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From ABC News Online:

The Prime Minister is to receive a prestigious American award for outstanding leadership in public life, at a ceremony in Sydney tomorrow night.

John Howard will be presented with the Woodrow Wilson Award from the political centre of the same name in Washington, which is part of the influential Smithsonian Institution.

It is the first time a serving political leader has been recognised and Mr Howard is the first person outside North America and Europe to receive the honour.

The US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, was a member of the judging panel.

Mr Howard's award will be recognised in a recorded message from the US President George W Bush, who will also deliver a message to Australians.

Yeah, I've actually been following this award for a few years now. It's full name is the Woodrow Wilson Award, but most people simply call it the 'Woodie'. It's awarded to the person America feels has best represented the cause of freedom and democracy through their leadership. Here's a photo of the award itself:

Prime Minister Howard is a big U.S politics buff, and was therefore extremely honoured to receive an award named after a legendary wartime President such as Woodrow Wilson. You only have to look at how excited he is in this picture, taken just after the award was handed to him by Vice President Dick Cheney.

The Iraq War has dominated U.S foreign affairs, and Tony Blair's Britain has been the U.S strongest ally. It is no surprise then, that last year's Woodrow Wilson award was given to Prime Minister Blair. Blair accepted the award in a less-exuberant manner than Howard, and was criticised for how he held the award as he gave his acceptance speech. Personally, I see no problem with it, but he does look a bit uncomfortable. Make up your own mind:

Anyway, I'm sure it will be a hard job picking next year's Woodie, though as long as Prime Minister Howard doesn't blow his chances with a policy mistake he'll be a stiff competitor. You really have to hand it to him for a job well done.