Give The Guardian It's Due ...

It hasn't shied away from making its main story the (doubtless unwelcome) poll findings - that a majority of both Labour and Tory voters welcome the President's visit today. If you only listened to the BBC you'd be convinced the opposite was the case.


Only Lib-Dem voters are negative and this makes complete sense, given the party's leader and policies. Just as over Iraq the great chieftain of the pudding race supported our troops while sayiing they were wrong to be there, so he's managed to both welcome the President while hoping millions protest against him. I hope GWB has been briefed for the Kennedy 'one-to-one'.

The poll is interesting, showing among other things a north-south split in views, and the scary facts that a third of 18-24 year olds, and 20% of C1s, see the US as a force for evil. Do the Black Eyed Peas have a lot to answer for ?

But I still think there's going to be big trouble from 'rioters for peace'. As far as they are concerned, success means being the main news item, and they correctly figure only a good-sized riot or some spectacular breach of security will achieve that. Plus it's fun. Demo (not bad places to pull, actually), riot, party afterwards where you can all get smashed and moan about police brutality.