Democalypse 2016 - "Top Hats versus Hard Hats"
May 8, 2016 10:50 PM Subscribe
It's on - Australia is going to the polls in its second ever double dissolution election.
Recent changes to the Senate voting system suggest that this election could fundamentally change the balance of power in the Senate, with claims that independent senators and micro-parties are likely to be be ousted.
Election Explainer: What is a Double Dissolution Election? The last double dissolution (1975) is still regarded as one of the most turbulent moments in Australia political history.
The Liberal Party is off to a fine start, with a Veep inspired campaign slogan: "Continuity and Change".
Meanwhile, on the Labor side, Katherine Murphy of the Guardian asks "Does Bill Shorten have what it takes?". Labor is clearly feeling increasingly threatened by the Greens.
And ousted former Prime Minister Tony Abbott begins an aggressive re-election campaign for the seat of Warringah.
The ABC looks back on the incumbent Coalition government's record since 2013 with its Promise Tracker. In other news, the ABC Fact Check unit is facing oblivion due to recent cuts made by the Coalition. But the ABC's Vote Compass is back to help you understand which party suits you best.
First Dog on the Moon has come out swinging in the Guardian. And the Daily Telegraph makes its position exceedingly clear on Day 1.
Previously, an Australian election megapost with oodles of context.
Recent changes to the Senate voting system suggest that this election could fundamentally change the balance of power in the Senate, with claims that independent senators and micro-parties are likely to be be ousted.
Election Explainer: What is a Double Dissolution Election? The last double dissolution (1975) is still regarded as one of the most turbulent moments in Australia political history.
The Liberal Party is off to a fine start, with a Veep inspired campaign slogan: "Continuity and Change".
Meanwhile, on the Labor side, Katherine Murphy of the Guardian asks "Does Bill Shorten have what it takes?". Labor is clearly feeling increasingly threatened by the Greens.
And ousted former Prime Minister Tony Abbott begins an aggressive re-election campaign for the seat of Warringah.
The ABC looks back on the incumbent Coalition government's record since 2013 with its Promise Tracker. In other news, the ABC Fact Check unit is facing oblivion due to recent cuts made by the Coalition. But the ABC's Vote Compass is back to help you understand which party suits you best.
First Dog on the Moon has come out swinging in the Guardian. And the Daily Telegraph makes its position exceedingly clear on Day 1.
Previously, an Australian election megapost with oodles of context.
That picture of Tone, alone in the rain forlornly attempting to pawn off his pathetic flyers on an uncaring population.
It fills me with unholy glee.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 11:14 PM on May 8, 2016 [9 favorites]
It fills me with unholy glee.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 11:14 PM on May 8, 2016 [9 favorites]
Forgive my pedantry, Mr Red Thoughts, but there have been 7 double dissolution elections since federation, most recently in 1983 and 1987.
posted by misfish at 11:18 PM on May 8, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by misfish at 11:18 PM on May 8, 2016 [3 favorites]
Forgive my pedantry, Mr Red Thoughts, but there have been 7 double dissolution elections since federation, most recently in 1983 and 1987.
Well, fuck.
This is why we need fact checking units.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 11:20 PM on May 8, 2016 [14 favorites]
Well, fuck.
This is why we need fact checking units.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 11:20 PM on May 8, 2016 [14 favorites]
Jesus Christ, and I only just changed the batteries in the smoke alarms...
posted by russm at 11:23 PM on May 8, 2016 [11 favorites]
posted by russm at 11:23 PM on May 8, 2016 [11 favorites]
This is great, I'm just about ready for some intensive election reportage.
posted by Segundus at 11:34 PM on May 8, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by Segundus at 11:34 PM on May 8, 2016 [2 favorites]
Oh lord, another election thread. Didn't we just do this?
posted by Joe in Australia at 12:06 AM on May 9, 2016 [6 favorites]
posted by Joe in Australia at 12:06 AM on May 9, 2016 [6 favorites]
Attention America: We have just announced an election and are going to have had a new government for four months by the time you vote.
posted by solarion at 12:10 AM on May 9, 2016 [66 favorites]
posted by solarion at 12:10 AM on May 9, 2016 [66 favorites]
Damn it AEC. Why you force me to reach all the way across the table to find my driver's licence? All I want to do is update my electoral info while reading MetaFilter and kicking back with a beer ... and you make me lean over slightly to achieve this? WTF. What is this, the middle ages?
posted by langtonsant at 12:22 AM on May 9, 2016 [5 favorites]
posted by langtonsant at 12:22 AM on May 9, 2016 [5 favorites]
Ah, Aussie politics, where Liberals are not, Labor is spelled the American way, and where parliamentary parties are ruthless in deposing their PM's. Been years since I watched it, but is there a Chasers' War on Everything equivalent for this season?
posted by the cydonian at 12:24 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by the cydonian at 12:24 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
"Double dissolution" elections are also known as "Wahh wahh crybaby poopypants" elections.
posted by turbid dahlia at 12:27 AM on May 9, 2016 [7 favorites]
posted by turbid dahlia at 12:27 AM on May 9, 2016 [7 favorites]
This is why we need fact checking units.
I've got you, boo.
posted by misfish at 12:32 AM on May 9, 2016 [6 favorites]
I've got you, boo.
posted by misfish at 12:32 AM on May 9, 2016 [6 favorites]
Been years since I watched it, but is there a Chasers' War on Everything equivalent for this season?
