Trump and Macron love-in

The love-in between Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron is clever politics. For both men. Trump, more than anyone, needs friends in Europe, and Macron who is trying to be de Gaulle Part Two, or perhaps even Napoleon Bonaparte Two, clearly thinks having Trump for him, rather than against him, is good business. Both men will have returned to their respective offices pretty satisfied with the Bastille Day get-together. Ok, Trump has got Theresa May to ring when he wants a chat, but until Brexit is sorted out one way or the other, May is not going to be top of the list of anyone's contacts book. Macron on the other hand is a new boy with a bit of vision for his country, strong views on most things, and a real interest in being THE political conduit between Washington and Europe. Merkel has election problems ahead and she and Trump have already fallen out, so it gives Macron a great chance to take the lead in Europe when it comes to Trans-Atlantic issues. He also has an attractive wife, noted by Trump in his usual charming way which probably helps. So it's all go for Trump and Macron. Trump will be pleased because he probably believes that he did actually hit it off with the francais president and that could be useful for him in the future. As far as we know, the Russia affair was not even mentioned in Paris which was polite of the Frenchman. For Theresa May it must be sickening. Normally, the special relationship between Britain and the US rides above every other sort of relationship. It's historically special because of the two country's nuclear-sharing and intelligence-sharing agreement, and also the language-sharing advantage. But now, the May government is overwhelmed with the responsibility of taking the UK out of Europe - probably the worst decision EVER taken for our country in living memory. So while May prepares to turn Britain into a piddly little island of no consequence, why would Trump spend much energy on seeking her advice or consulting on major European topics. He keeps on promising lovely, wonderful trade deals with Britain, but we will have to see. Obama said Britain would be at the back of the trade queue after Brexit, and I suspect this is what is going to happen, even with Trump in the White House. For a start, before he offers anything to poor old Britain, Trump will probably ring his new friend Emmanuel and ask what he thinks. Macron might reply: "Mais non, Donald. non, non, non."