In its end-of-year review, George, the newish US current affairs magazine founded by John F. Kennedy jnr, now its president and editor-in-chief, polls its readers on politicians. Who was America's most valuable politician of 1998? Bill Clinton, followed by Madeleine Albright and Alan Greenspan. Who was the year's least valuable politician? Newt Gingrich, then Trent Lott and Bill Clinton, said the readers. Who was the most valuable politician from another country? First, Tony Blair, second, Benjamin Netanyahu and third, wait for it, Bertie Ahern.
The editor then gives his favourites in the above categories - they are Hillary Clinton, Newt Gingrich and King Hussein.