Sadly no. If you like equal parts humor and angry shouting, however, try #auspol on Twitter when there's a speech on, or #qanda when the eponymous Q and A is on.
posted by solarion at 12:34 AM on May 9, 2016
Sadly no. If you like equal parts humor and angry shouting, however, try #auspol on Twitter when there's a speech on, or #qanda when the eponymous Q and A is on.
posted by solarion at 12:34 AM on May 9, 2016
I thought you were supposed to get increasingly conservative as you get older, but according to the ABC Vote Compass I seem to be accelerating towards the greens and am likely to overshoot into the outer reaches of the far left somewhere in the vicinity of the Oort cloud by the next election. The propellant for this orbit has definitely been the increasingly inhuman behaviour of both Liberal and Labor governments.
posted by drnick at 12:36 AM on May 9, 2016 [11 favorites]
posted by drnick at 12:36 AM on May 9, 2016 [11 favorites]
Attention America: We have just announced an election and are going to have had a new government for four months by the time you vote.
The Pacific Trash Vortex is in fact composed of discarded Australian governments rather than plastic refuse.
posted by XMLicious at 12:42 AM on May 9, 2016 [34 favorites]
drnick: see also, these additional calibration points for the political compass
posted by russm at 12:46 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by russm at 12:46 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
drnick if you're anything like me, you haven't moved at all - it's the parties that have lumbered rightwards into brutal inhumanity.
Stop the Boats? How about Stop the Fires? Stop the Suicides? Stop the Rapes? Child Abuse - surely we want to stop that?...
posted by prismatic7 at 12:48 AM on May 9, 2016 [11 favorites]
Stop the Boats? How about Stop the Fires? Stop the Suicides? Stop the Rapes? Child Abuse - surely we want to stop that?...
posted by prismatic7 at 12:48 AM on May 9, 2016 [11 favorites]
Thanks, russm. I'll see you on the far side of the first dog on the moon.
posted by drnick at 12:49 AM on May 9, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by drnick at 12:49 AM on May 9, 2016 [2 favorites]
Can non-Australian people use the ABC Vote compass app? Seems all you need is a valid postcode.
posted by esto-again at 12:54 AM on May 9, 2016
posted by esto-again at 12:54 AM on May 9, 2016
I always wonder about things like the political compass, and how much context we're meant to consider when answering the questions. When they say "should negative gearing be restricted to new construction only?", I want to say "no, negative gearing should be abolished, if there's one thing we don't have in Australia it's too much housing affordability for owner occupiers and a lack of investment/rental properties". But I can't, all I can do is agree or disagree. And if I disagree, presumably it counts as "I own 50 investment properties and I love negative gearing like the sweet money spout it is".
So instead I second guess the pollsters, and assume they mean "of the policies presented by the major parties, do you prefer the one where negative gearing is restricted to new construction only?". And then I taste the rising bile in the back of my throat and click "strongly agree".
posted by russm at 1:02 AM on May 9, 2016 [6 favorites]
So instead I second guess the pollsters, and assume they mean "of the policies presented by the major parties, do you prefer the one where negative gearing is restricted to new construction only?". And then I taste the rising bile in the back of my throat and click "strongly agree".
posted by russm at 1:02 AM on May 9, 2016 [6 favorites]
esto-again, the researchers behind the program have run versions of Vote Compass for a number of different elections, like Canada in 2015 (as well as several provincial and mayoral elections) and New Zealand in 2014. I imagine there is some sort of geolocate-ery going on...
posted by prismatic7 at 1:18 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by prismatic7 at 1:18 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
I used to really love election season. But, like other seasonal treats such as spring asparagus or winter citrus, the fun dulls a bit when it feels like they're always around. You never get a chance to miss them anymore.
posted by harriet vane at 1:56 AM on May 9, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by harriet vane at 1:56 AM on May 9, 2016 [3 favorites]
There does appear to be something called The Chaser's Election Desk happening, the cydonian and solarian.
I do recall seeing Jules mention it at the end of the last episode of The Checkout before the Budget, but I'll have to fire up iView to check my memory.
Mad as Hell will be back as well, so there's that.
posted by But tomorrow is another day... at 1:57 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
I do recall seeing Jules mention it at the end of the last episode of The Checkout before the Budget, but I'll have to fire up iView to check my memory.
Mad as Hell will be back as well, so there's that.
posted by But tomorrow is another day... at 1:57 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
accelerating towards the greens and am likely to overshoot into the outer reaches of the far left somewhere in the vicinity of the Oort cloud
I hear the Oortians are green, FWIW.
posted by Segundus at 2:26 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
I hear the Oortians are green, FWIW.
posted by Segundus at 2:26 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
Forgive my pedantry, Mr Red Thoughts, but there have been 7 double dissolution elections since federation, most recently in 1983 and 1987.
Yeah, I wish a mod could fix that in the post, because it grates on my inner pol-sci-undergrad. I'm 48, I've lived through four double dissolutions already.
posted by rory at 2:28 AM on May 9, 2016
Yeah, I wish a mod could fix that in the post, because it grates on my inner pol-sci-undergrad. I'm 48, I've lived through four double dissolutions already.
posted by rory at 2:28 AM on May 9, 2016
Yeah, I wish a mod could fix that in the post, because it grates on my inner pol-sci-undergrad.
I am so sorry. Really. I am mortified.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 2:31 AM on May 9, 2016 [3 favorites]
I am so sorry. Really. I am mortified.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 2:31 AM on May 9, 2016 [3 favorites]
Ahh, she's apples. The '83 and '87 double dissolutions were contrived for political convenience anyway. As opposed to this entirely justified one (cough).
posted by rory at 2:57 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by rory at 2:57 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
I mean, what is this election even about?
