From an article in yesterday's Independent:
David Cameron believed Barack Obama, a man with whom he appeared to share a warm and respectful relationship that even verged on a so-called bromance, was one of the “most narcissistic, self-absorbed people” he ever met, according to the ex-Prime Minister’s former strategy chief.
Steve Hilton, who was one of the former Premier’s closest advisers until they parted ways over his support for Brexit and tougher immigration laws, said...“My old boss, former British prime minister David Cameron, thought Obama was one of the most narcissistic, self-absorbed people he’d ever dealt with.”
“Obama never listened to anyone, always thought he was smarter than every expert in the room, and treated every meeting as an opportunity to lecture everyone else. This led to real-world disasters, like Syria and the rise of Isis....”
Mr Cameron and Mr Obama worked together on a variety of issues over the course of around six years. They were often photographed playing basketball and ping pong. Mr Cameron once said of his US counterpart: “Yes, he sometimes calls me ‘bro’.”
Mr Obama also threw his support behind Mr Cameron’s campaign to remain in the EU. Visiting in Britain in April 2016, he said it was up to Britons to decide whether or not to stay in the EU. Yet he said he feared the country would move to the “back of the queue” in any trade deal if it left.
A spokesman for Mr Cameron denied Mr Hilton’s claims.
“This does not represent David Cameron’s opinion at all and could not be further from the truth,” he said in a statement.
“David Cameron’s views on President Obama - whether in public or in private - are the same: he considers Barack Obama a hugely accomplished president, a great partner for Britain and a good friend to our country and to him personally.”
Gee, I wonder which version of this story is true. One guy has specific details that dovetail perfectly with Barack Obama's personality, and the other, who wouldn't want his personal feelings to disrupt international relations, has his spokesman issue a standard boilerplate denial.
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5 comments:
Cameron is well-known for his lack of discretion. Following his victory in the Scottish independence referendum, he bragged that the Queen has "purred" down the phone to him on hearing the news. This is a gigantic faux pas: the prime minister isn't supposed to reveal any private conversations between himself and Her Majesty. There have been a few other notable incidents of Cameron letting information slip like that, making this about Obama plausible.
- Gethin
Gethin --
I agree that broadcasting what the Queen said to was a mistake, but Cameron wasn't indiscreet in this instance; Steve Hilton was. For the Prime Minister to confide in one of his closest advisors what his opinion of Obama was is hardly a faux pas. It's Hilton who released the news to the world (not that I mind, I'm no Obama fan).
John, the comment seems to be spot on about Obama's personality. I don't follow Cameron and have never heard of Hilton so won't comment on them. Regardless of who said it no one denies that's who he (Obama) is.
Dave
Not Dave --
Well, the Left seems to deny it, or, at least, ignore it. But I don't understand how people could when he just exuded conceit the way he did.
Steve Hilton is right wing so he takes any opportunity to knock Blair or Obama. Cameron was clueless. I doubt that he was able to form any opinion of Obama. He never really showed much of an opinion about anything. He was unable to explain to the British people what the advantages of EU membership are. No wonder Obama thought he ought to help him with that one. It seems the Conservative party will elect any leader no matter how clueless they are.
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