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White House hopeful Barack Obama has tried to comfort Gordon Brown over his plummeting popularity. Speaking outside 10 Downing Street after two hours of talks, the US Democratic presidential nominee said he had no words of advice for the embattled Prime Minister. He said: "You're always more popular before you're actually in charge. Once you're responsible then you're going to make some people unhappy." Mr Obama said he and Mr Brown had talked about strengthening the relationship between the US and Britain. He said he had thanked Mr Brown for Britain's "stalwart assistance" over issues such as Afghanistan and knew British troops had "borne a heavy price" while fighting the Taliban. The Illinois senator is committed to increasing the number of troops in Afghanistan if elected. But he hinted Britain will also be expected to offer support, saying: "We'd like that burden shared." Mr Obama earlier met Mr Brown's predecessor Tony Blair for a breakfast meeting, where they discussed the Middle East and climate change. He is due to meet Tory leader David Cameron on the final leg of a tour designed to persuade American voters of his foreign policy credentials. Mr Obama has used the trip, which has taken in Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, to promise to repair relations with Britain if he defeats Republican John McCain in November's contest to replace George Bush. He is due to fly back to the US on Saturday to resume battle with Mr McCain, who visited Number 10 for talks in March.