The Coalition has given up the pretense of it being about the ABCC (it got a two-sentence mention in Turnbull's presser announcing the election), presumably because even they could no longer keep a straight faced about fighting over something nobody except CFMEU officials and Lend-Lease executives gives a shit about it.
If the 2013 election pitch by the Coalition was "whatever Labor is doing, without that nasty Gillard woman and ratfucker Rudd", then Shorten's 2016 pitch seems to be "whatever the Coalition is doing, except maybe with a bit more of a smile and not quite so hard on the kicking downwards". One almost envies the Americans, who are going to see a real contest of ideas, a populist demagogue vs the possibly last gasp of the establishment. Meanwhile, we've got discussions about optimal strategies to buy an investment house for your yet-unborn children.
In other news, the ABC Fact Check unit is facing oblivion due to recent cuts made by the Coalition
Eh, maybe. The ABC can spend its money on whatever it likes, but has long enjoyed using "budget cuts" as an excuse to kill off less popular and/or more expensive business lines e.g. shopfronts, non-Sydney production, regional news. Presumably the Fact Check unit falls into this category.
posted by kithrater at 3:09 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
The Coalition has given up the pretense of it being about the ABCC (it got a two-sentence mention in Turnbull's presser announcing the election), presumably because even they could no longer keep a straight faced about fighting over something nobody except CFMEU officials and Lend-Lease executives gives a shit about it.
If the 2013 election pitch by the Coalition was "whatever Labor is doing, without that nasty Gillard woman and ratfucker Rudd", then Shorten's 2016 pitch seems to be "whatever the Coalition is doing, except maybe with a bit more of a smile and not quite so hard on the kicking downwards". One almost envies the Americans, who are going to see a real contest of ideas, a populist demagogue vs the possibly last gasp of the establishment. Meanwhile, we've got discussions about optimal strategies to buy an investment house for your yet-unborn children.
In other news, the ABC Fact Check unit is facing oblivion due to recent cuts made by the Coalition
Eh, maybe. The ABC can spend its money on whatever it likes, but has long enjoyed using "budget cuts" as an excuse to kill off less popular and/or more expensive business lines e.g. shopfronts, non-Sydney production, regional news. Presumably the Fact Check unit falls into this category.
posted by kithrater at 3:09 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
Sadly, this thread will close when we're only half-way through the election cycle.
Thanks, Malcolm.
The candidate signs have been up in my area for weeks, I'm already over it.
posted by Mezentian at 3:18 AM on May 9, 2016
Thanks, Malcolm.
The candidate signs have been up in my area for weeks, I'm already over it.
posted by Mezentian at 3:18 AM on May 9, 2016
Meanwhile, the grass-roots progressive campaigning group GetUp! are running their own campaign during the election; one thing they intend to do is to target the seats of hard-right Coalition MPs in an attempt to depose them.
posted by acb at 3:19 AM on May 9, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by acb at 3:19 AM on May 9, 2016 [3 favorites]
Former NSW premier Kristina Keneally is in a podcast episode with two Guardian journalists, talking about her experience campaigning for re-election. It's a really interesting listen (as I'm sure the rest of the podcast is too).
posted by Panthalassa at 3:45 AM on May 9, 2016
posted by Panthalassa at 3:45 AM on May 9, 2016
Can non-Australian people use the ABC Vote compass app? Seems all you need is a valid postcode.
posted by esto-again at 8:54 AM on May 9 [+] [!]
Sure thing - try 5167 - you'll be from the seaside South Australian suburb of Port Noarlunga. In the language of the Kaurna people "Noarlunga" means "fishing place".
Or perhaps you'd like to use 3207 and be from Port Melbourne, home of the mighty Boroughs.
posted by awfurby at 4:09 AM on May 9, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by esto-again at 8:54 AM on May 9 [+] [!]
Sure thing - try 5167 - you'll be from the seaside South Australian suburb of Port Noarlunga. In the language of the Kaurna people "Noarlunga" means "fishing place".
Or perhaps you'd like to use 3207 and be from Port Melbourne, home of the mighty Boroughs.
posted by awfurby at 4:09 AM on May 9, 2016 [2 favorites]
Just looking on the AEC site, and you have until 8pm Monday 23 May 2016 (east coast time, I assume) to enrol.
posted by Mezentian at 4:10 AM on May 9, 2016
posted by Mezentian at 4:10 AM on May 9, 2016
First Dog on the Moon has come out swinging in the Guardian.
This comic sounds great in your head if you read it as Hugo Weaving doing Agent Smith:
"The ground glass of his lies and those of his opponents work their way malignantly into our blood. We stink of it."
posted by obiwanwasabi at 5:01 AM on May 9, 2016 [3 favorites]
This comic sounds great in your head if you read it as Hugo Weaving doing Agent Smith:
"The ground glass of his lies and those of his opponents work their way malignantly into our blood. We stink of it."
posted by obiwanwasabi at 5:01 AM on May 9, 2016 [3 favorites]
Coming in at 55 days, it will be the second-longest campaign in Australian history.
In America, a quiet sob is heard.
posted by Halloween Jack at 5:09 AM on May 9, 2016 [14 favorites]
In America, a quiet sob is heard.
posted by Halloween Jack at 5:09 AM on May 9, 2016 [14 favorites]
In America ABC stands for Always Be Campaigning.
posted by Nanukthedog at 5:18 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Nanukthedog at 5:18 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
Candidates and voters alike are bracing themselves for an eight-week election campaign.
