He is a glory hunter. He is religious, and "knows" that god is on his side.He has some real concern for the underprivileged,which will endure just as long as that concern doesn't compromise the standards in his own cosy sphere. He was el;ected as a "New Labour" minister, and has surrounded himself with as many like-minded characters as he can; enough, in fact, in high places, to keep the real labour members of his government in thrall. His popularity has ridden on the high tide of growth and prosperity which affected the whole western world in recent years. He is strongly in favour of keeping up a "special relationship" with the USA. Not a bad thing, usually, but on occasion an unfortunate circumstance---the USA is NOT always doing admirable things. As he has shown, he is high on rhetoric, and can sway an audience readily. Unlike Mr Bush, he writes his own speeches, and is coherent in normal conversation. But, as I say, he is a glory hunter, and that can often be a deadly dangerous trait. [Please be assured that I am aware of the fact that the British have done their share of disreputable exploits!!]