cook’s resignation speech was eloquent enough that even if they haven’t consistently opposed war many Labour MPs will use the opportunity as a “protest vote” against Blair’s tactics and recent lack of domestic focus.
My personal belief is that Blair is set on course and knows full well what may come politically. I would not be surprised to see him voluntarily stand down this year or next once he’s secured some kind of global diplomatic role (although the railroading of the UN may put a spanner in the works somewhat).
I can always count on the SMDB to make me laugh! 
The title alone here did it.
Blair is Bush’s poodle. Since Blair’s male, he wouldn’t be a bitch.
On a recent BBC World interview, there were actually a few panelists calling him Vice-President Blair - to his face!!
Same kinda thing happened on the Newsnight interview.
I wish American presidents would submit to interviews like that.
Yojimbo, that was the Newsnight interview I was talking about! At the time of posting, I couldn’t remember what show it was, so I just typed in BBC World. Thanks for clarifying it!
He’s not a dog either 
If bitch carried the right connotations he’d be called it…
Hell, I wish our president was a third as articulate as Blaire - Then the fact that they’re so thick wouldn’t be so jarring. . .
Is calling a man a bitch an Americanism?