*gasps, clutches pearls* Heavens to Murgatroyd! How will you ever survive such a horror!
posted by los pantalones del muerte at 5:48 AM on May 9, 2016 [2 favorites]
*gasps, clutches pearls* Heavens to Murgatroyd! How will you ever survive such a horror!
posted by los pantalones del muerte at 5:48 AM on May 9, 2016 [2 favorites]
Seven more qandas, people. We can do it.
posted by kithrater at 5:54 AM on May 9, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by kithrater at 5:54 AM on May 9, 2016 [2 favorites]
I was really surprised to find out that 8 weeks is a longer than usual campaign. If you had asked me how long election campaigns usually last, I would have said 3 or 4 months *at least*. Americans, if it's any consolation, it will still feel like forever to us.
posted by pianissimo at 6:03 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by pianissimo at 6:03 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
I do weep for any country that doesn't have democracy sausage though.
posted by pianissimo at 6:07 AM on May 9, 2016 [8 favorites]
posted by pianissimo at 6:07 AM on May 9, 2016 [8 favorites]
It's probably also poor form to point out to the Americans that our Election Day is a Saturday.
(Actually, I just made myself sad. I like to do stuff on weekends. Stuff that isn't voting. THIS IS THE GREATEST INJUSTICE IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE.)
posted by um at 6:13 AM on May 9, 2016
(Actually, I just made myself sad. I like to do stuff on weekends. Stuff that isn't voting. THIS IS THE GREATEST INJUSTICE IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE.)
posted by um at 6:13 AM on May 9, 2016
I guess I can always early vote at the town hall during lunchtime. I'll be fine everyone. I'll find the strength to carry on somehow.
posted by um at 6:16 AM on May 9, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by um at 6:16 AM on May 9, 2016 [3 favorites]
It's probably also poor form to point out to the Americans that our Election Day is a Saturday.
Is there some kind of accommodation made for Orthodox Jews?
posted by Chrysostom at 6:25 AM on May 9, 2016
Is there some kind of accommodation made for Orthodox Jews?
posted by Chrysostom at 6:25 AM on May 9, 2016
*gasps, clutches pearls* Heavens to Murgatroyd! How will you ever survive such a horror!
Ironically enough, there was a perennial joke candidate who went by the name of Murgatroyd and ran, usually in the Prime Minister's electorate, on joke platforms for many years (one year, at the height of the republic debate, he dressed in a pith helmet and ran for the “Imperial British Conservative Party”). I believe he did pass away some years ago.
posted by acb at 6:28 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
Ironically enough, there was a perennial joke candidate who went by the name of Murgatroyd and ran, usually in the Prime Minister's electorate, on joke platforms for many years (one year, at the height of the republic debate, he dressed in a pith helmet and ran for the “Imperial British Conservative Party”). I believe he did pass away some years ago.
posted by acb at 6:28 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
Is there some kind of accommodation made for Orthodox Jews?
Postal votes, I imagine.
posted by acb at 6:28 AM on May 9, 2016
Postal votes, I imagine.
posted by acb at 6:28 AM on May 9, 2016
Yeah, either postal or early voting.
posted by pianissimo at 6:38 AM on May 9, 2016
posted by pianissimo at 6:38 AM on May 9, 2016
It's probably also poor form to point out to the Americans that our Election Day is a Saturday.
(Actually, I just made myself sad. I like to do stuff on weekends. Stuff that isn't voting. THIS IS THE GREATEST INJUSTICE IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE.)
Man, I miss Saturday elections. Our UK-council-run school inevitably makes election days "in-service days" so that it can be used as a polling place, which meant having to take last Thursday off work to look after the kids. One less day to cover the actual school holidays...
posted by rory at 6:41 AM on May 9, 2016
(Actually, I just made myself sad. I like to do stuff on weekends. Stuff that isn't voting. THIS IS THE GREATEST INJUSTICE IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE.)
Man, I miss Saturday elections. Our UK-council-run school inevitably makes election days "in-service days" so that it can be used as a polling place, which meant having to take last Thursday off work to look after the kids. One less day to cover the actual school holidays...
posted by rory at 6:41 AM on May 9, 2016
"Millions" Turnbull* versus Bludge Snotarse**. Really. Is this the best we can do?
The reef is dying, we have overseas internment camps full of innocent children, we're about to pay for the world's biggest coalmine as a gift to a foreign billionaire. And I'll have to pay to dredge the reef. That hurts.
We're subsidising rent-seeking slumlords while we penalise homeowners. We're defunding our once-world-class science as we sack our best scientists.
Both major parties support all of that.
I'm in a Liberal stronghold, so it's all down to my senate vote. Green isn't far enough.
Australia is so much better than its elected representatives. Maybe they should wonder why.
*'Trump' Tradebill? "Malc TransPac"? "MindYourOwn Business"?
**"Blend Slopknicks"? "Bloop Smelltart"? "Burk Slapface"? Something like that
just bunged a few bucks to GetUp - and I'll keep doing it.
posted by Combat Wombat at 6:41 AM on May 9, 2016 [6 favorites]
The reef is dying, we have overseas internment camps full of innocent children, we're about to pay for the world's biggest coalmine as a gift to a foreign billionaire. And I'll have to pay to dredge the reef. That hurts.
We're subsidising rent-seeking slumlords while we penalise homeowners. We're defunding our once-world-class science as we sack our best scientists.
Both major parties support all of that.
I'm in a Liberal stronghold, so it's all down to my senate vote. Green isn't far enough.
