A Race to Remember

Johnson's bumbling is the stuff of legend. During a celebrity soccer game—perhaps confusing the sport with rugby—Johnson once charged into a German opponent, hurling him into the air. No less an authority than Arnold Schwarzenegger has commented on Johnson's shambling elocution. As the California governor listened to Johnson try to lay out his vision for London, an open mike caught Schwarzenegger whispering, "He's fumbling all over the place." And yet "Ken Leaving Soon," as Boris calls the mayor, is in trouble; the latest polls show him and Johnson running neck and neck. "I think there's no particular disgrace in making people laugh," Johnson says, adding quickly, "I'm a deeply serious person." What both Johnson and Livingstone are really serious about is winning; only one of them can have the last laugh on May 1.

© 2008