Latch

I know this is a few (3+?) weeks old, but I'm curious about reactions...

A while ago John Howard made some comments about Barack Obama, one of the Democratic candidates here in the States. Barrack responded (read below). Trying to *not* start a political flame war, what did you think of this? How'd the Aussie news/people treat it? The (admittedly left-leaning) news sources I saw painted it as a clever Barack verbally pwning one of GWB's pets. I'm guessing the Aussie news didn't report it as that, but what about the vibe (like Mabo) of the general public?


http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/02/...ent/index.html

MrFriendly

Yeah that was some months ago IIRC. In general, most people I know are sick of Howard, and are keen for a leadership change both here in Australia and the US.

I think Obama was right in his response to Howard's comments. We have bugger all troops over there, and the ones we do have most Australians want out because it was generally seen that we shouldn't have gone over there in the first place.

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ryfo

I was suprised anyone listened to Howard in the first place, let alone replied. I know I dont listen to him, unless its unavoidable.

MrFriendly

I'm surprised that the issue even made it into American media. Australia and it's influence really isn't that big on the scale of things. And that, my friends, is why Howard's comments are out of line. It really isn't his place to comment on Obama, and the only reason he did it is because he's in bed with George 'Dubya' Bush.

Howard seems to be obsessed with trying to forge a national identity for us, to make Australia one of the big boys on the world stage. I really think that in doing so, Howard has managed to strip away a lot of the things about Australia and the Australian way that I really love.

Any ways, that's just my little rant.

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Meridae'n

I think Howard is just backing the wrong horse.

Do you really think that 'most people... are sick of Howard'? I'd say that most still think he's doing a good job, especially with the very difficult transition to the new IR laws. You really can't use the continuing trend of electing labour State governments because IMO that is less a reflection of the current federal government and really a continuance our desire to keep the status quo.

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MrFriendly

The coalition parties are a complete joke in the eastern states, that's why Labor keeps getting in, even though they're letting public infrastructure, health, and schools fall by the way side. And yes, they're state responsibilities, that's what they get GST revenue for from the federal government.

Howard has done a very good job at keeping the Australian economy going very strong, this I can't deny. But in my view, he's sold out the Australian public in the process.

I originally supported Howard's original plan for the IR laws, but what ended up being passed in parliament was far too extreme. These new laws are fine now, but what happens when the job markets and the economy starts to turn the other way?

But more than anything, opinion has swung against him over David Hicks, Iraq war, AWB wheat scandal, and trying to throw mud at Kevin Rudd while his own front bencher's are being investigated for corruption.

I'm not saying that Howard has never done anything good for this country, he has, but in recent years he's become arrogant and out of touch. He's even become presumptuous with his own party members, some of whom have rebelled over controversial bills. He's been in power for nearly 12 years, mainly due to the fact the federal labor party has been too weak. I can't speak for all Australians, but the general vibe I'm getting is that the public are keen for change, and the polls are certainly indicating that.

Kevin Rudd understands the importance our alliance with the US, but doesn't feel the need to brown nose the current administration and attack their political opponents.

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