Australia is so much better than its elected representatives. Maybe they should wonder why.
*'Trump' Tradebill? "Malc TransPac"? "MindYourOwn Business"?
**"Blend Slopknicks"? "Bloop Smelltart"? "Burk Slapface"? Something like that
just bunged a few bucks to GetUp - and I'll keep doing it.
posted by Combat Wombat at 6:41 AM on May 9, 2016 [6 favorites]
we have overseas internment camps full of innocent children
I believe they freed all of the children recently, so it wouldn't be an election issue.
Or, they said they did.
posted by Mezentian at 6:45 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
I believe they freed all of the children recently, so it wouldn't be an election issue.
Or, they said they did.
posted by Mezentian at 6:45 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
I'm in a Liberal stronghold, so it's all down to my senate vote. Green isn't far enough.
There's also the Pirate Party, the Australian Sex Party, a number of neo-Marxist parties, and a few single-issue parties. (I'm heartened by the existence of an Australian Cyclists' Party, and were I still eligible to vote, they'd get mine, ahead of Bullet Train For Australia, the Pirates and the Greens, to name a few.) Not sure if there are any anarchist parties, but I know of one punk anarchist who is running as a Pirate candidate.
posted by acb at 6:51 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
There's also the Pirate Party, the Australian Sex Party, a number of neo-Marxist parties, and a few single-issue parties. (I'm heartened by the existence of an Australian Cyclists' Party, and were I still eligible to vote, they'd get mine, ahead of Bullet Train For Australia, the Pirates and the Greens, to name a few.) Not sure if there are any anarchist parties, but I know of one punk anarchist who is running as a Pirate candidate.
posted by acb at 6:51 AM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
Attention America: We have just announced an election and are going to have had a new government for four months by the time you vote.
Just the one, dear?
posted by MikeKD at 11:35 AM on May 9, 2016 [14 favorites]
Just the one, dear?
posted by MikeKD at 11:35 AM on May 9, 2016 [14 favorites]
I'm going to ignore American election threads until the California primary in June. This is now way more interesting.
Double-dissolution sounds both terrifying and exhilarating. I wish we could do that here; after the umpteenth time Obama couldn't get a legislation through that would have been a great response.
posted by numaner at 2:47 PM on May 9, 2016
Double-dissolution sounds both terrifying and exhilarating. I wish we could do that here; after the umpteenth time Obama couldn't get a legislation through that would have been a great response.
posted by numaner at 2:47 PM on May 9, 2016
Attention America: We have just announced an election and are going to have had a new government for four months by the time you vote.
Just the one, dear?
APPLY
COLD WATER
TO BURN
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 2:53 PM on May 9, 2016 [7 favorites]
Just the one, dear?
APPLY
COLD WATER
TO BURN
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 2:53 PM on May 9, 2016 [7 favorites]
Still think we should just go with a week long gladiatorial battle.
posted by antipodes at 3:37 PM on May 9, 2016
posted by antipodes at 3:37 PM on May 9, 2016
Good thread, everyone, albeit a bit of a marathon. Whew!
We should do this once more before July, yeah?
posted by um at 5:12 PM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
We should do this once more before July, yeah?
posted by um at 5:12 PM on May 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
We should do this once more before July, yeah?
We'll probably have gone through, like, three more PMs by then.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:34 PM on May 9, 2016 [2 favorites]
We'll probably have gone through, like, three more PMs by then.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:34 PM on May 9, 2016 [2 favorites]
Oh, hey. The Liberal Democrats have something to say:
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 10:52 PM on May 9, 2016
PREFERENCE DEAL WITH THE GREENS ANNOUNCED.I think it's cute that they think that anyone gives a flying fuck about what they do.
The Liberal Democrats have announced a preference deal with the Greens. We will put them last in every state, and they can go get stuffed.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 10:52 PM on May 9, 2016
Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuugh.
Everyone in politics at the moment are such obnoxious right wing lifers I can't even get a little bit excited about this. I'm in a marginal seat so it's going to be nothing but bullshit propaganda in the post, and we have four voters registered here so we get four fucking copies of everything. I'm planning on just writing #letthemstay before returning to sender, but that only really works for letters and we get inundated with postcards and other nonsense, if the last trip to the boxes is anything to go by.
I know this is a right fought and died for, time and again - for my right as a woman to have the vote, for my right as someone who doesn't own land, as a member of a colony, that kind of thing - self governance is hard fought for and I should have some gratitude. And even looking overseas, especially at the unavoidable behemoth mess that is the US Federal Elections, I know that things could be worse, messier, less representational, badgered and electioneered, with gunmen on the corners and votes going into a shredder rather than be counted.
It's genteel, but I can't help but feel like the options are a bucket of shit vs. a bucket of shit with some cream and a cherry on it. I just can't get excited about either.
And I'm a vegan so I can't even have a fucking sausage.
posted by Jilder at 11:08 PM on May 9, 2016 [4 favorites]
Everyone in politics at the moment are such obnoxious right wing lifers I can't even get a little bit excited about this. I'm in a marginal seat so it's going to be nothing but bullshit propaganda in the post, and we have four voters registered here so we get four fucking copies of everything. I'm planning on just writing #letthemstay before returning to sender, but that only really works for letters and we get inundated with postcards and other nonsense, if the last trip to the boxes is anything to go by.
I know this is a right fought and died for, time and again - for my right as a woman to have the vote, for my right as someone who doesn't own land, as a member of a colony, that kind of thing - self governance is hard fought for and I should have some gratitude. And even looking overseas, especially at the unavoidable behemoth mess that is the US Federal Elections, I know that things could be worse, messier, less representational, badgered and electioneered, with gunmen on the corners and votes going into a shredder rather than be counted.
