British PM takes Letterman’s quiz

NEW YORK- The Associated Press

British PM David Cameron (L) talks with US talk-show host David Letterman. The prime minister was unable to provide the English translation of ‘Magna Carta.’ REUTERS photo

U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron has failed to excel on a British history quiz administered by U.S. talk show host David Letterman.
 
He did ok on the late night TV appearance, but couldn’t provide the English translation of Magna Carta (Great Charter) or name the composer of Rule Britannia (Thomas Ame).
 
Cameron’s appearance on the Late Show seemed to overshadow his earlier speech to the U.N. General Assembly, at least yesterday morning British talk shows. He was judged by most on-air critics to have been a bit wooden and not terribly funny, but was not seen to have embarrassed himself during the appearance.
 
The prime minister was able to name the year the Magna Carta was drawn up (1215) and to describe its role in the development of democracy.

Much of Letterman’s questioning appeared designed as an ‘idiot’s guide’ to Britain for American viewers, as he asked Cameron to name the four nations of the U.K. “What is the deal on Wales?” asked Letterman. “Did they vote for you, the people of Wales?” “Some of them did,” replied Cameron and explain the difference between Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Cameron said he would use the show to “bang the drum” for Britain, and raised applause from the audience when he hailed the successful hosting of the Olympics and Paralympics this summer.