Sam Coates, Chief Political Correspondent in Abu Dhabi
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The next President of the United States must step up immediately after the election to help guide the world through the financial crisis, Gordon Brown said today.
The Prime Minister was speaking at an oil conference in Abu Dhabi on the third day of his Gulf trip, which has seen him encouraging greater investment and closer co-operation from the oil-rich emirates. He is in Abu Dhabi today after visiting Saudi Arabia on Saturday and Qatar yesterday, and he arrives home tomorrow night in time for the close of polls and start of the television coverage of the US election.
Speaking hours before the polls were due to open across the United States, Mr Brown urged both Presidential contenders not to allow a political vacuum between the election and the inauguration of the next President in January.
Saying that America’s leadership over the financial crisis has so far been “vital”, Mr Brown said: “I think that leadership will and must continue.”
The two-month gap before the next President is sworn in usually marks an interregnum in US politics. Traditionally the incumbent draws back as he prepares to leave office while the President Elect uses the period to chose his new team and agree an agenda for his first hundred days.
However, Mr Brown is urging the next President to show leadership much sooner, suggesting he thinks they should play a role at the Washington meeting of world leaders on November 15.
Mr Brown believes that America’s role was vital to the co-ordinated global interest rate cut last month, and there is growing speculation that another such reduction is imminent.
It is not known whether the President elect will be attending the Washington meeting, organised by President Bush, to discuss the reform of global institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
Mr Brown has spent much of his time in the Gulf encouraging input into the meeting from regional leaders, and secured agreement from King Abdullah, the Saudi King, to attend.
Mr Brown urged the winner to focus immediately on the financial crisis to protect jobs and homes across the world.
He told the conference: “In the coming weeks and months, the whole world will want to work closely with America on a shared common agenda to bring growth and jobs back to our economies; to give greater stability to our financial system; to defeat protectionism in favour of free trade and of course to work for a more secure world.”
Mr Brown has already met both Barack Obama and John McCain twice in the run-up to the US election, in the US and London, and discussed the issues. His remarks about the need to “defeat protectionism” may be seen as a warning to Mr Obama, who is less enthusiastic about free trade than his Republican counterpart.
Mr Brown spent the morning visiting one of the world’s largest gas fields in Qatar, which could supply up to 20 per cent of the UK’s supply in the next decade. He then vested the al Udeid military base where around 450 RAF personnel are stationed. The base co-ordinates operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Well, I have the privilege to respond to this blog after the election.
Mr. Obama asked for it: he got it.
I for one am grateful for the result.
Mr. Brown is right, and I 'feel' sure the response will soon be made known by Mr. Obama.
Lloyd, Austin, USA
Barack Obama would be the absolute worst thing to happen to this country. If he wins, you Brits would be wise to stay away.
Claire, Boston, USA
Will any politician in history receive such a poison pill as the next president of the USA. In my opinion it is in the world interest that the Bush outfit be excluded from anything that should include a modicum of decency and honesty. Ex pat who lives under Bush and hopefully not McCain regime.
Derek, Mebane, USA
I also think that it is offensive for the UK prime minister to interfere in the internal political structure of a sovereign state. President Bush was elected by the people of the United States to govern until the end of his term.
Calvin Taplay, Vancouver, Canada
Brown needs to stay out of the US and infact I wish he would stay out of the UK. No luck there- he is still the same man who has destroyed this country and made a mockery of the people who work hard for a living. When giving advice to the US, perhaps he needs to think hard about his bounce back-
Narinder, London, England
Since when has it been legal for governments to set up limited companies?
This needs a closer look.
Craig, Edinburgh, UK
It is inherently ~wrong~ for a President-elect to assume any duties as President of the US until he is sworn in...there is no argument about it...it is what it is
Mark, Knoxville, TN, USA
You guys really need to stay out of American politics. We have one President at a time, and the winner Tuesday can attend any meeting he cares to after January 20, 2009. Until that day. Mr. Bush is in charge.
Brendan, NY, NY, USA
We don't know all that much about Barack Obama. It isn't clear by how much things will change or what they'll change to become. I imagine he'll be similar to Tony Blair, getting by in the centre without making anyone too angry. Notice how we've moved to the left since Tony Blair left.
Neil, Norwich, UK
Whoever gains the position of president elect could and should attend this extremely important meeting as an observer. This as they say, is not the time to start playing politcs and protocol. He does not take the oath until January but there is no sensible reason why he should not attend.
Phil de Buquet, Newport,
Obama can't attend any meeting of world leaders until he is inaugurated - Brown should realize that. But it will be interesting to see what sort of special relationship they develop. No doubt they will meet while Brown is in Washington. And don't look for Obama to govern as some radical socialist.
Robert, Los Angeles, USA
Yes, the next president, as elected by the American people should step up quickly and avoid political vacuum in these crucial times. Likewise, Mr Brown should end our political vacuum here in the UK and call an election. As leader, Brown has yet to receive the mandate of the British people.
David Simpson, Durham, UK
The outcome of the US election will be interesting. What a pity Gordon Brown is too frightened to face his own electorate. No Brown, we haven't forgotten how you chickened out.
Neil, Gloucestershire, England
Will, Grimsby - "anybody who says " i am my brothers keeper" cant be anything else"
A Christian, perhaps..? A socialist would be someone who nationalises who huge swathes of corporate America, like say.. George Bush?
