Post by Taxigirl on Nov 15, 2003 11:38:38 GMT
When President Bush sets foot on these shores, the Guardian thinks he will seem, to many in the Labour party, as out of place "as a stripper at a wedding".
He might have come as "a vindicated war leader," says the paper - but "events" have conspired to frustrate that possibility.
And the Guardian thinks Mr Bush will be an unwelcome reminder, for Labour and its supporters, of an international dimension the government has been trying to play down since the summer.
The Daily Telegraph takes note of the widespread opposition to the war.
It comments that no-one can accuse either Mr Bush or Mr Blair of having launched an invasion to curry popular support at home.
The Independent accepts that there is "an element of snobbery" in European distaste for the way Americans speak and behave.
But it believes there is a real, and justified, disagreement over policy - in particular, Mr Bush's conduct of the battle against terrorism.
Jonny's foot
For a forthright welcome to Mr Bush, readers must turn to Simon Heffer's page in the Daily Mail.
He muses on the paradox that, while "genuine tyrants" visit the UK "unmolested and uncriticised," a leader who encourages freedom and democracy is treated "as if he were a psychopathic dictator".
There is a real sense of excitement over England's rugby world cup semi-final against France on Sunday.
The Sun bestows its highest honour - an invitation to its readers to use their thought waves to help win the game for England.
The paper asks them to kiss an image of Jonny Wilkinson's foot, and pray for victory.
The fly-half's awe-inspiring left boot is on other minds too.
A cartoon, by Matt in the Telegraph, shows a couple at a saucy Paris nightclub. The can-can dancers are doing their stuff. But the man complains: "It's no good. I can't stop thinking about Jonny Wilkinson."
The Times pictures the player himself, trying to relax on a perfect Australian beach.
'One's joy'
The Daily Express is not alone in believing that this latest chapter in the history of an "ancient enmity" will be settled between the forwards, "at the scrum".
Next summer seems a long way off but, according to the Times, ministers are busy working on plans which could gladden many parents.
It says the government wants to send millions of children off to American-style camps - in the hope the experience will break down barriers between people from different backgrounds, and give young people a greater appetite for schooling.
The Daily Mirror finds itself the only paper to lead on the reuniting of the Countess of Wessex with her baby.
The paper says Prince Edward wept with happiness. "One's joy" is the headline.
Leaving letters
But the mocking is kindly meant, and the paper sends its "prayers and good wishes" too.
There has been some talk, recently, of the problems facing employers when trying to write references for departing staff.
Letters from readers of the Telegraph add to the store of available ambiguity.
One example goes: "Nurse Smith has shown herself capable of anything, and we will be glad to see her back."
Another says: "I am sure he will join your company as he leaves ours, fired with enthusiasm."