Gordon Brown’s visit to the US can serve a useful purpose, even if it is not the one the UK prime minister mainly has in mind. In deep political trouble at home, Mr Brown seeks a boost from Barack Obama’s popularity and wishes to be seen as a global leader and key interlocutor in the US relationship with Europe.

On the US side this notion is regarded with bemusement, if it is noticed at all. The Obama administration wants cordial productive relations with Britain, as with other countries. But Mr Brown must control his passion to be seen as first among equals. Otherwise he risks making himself and the country he leads look ridiculous.