Blair Heart Op Sparks Succession Debate

NNN0LHI

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Fri Oct-01-04 10:25 AM
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Blair Heart Op Sparks Succession Debate

http://olympics.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=6387433

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Tony Blair went into hospital on Friday for heart treatment -- but first sought to quell speculation over his future by pledging to serve a full third term if re-elected.

His announcement however had the opposite effect -- sparking frenzied speculation about how long he can go on and whether he was now blocking his powerful No. 2, finance minister Gordon Brown, from taking over.

Blair, 51, called the procedure to correct recurrent heart palpitations "routine." Aides said he would be back at work early next week after an overnight stay in a London hospital.

"I feel fine," he told reporters as he left his Downing Street home for hospital, smiling and waving.

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Benhurst

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Fri Oct-01-04 12:34 PM
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1. Such speculation is tasteless ...

as long as the jaws of hell gape open in hopes of receiving their good son Tony.

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jayfish

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Fri Oct-01-04 01:26 PM
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2. Did They Mention Boris Yeltsin...

as a possible successor? :crazy:

Jay

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markdd

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Fri Oct-01-04 04:31 PM
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3. Doesn't Prince Charles take over when

the queen dies?

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Mr Creosote

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Fri Oct-01-04 06:44 PM
Response to Reply #3

4. The smart money says

"no"

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cliss

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Fri Oct-01-04 08:25 PM
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5. You know what I think sent Old Tony

to the hospital in the first place? The hostage. Mr. Bigley I think was his name. He's pleading in front of the camera for Tony Blair to help set him free.

Blair's worst nightmare has just come true. If the captors want to torment old Tony, they'll have weekly segments of Mr. Bigley, pleading some more. Next week, he'll be half-starved, and laying on the floor of his cell. He'll be begging Tony for help.

All eyes in Britain will turn sourly to Blair. Who knows? The captors could be making Mr. Bigley say these things to turn the thumbscrews on Blair.

All I can say is: it's probably having a devastating effect on Blair.

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aneerkoinos

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Fri Oct-01-04 09:23 PM
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6. Also

Edited on Fri Oct-01-04 09:31 PM by aneerkoinos

The next President of US calling Blairs decision to go to war grave error of judgement is certainly not helping with the heart problem. The Jeeves is not only Jeeves but tragically stupid Jeeves! And the master likes France and Germany better because they at least have shown some spine that earns respect!

Surprise resignation in works for the poor old Jeevesland if Kerry wins November, on medical grounds?

And may Blair have long life, so that he has opportunity to correct at least some of the Karmic debt he has caused himself in this life.

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