&c1=usa&c2=(none)&c3=MediaGuardian&c4=Press+and+publishing,Media,General+election+2001,Politics&c5=&c6=Jessica+Hodgson&c7=2001_06_01){kind=small}
- MediaGuardian,
- Friday June 1 2001
Blair: forces of conservatism
The Economist has come out in support of New Labour for the first time in nearly 40 years, claiming Tony Blair is "the only credible conservative currently available".
The endorsement by the journal, which has traditionally endorsed liberal conservative policies, will give Tony Blair a credibility boost among its wealthy and powerful readers and is a major blow for William Hague.
But it is a grudging endorsement for Mr Blair, based on the fact New Labour has - as the Economist sees it - "stolen" many of the policies traditionally represented by the Conservative party.
In a leader today, penned by the editor, Bill Emmott, the Economist "casts its ballot for Labour" although it adds: "our instincts remain closer to William Hague's".
"The Blair we support with our vote is the one who admires Margaret Thatcher and has followed many of her policies," it says.
It notes Mr Blair's success depends largely on the fact "Labour has stolen its policies".
The Conservative Party, it says, has faced a "difficult situation".
"It is hard to oppose your own policies, especially if you are, meanwhile, hopelessly divided on Europe," the leader notes.
"Even so, the Tories have made a hash of it."
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