But Demos also has characteristic weaknesses, which again are curiously reminiscent of Mr Blair.

ECONOMIST: New Labour��s gurus

Fairness is not only good, but also moderate, which is another characteristic that the British approve of.

ECONOMIST: Bad language

But he's also a New Yorker with a New York musician's characteristic enthusiasm for blending avant-garde and pop sensibilities.

NPR: Ghost Of A Saber Tooth Tiger: Odd Charm

The revolt of this class, he thinks, could be the defining characteristic of the election, counting more even than the rise of the (also mostly white, but mostly more affluent) tea-party movement.

ECONOMIST: Lexington