Gordon Brown received a rapturous reception when he addressed the US Congress on Wednesday, with members rising to their feet again and again to applaud during his 30-minute speech.
Approval for the man who provided the model for President Obama's economic recovery plan was plain to see and hear as the Prime Minister's speech was greeted with repeated clapping from America's leading politicians. Its main message was the need for a new trans-Atlantic partnership to tackle the economic crisis.
In total Mr Brown was given 19 ovations - the same number received by Tony Blair in 2003 - after becoming only the fifth British leader to be accorded the privilege of addressing both houses on Capitol Hill.
Normally known for his reserve in public, the British leader seemed visibly touched by the reception, shaking hands and signing copies of his speech as he made his way out of the chamber.
No less moved was his wife Sarah, who watched her husband proudly the public gallery, with tears in her eyes.
Photo: Rex
Photo: Rex
