Goodbye Tony, Hello Gordon
Posted: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 2:09 PM
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London, England
By Kiko Itasaka, NBC News Producer
It was cold and damp at 6:30 a.m., but the press throngs were all in place. Armed with coffee, umbrellas, cameras, and a fair bit of good humor, the media were ready to note the last moments of Tony Blair's decade as prime minister.
It was hours before he finally made an appearance, jumping into his car swiftly as he headed for his final session of Parliament. The press started screaming "Tony, give us a shout." "Tony, say something, come on say something."
VIDEO: Blair resigns, Brown steps in
At least these demands were friendly if a tad aggressive. Far less friendly were the abusive shouts from some 100 protestors who were screaming "Yo Blair, You Criminal," and "Shame on you Tony."
Tony returned briefly, and then along with his wife Cherie, sprinted into their car, this time to tender his resignation to the queen. Once again the media started to shout their demands.
This time they got a response. Cherie, who has had a difficult relationship with the fourth estate said with glee in her voice, "Bye!!! We won't miss you."
That was not the most uncomfortable moment of the day by any means.
When the new prime minister, Gordon Brown finally came out and spoke he seemed uncomfortable. His speech was short and measured, lacking the natural and charming manner of his predecessor.
Once again the press started their chants saying, "Wave. Wave. Wave." Finally Brown awkwardly turned around, looking slightly disgruntled, slightly perplexed. Outside his new address of Number 10, he lifted his arm and moved it back and forth in a gesture that resembled a wave.
Meantime the protestors were still in force. Blair may have departed, but they now have a new prime minister to target, as does the press.
