Perhaps it should be expected that the usual suspects criticize and make fun of Gordon Brown, but I detect that he is being left exposed in a way that the New Labour Spin machine never allowed in relation to Tony Blair.  The explanation might be that Mr Blair was all style and no substance so it was easy to create a slick media image against which nothing unpleasant could stick, initially.  Mr Brown does stand for certain things and so you have to take him for what he is.  As such, a make-over will just not work and some criticism will find its mark.  To that extent, he is vulnerable in a way that Mr Blair was not.  I suspect that certain New Labour heavyweights are  aware of this and are prepared to brief against Mr Brown, albeit quietly at first.  Even those outside the party who until now have been natural allies of New Labour are voicing some disquiet about his qualities.  Should Tony Blair leave No.10 soon, I have no doubt that its new occupant will be Mr Brown.  If, as is being counselled, it is to be next year, Mr Brown might find his dreams shattered.