Owen, London, UK
With the US 10 trillion deficit it is entirely appropriate the Republican colour is red.
Phil, Hong Kong,
Obama will be a total disaster for America, and the world. I predict he will be the black Hitler that destroys freedom and democracy. As a woman, I fear him.
Gwen, Glasgow,
".........to defeat protectionism may be seen as a warning to Mr Obama......."
Ha Ha, Brown warns the potential future president of America. Well, Barak will be trembling then, won't he? Brown really thinks he matters. What a joke.
tris, dundee, scotland
Brown doesn't understand the Constitution. There's no mechanism for the President Elect to participate in government until Jan 20. Bush is entirely within his rights to tell the President Elect to get lost for 2 1/2 months. "i am my brothers keeper" is from the Bible. Are all Christians socialists?
Doug, Aberdeen,
So what is so 'eventful' about what Brown is saying. Is it really headline material?
Importantly, are the US really interested in what Brown says?
Most of the US still think that Blair is PM, and Obama is just waiting for Cameron to ascend.
Alex, Buenos Aires,
Who on earth does Brown think he is? I can imagine world leaders cringing every time he opens his mouth, every one knows he is trying to save his skin, well let me tell him something Gordon 'Don't waste your time mate'
D Case, Newquay,
Will - We ARE our brothers' keeper. Society will survive only through cooperation. That doesn't mean we become agit-prop socialists, but a little communal sacrifice will not piss on Washington's grave. As for Obama- if he wins (I hope), we must push him, not accept that he will simply be great.
Patrick, Philadelphia, USA
What did Thomas Jefferson write in our Declaration of Independence over two hundred and thirty years ago?
He wrote that all men were created equal.
Well, this is the time for America to, as we say across the pond (maybe you have this expression, too!) PUT UP OR SHUT UP.
GO OBAMA.
Jim Rousch, Littleton, Colorado, USA
Just who the hell does Brown think he is, mincing around the world at our expense telling all and sundry what to do - today the Americans, yesterday the Arabs.
Does he believe that he's some sort senior statesman?
Who's he going to inflict his excruciating presence on next?
Phl, London,
I think Mr Brown forgets that altough the election is on Tuesday, the winner does not actually become president until January of next year.
So neither candidate can attend a meeting on Nov 15th in the role of President of the United States!
I'm sure they also have better things to do!
peterj, aberdeen, uk
In response to Colin, I don't need a new messiah!!! I need a competent leader and I don't see one in Barack Obama!! No I will not set my thoughts on what is right aside!! I have the freedom to have my beliefs, and they do not coincide with anything that Obama whats to do!!!
Christina, Omaha, NE, USA
I suggest that President Obama will move decisively and immediately on all pressing matters. As for Mr McCain. He appears so unstable that any crazy thing could happen with Mrs Palin pulling the strings. I propose that all Americans vote sensibly not Republican.
James, Beckton, East London
What I find strange is that just because the most likely winner is a black man people seem to think he is going to be a good president.
No proof of that yet
Dave, london, uk
We don't need advice from a loser like Brown, who doesn't even have the support of the majority of the populus of his countrymen.
He should step down now! Are you better off now than when he came into office?
Second, we don't change our presidential transition process at the demand of a "clown"!
greg lapworth, middlebury, USA
i hope mccain wins, it will be an absolute cataclysm if the americans elect obama. whether he admits it or not he is a socialist, anybody who says " i am my brothers keeper" cant be anything else.
nobody in britain cares about what brown says, why does he think the yanks will listen to him?
will, grimsby, uk
I am hoping that Obama wins the election, because its time for a change and i think that Obama is going to do it for the better of the U.S. He is a very smart man and "When He Wins" our country will have a great President.
Angel Rodriguez, Bridgeview, Il, United States
Do not count the chickens before they come home to roost. Soft racism still has a part to play. Remember, this is America.
Max Bell, Scunthorpe, UK
what right has the pipsqueak Brown to tell anyone what they "must" do?
peter c, Devizes, Wessex
This election is not over yet. Obama's 7% lead means nothing in the electroal college system and McCain's experience could push voters to vote for him.
This election will be closer than most think. I think McCain may sneek it. Though I hope I'm wrong, we must respect the wish of US voters
Mike Gow, Nottingham, UK
I'm sure they know that themselves, and don't need some unelected leader of a satellite state to tell them.
Delphine, Oxford,
We can feel.., see change coming to the people of America. Obama is clearly in the lead against McCain who has ' The old style American way' with no essence of political, economic, and social development . Congrats to Barrack Obama
Stephen Kipkosgei Kurui, Nairobi, Kenya
Americans must repudiate the most incompetent and venal government in my lifetime.
America needs the Democrats to resuce the country from the Republicans - again. On war. On healthcare. On the economy.
richard block, London, UK
Both candidates seem happy and smiling now but wait until the winner discovers what they've inherited from the Bush "legacy".
Mohammed, London, UK
Americans seem to need a messianic figure as their head of state. Well you certainly have one now. Why don't you republicans put aside your ancient rituals and beliefs and support all of America as one nation. The old style American way has hit a brick wall. Bankruptcy is staring you in the face.
Colin, Carmarthen, United Kingdom
Is this thing still going on? I can't wait till it's over and we can get back to discussing the UK's issues rather than the US's. Considering both candidates appear pretty identical on all but a handful of domestic issues, I fail to see the big deal being made over this US election.
John, London, UK