It's genteel, but I can't help but feel like the options are a bucket of shit vs. a bucket of shit with some cream and a cherry on it. I just can't get excited about either.
And I'm a vegan so I can't even have a fucking sausage.
posted by Jilder at 11:08 PM on May 9, 2016 [4 favorites]
We should do this once more before July, yeah?
Last time round, I did a megapost on Australian political comedians on Election Day.
If I get the chance (and all the comedians don't just give up), I'll do the same again. Because I'll be damned if I either Blump Sputum or Malcolm Antoinette seriously, and we're all going to need some laughs.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 11:15 PM on May 9, 2016
Last time round, I did a megapost on Australian political comedians on Election Day.
If I get the chance (and all the comedians don't just give up), I'll do the same again. Because I'll be damned if I either Blump Sputum or Malcolm Antoinette seriously, and we're all going to need some laughs.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 11:15 PM on May 9, 2016
So according to my wife, there was this guy up in Brisbane, right, and he was using a portable toilet at like some construction site or whatever. And there was a redback spider hiding in the toilet and it bit him. And you know where it bit him? Quote: "ON HIS KNOB".
Unless and until this spider knob-biting is addressed, none of the major parties will have my vote.
posted by Joe in Australia at 11:45 PM on May 9, 2016
Unless and until this spider knob-biting is addressed, none of the major parties will have my vote.
posted by Joe in Australia at 11:45 PM on May 9, 2016
"Stop the knobs" just isn't going to work as a slogan, though.
posted by Mezentian at 1:36 AM on May 10, 2016
posted by Mezentian at 1:36 AM on May 10, 2016
"Stop the knobs" just isn't going to work as a slogan, though.
Still better than 'Continuity and Change'.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 1:55 AM on May 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Still better than 'Continuity and Change'.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 1:55 AM on May 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
"Stop the knobs" just isn't going to work as a slogan, though.
Indeed no. The problem with political jokes is that they often get elected.
posted by ninazer0 at 2:18 AM on May 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Indeed no. The problem with political jokes is that they often get elected.
posted by ninazer0 at 2:18 AM on May 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
It's genteel, but I can't help but feel like the options are a bucket of shit vs. a bucket of shit with some cream and a cherry on it. I just can't get excited about either.
I get what you mean...but at least you're in a marginal seat and your vote means something. I believe my electorate was described as WA's most blue ribbon seat^ so it matters not one bit who I vote for. Except for the Senate of course.
Commiserations on the lack of democracy sausage for you. Here's hoping your local school has democracy vegan goodness at its cake stall.
^Not sure if this is an Aussie term...it means a seat that the Liberal Party will never ever lose, unless the sitting member defects and runs as an independent.
posted by pianissimo at 4:06 AM on May 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
I get what you mean...but at least you're in a marginal seat and your vote means something. I believe my electorate was described as WA's most blue ribbon seat^ so it matters not one bit who I vote for. Except for the Senate of course.
Commiserations on the lack of democracy sausage for you. Here's hoping your local school has democracy vegan goodness at its cake stall.
^Not sure if this is an Aussie term...it means a seat that the Liberal Party will never ever lose, unless the sitting member defects and runs as an independent.
posted by pianissimo at 4:06 AM on May 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
I've never seen this so-called democracy sausage, or even a cake stall.
Curses.
Not that I would eat one, but still...
Also, I would like to thank the Liberals for the winter election.
Because my voting location has cover for about eight people.
And it always rains on election day.
posted by Mezentian at 4:16 AM on May 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Curses.
Not that I would eat one, but still...
Also, I would like to thank the Liberals for the winter election.
Because my voting location has cover for about eight people.
And it always rains on election day.
posted by Mezentian at 4:16 AM on May 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Most of the past slogans would be greatly improved by the addition of knobs.
"Choose real knobs"
"A stronger knob, a better future"
"Mark Latham and Labor. Taking the pressure off knobs"
"Ease the squeeze" - definitely don't want too much pressure on your knob.
"‘Protecting, securing, building Australia’s knobs".
posted by kithrater at 4:58 AM on May 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
"Choose real knobs"
"A stronger knob, a better future"
"Mark Latham and Labor. Taking the pressure off knobs"
"Ease the squeeze" - definitely don't want too much pressure on your knob.
"‘Protecting, securing, building Australia’s knobs".
posted by kithrater at 4:58 AM on May 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Man, Chris Bowen on 7.30.... ugh.
JUST ANSWER THE GODDAMN QUESTION!
LEIGH SALES: But, the - sorry, what I'm trying to get to is: so, are you saying that it would be better for Australia to have a Turnbull government than a minority Labor government that can form government with the help of the Greens?
CHRIS BOWEN: Well, what we're saying, Leigh, is: the best thing for Australia is a Labor government.
LEIGH SALES: I know that. I understand that. Let's put it aside.
CHRIS BOWEN: But... if you let me finish...
LEIGH SALES: If the numbers aren't there - if the numbers aren't there, are you saying it's better to have a Turnbull government than a Labor-Green government?
CHRIS BOWEN: Labor governs alone or not at all. Labor governs alone or not at all. Now, who people choose to vote for in a confidence motion in that case is a matter for them.
Just once, I want to see Leigh or whoever just sit there, for the entire 30 minutes, asking the same question and not accepting the non-answer. And, since they know the non-answer, they should have Dr Karl and Antony Green with diagrams to constantly re-iterate the point that it is a yet-no answer.
