Blair echoed these sentiments, saying the United States and Britain "are going to work flat out to deliver" democracy in the Middle East. "But people have to understand that we can't deliver something unless the people whom it affects actually want it to happen. And we don't believe there will be a viable future for a state of Palestine unless it's based on certain key democratic principles."
Bush bristled when a British reporter asked him whether he viewed Blair as his "poodle," a derogatory label that critics in Britain have given the prime minister for supporting the war in Iraq and other Bush policies.
"Don't answer yes to that question," Blair interjected with a laugh. "That would be difficult."
A serious Bush said forcefully, "The prime minister made the decision he did [on Iraq] because he wanted to do a duty to secure the people of Great Britain. That's why he made the decision. He's plenty capable of making his own mind. He's a strong, capable man. I admire him a lot. Do you know why? When he tells you something, he means it."
Bush said Blair, who is regarded as his best friend among foreign leaders, "doesn't wilt" under pressure and stands up for his beliefs.
"I'm a lucky person, a lucky president, to be holding office at the same time this man holds the prime ministership," Bush said. "What this world needs is steady, rock-solid leaders who stand on principle, and that's what the prime minister means to me."
Blair also disputed the notion that the United States now is obligated to "pay back" Britain for its support for the U.S. war in Iraq, which is unpopular in Britain.
"We're not fighting the war against terrorism because we are an ally of the United States," Blair said. "We are an ally of the United States because we believe in fighting this war against terrorism. We share the same objectives. We share the same values."
