US commentator Lee Cohen has raised concerns about Peter Mandelson's appointment as UK Ambassador to the United States, describing it as an "extraordinary choice" that has "raised eyebrows and temperatures" across the pond.
Speaking to GB News, Cohen highlighted the significant challenges Mandelson could face in building an effective UK-US relationship during President-elect Donald Trump's administration.
The commentator pointed to ideological differences between Mandelson and Trump's circle, suggesting that the former Labour minister's "elitist Blairite mindset" would be "antithetical to Trump and his circle's way of thinking".
"It is difficult, really difficult, to imagine that he will have any cachet or gain much purchase in Trump world 2.0," Cohen added.
Cohen questioned whether any "right thinking US Presidential administration would want to engage closely with the Prince of Darkness", referring to Mandelson's well-known nickname.
Despite his concerns about Mandelson, Cohen expressed confidence in Nigel Farage's ability to maintain the special relationship between the UK and US.
"I have full faith in Nigel Farage that he knows what he's doing, and he really has an outstanding relationship with President Trump," Cohen told GB News.
He suggested Farage's involvement could be crucial, stating: "Thank heaven's for that, because that could be the only thing to keep the special relationship from going off the rails."
Cohen highlighted Trump's preference for an "entrepreneurial way of getting things done effectively", noting that Farage understands this approach.
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The commentator expressed particular concern about Mandelson's pro-EU stance and its potential impact on relations with Trump.
"Trump is a world leader that demands loyalty," Cohen said, suggesting that Trump would want assurance of UK support in trade, defence and intelligence matters.
He emphasised that while Mandelson "has been effective for the European Union," the focus should be on "the UK's interests and the USA's interests and the interests of the shared relationship".
Cohen acknowledged Mandelson's reputation as a "very skilled operator" and suggested he might have been "the best of Starmer's choices" from within his camp.
However, the commentator remained sceptical about Mandelson's potential effectiveness in Washington.
"From an ideological standpoint and from the standpoint of having made indiscreet remarks about a president who really demands loyalty and really prizes loyalty, it's difficult to imagine he's going to be able to be part of conversations that really matter in Washington," Cohen said.
"He's not going to want any half measures," Cohen also warned.
He also emphasised that Mandelson would "need to recruit all of his skills that he has honed as the so-called Prince of Darkness to really navigate in Washington."
from GB News https://ift.tt/EWeYozv
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