Are they do afraid of being punished for their last alliance with the Greens they'd be happy to let the Liberals win again?
Apparently they are.
What they don't seem to realise is that it wasn't the Carbon or Mining Taxes that lost them the last election (as far as I can remember - lots of sound and fury, but signifying nothing), it was Julia knifing Rudd, and then Rudd knifing Julia after three years of white anting, and Julia and Wayne letting fucking BHP write the damned Mining Tax. Why they thought that was a good idea, I'll never know.
posted by Mezentian at 6:00 AM on May 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
JUST ANSWER THE GODDAMN QUESTION!
LEIGH SALES: But, the - sorry, what I'm trying to get to is: so, are you saying that it would be better for Australia to have a Turnbull government than a minority Labor government that can form government with the help of the Greens?
CHRIS BOWEN: Well, what we're saying, Leigh, is: the best thing for Australia is a Labor government.
LEIGH SALES: I know that. I understand that. Let's put it aside.
CHRIS BOWEN: But... if you let me finish...
LEIGH SALES: If the numbers aren't there - if the numbers aren't there, are you saying it's better to have a Turnbull government than a Labor-Green government?
CHRIS BOWEN: Labor governs alone or not at all. Labor governs alone or not at all. Now, who people choose to vote for in a confidence motion in that case is a matter for them.
Just once, I want to see Leigh or whoever just sit there, for the entire 30 minutes, asking the same question and not accepting the non-answer. And, since they know the non-answer, they should have Dr Karl and Antony Green with diagrams to constantly re-iterate the point that it is a yet-no answer.
Are they do afraid of being punished for their last alliance with the Greens they'd be happy to let the Liberals win again?
Apparently they are.
What they don't seem to realise is that it wasn't the Carbon or Mining Taxes that lost them the last election (as far as I can remember - lots of sound and fury, but signifying nothing), it was Julia knifing Rudd, and then Rudd knifing Julia after three years of white anting, and Julia and Wayne letting fucking BHP write the damned Mining Tax. Why they thought that was a good idea, I'll never know.
posted by Mezentian at 6:00 AM on May 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
It's a baffling line to draw. For one, I don't believe that if circumstances necessitate it, they wouldn't form a minority government with the greens, and secondly, if they did refuse to do it, I would be beyond annoyed at their idiocy. So they're either lying to me for no good reason, or they're idiots. Why? WHY?!
posted by misfish at 3:31 PM on May 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by misfish at 3:31 PM on May 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Labor governs alone or not at all.
You are campaigning against a Coalition, you fucking toolbag! Why would you take this line?
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 4:00 PM on May 10, 2016 [4 favorites]
You are campaigning against a Coalition, you fucking toolbag! Why would you take this line?
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 4:00 PM on May 10, 2016 [4 favorites]
So they're either lying to me for no good reason, or they're idiots.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
WHY NOT BOTH?
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 4:02 PM on May 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
WHY NOT BOTH?
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 4:02 PM on May 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
The Telegraph is being even more schizoid than usual. Yesterday they endorsed...Albo?
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 4:03 PM on May 10, 2016
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 4:03 PM on May 10, 2016
he might just want to fight tories, but at least he's not trying to overthrow capitalism.
posted by russm at 6:48 PM on May 10, 2016
posted by russm at 6:48 PM on May 10, 2016
Gah. Day three, and they can all fuck off already. Who are these disgusting pigs?
posted by prismatic7 at 8:14 PM on May 10, 2016
posted by prismatic7 at 8:14 PM on May 10, 2016
"Choose real knobs"
"A stronger knob, a better future"
"Mark Latham and Labor. Taking the pressure off knobs"
"Ease the squeeze" - definitely don't want too much pressure on your knob.
"‘Protecting, securing, building Australia’s knobs".
"Kevin Knob '07" > - pretty accurate, really.
"WorkingFamilies Knobs" - a reasonable reflection of what the parties actually think
"We’ll decide who comes to thiscountry knob, and the circumstances in which they come" - uh, wait, no I think I ruined it.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:53 PM on May 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
"A stronger knob, a better future"
"Mark Latham and Labor. Taking the pressure off knobs"
"Ease the squeeze" - definitely don't want too much pressure on your knob.
"‘Protecting, securing, building Australia’s knobs".
"
"Working
"We’ll decide who comes to this
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:53 PM on May 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
We have our second casualty of the campaign (... or maybe third, if you count dignity) with Labor disendorsing its candidate for Fremantle, which was I think one of three safe seats in WA.
I hope they packed a spare.
posted by Mezentian at 1:11 AM on May 11, 2016
I hope they packed a spare.
posted by Mezentian at 1:11 AM on May 11, 2016
"It has been revealed Maritime Union official Chris Brown failed to disclose a number of convictions from the 1980s, including the assault of a police officer."
In what passes for a socialist movement today, this is seen as a bad thing.
posted by Joe in Australia at 2:26 AM on May 11, 2016
In what passes for a socialist movement today, this is seen as a bad thing.
posted by Joe in Australia at 2:26 AM on May 11, 2016
Luckily my local church op shop breaks out the doilies and the pot plants for elections. They're a disability specialist church so I can be a bit more comfortable about them getting a buck fifty for a doily and a cactus than I otherwise would be.
posted by Jilder at 2:55 AM on May 11, 2016
posted by Jilder at 2:55 AM on May 11, 2016
Labor governs alone or not at all.
