Many people compare Blair to Clintoon, but they make the mistake that PM Blair is able to look at things honestly and isn't destructive in politics as Clintoon was. I have found respect for Tony Blair and those British PM's are tough ones and it's great he hasn't joined in on the anti-Americanism that is sweeping the continent. I like the man. To me, the main difference between Blair and Clinton is that although they are both "third-way" liberal politicians -- third way = media-savvy polititicos who are aligned with business interests that "toe the liberal line", Blair seems to be genuine, whereas Clinton is totally and sociopathically cynical, a self-aggrandizing buffoon. Ditto for his evil spouse, except that she is a power mad monster.
The difference between Blair and Clinton is simple. I disagree violently with Blair on many things, however I generally do not doubt that he believes in what he is saying, and that his belief is genuine. This is not to say that his beliefs are always coherent or backed by empirical evidence - far from it - but he is not the disingenuous, grasping huckster that Clinton is. And that was what made Clinton so dangerous: his sole cause was Bill Clinton, and satiating his desires whenever possible - for power, for money, for sex, for greasy food, what have you. And it was that man who had the power to blow up the world for 8 years.
Breathing a sigh of relief now that he's gone? My sigh in January 2001 could have been heard all the way in Sydney. ;)
Regards, Ivan