I am in mourning. George Bush has given his last news conference on British soil as president of the United States. I will miss him, not, I hasten to add, because I politically back him (or indeed oppose him - that would be inappropriate) but because he gives a great news conference.
Today is yet another example to join the list, when Dubya claimed that one thing he would leave behind after he left the White House is "multilateralism to deal with tyrants". Some people may be rather surprised to learn that, after the decision to invade Iraq was taken in not an entirely multilateral way.
Interesting guest list at last night's dinner for President Bush at No 10. As well as the prime minister, the foreign secretary and the chancellor, there were a series of historians; Simon Schama who's been none too pleasant about George Bush, David Cannadine and Martin Gilbert. But the name that stands out is that of John Hutton, the business secretary.
Not just the business secretary, Mr Hutton's also a keen amateur historian. He's formed a bond with Gordon Brown since publishing a book about World War I. This is fairly surprising however, given that Mr Hutton used to share a flat with Mr Brown's nemesis, Alan Milburn, and to share Mr Milburn's views of Mr Brown.
Although last night's dinner was not "a working dinner" but a chance to chew the fat on Anglo-American history, students of cabinet ups and downs will be intrigued that Mr Hutton was thought worthy of a place at Downing Street's top table. And it will fuel suggestions that if there is to be a reshuffle, Mr Hutton's name may well be in the frame for defence secretary. I should note however that Des Browne is looking fit and well, and keen to keep his job.