It sounds to me like they're making a bold bid to win back traditional ALP supporters from the Greens. Like saying "you can't have your cake and eat it too - don't vote Greens if you want an ALP government!"
posted by pianissimo at 3:45 AM on May 11, 2016
It sounds to me like they're making a bold bid to win back traditional ALP supporters from the Greens. Like saying "you can't have your cake and eat it too - don't vote Greens if you want an ALP government!"
posted by pianissimo at 3:45 AM on May 11, 2016
Meanwhile, the Liberals have pissed off their base, people with $1.6 million in their super (batters who will retire on $100K per annum).
They are, the ABC just said between PM and the 7pm news "white hot with anger" at the super changes.
Millionaire Malcolm had a hissy fit, Greens might win TWO seats in the HOR, and Mathias Corman made sense.
Now, if you excuse, I feel dirty my vision is blurry.
posted by Mezentian at 4:02 AM on May 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
They are, the ABC just said between PM and the 7pm news "white hot with anger" at the super changes.
Millionaire Malcolm had a hissy fit, Greens might win TWO seats in the HOR, and Mathias Corman made sense.
Now, if you excuse, I feel dirty my vision is blurry.
posted by Mezentian at 4:02 AM on May 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
> In what passes for a socialist movement today, this is seen as a bad thing.
The most important words there are "failed to disclose". That is failed to disclose to the party, not to the public.
First Dog For PM.
posted by nickzoic at 4:14 AM on May 11, 2016
The most important words there are "failed to disclose". That is failed to disclose to the party, not to the public.
First Dog For PM.
posted by nickzoic at 4:14 AM on May 11, 2016
Greg Jericho with a data driven smack down on the dissembling about taxation.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 4:59 PM on May 11, 2016
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 4:59 PM on May 11, 2016
"Stop the knobs" just isn't going to work as a slogan, though.
You forgot 'Jobs and Growth'.
This feels serendipitous: Knobs and growth.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 5:02 PM on May 11, 2016 [3 favorites]
You forgot 'Jobs and Growth'.
This feels serendipitous: Knobs and growth.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 5:02 PM on May 11, 2016 [3 favorites]
Truly, it is an age of knobs.
posted by kithrater at 3:31 PM on May 12, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by kithrater at 3:31 PM on May 12, 2016 [1 favorite]
So, Malc is "Mr Seaside Mansion" (c P Credlin).
What's Bill?
(I have to admire the restrain of, as far as I have seen, Bill not using Beaconsfield as a campaign clip, but that was when he had a sliver of personality).
posted by Mezentian at 3:49 AM on May 13, 2016
What's Bill?
(I have to admire the restrain of, as far as I have seen, Bill not using Beaconsfield as a campaign clip, but that was when he had a sliver of personality).
posted by Mezentian at 3:49 AM on May 13, 2016
Oh dog, Peter Dutton's gone and done a full racist, simultaneously claiming that refugees are illiterate and they will TERK ER JERBS!
And Turnbull is backing him on that.
Even though a variety of government reports contradict it.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 10:40 PM on May 17, 2016 [2 favorites]
And Turnbull is backing him on that.
Even though a variety of government reports contradict it.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 10:40 PM on May 17, 2016 [2 favorites]
Sometimes people exaggerate the shortcomings of Australian politicians, so I did a little fact checking. Here's the quotation:
posted by Joe in Australia at 10:49 PM on May 17, 2016
"For many people, they won't be numerate or literate in their own language let alone English," he said.Q: Where are these jobs for people who are neither literate nor numerate and (if these jobs exist) why is a supposedly-Liberal government wasting money on our children's education instead of turning back more and bigger boats?
"These people would be taking Australian jobs, there's no question about that.
posted by Joe in Australia at 10:49 PM on May 17, 2016
Sometimes people exaggerate the shortcomings of Australian politicians, so I did a little fact checking.
Well that's good, because the ABC has now actually killed its fact check unit.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 10:53 PM on May 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
Well that's good, because the ABC has now actually killed its fact check unit.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 10:53 PM on May 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
Fact-checking money is WASTED money that mostly goes OVERSEAS. A new and emboldened Turnbull government will provide jobs for illiterate and innumerate Australians by redirecting funding to fact CREATION.
posted by Joe in Australia at 11:32 PM on May 17, 2016
posted by Joe in Australia at 11:32 PM on May 17, 2016
Well, it's a growth industry.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 2:00 AM on May 18, 2016
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 2:00 AM on May 18, 2016
Where are these jobs for people who are neither literate nor numerate and (if these jobs exist)
The jobs the backpackers steal now, one assumes.
I got my first bit of propaganda for "The Malcolm Turnbull Team" today. I looked closely, and I found the name of my local Liberal candidate, but it was hard. No pics of Malc, nothing flashy, just a humble letter.
Labor sent their thing last week (slogan:Forward The Foundation "Families, Fairness, Future" with lots of big pictures of the candidate (doing all the things elected members do, like talking to old people and police and doctors) and Bill.
In other news, the Libs had their own stuff up in Fremantle (they've lost that one, surely?) while one of the ALP MPs... kinda sorta plumb forgot he had a $2.3 million negatively-geared house. As one does. Whoops.
And the WA Libs seem to be... caught out?
And, for LOLs, the AEC, who made us all go back to the polls in 2013 because they lost some senate papers, have accidentally exposed the date of birth, email address, driver's licence number, gender, previous home addresses, country of birth and mobile numbers for voters in a number of key electorates.
(Lets not forget the ABS want to make the census data identifying this year.)
posted by Mezentian at 2:15 AM on May 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
The jobs the backpackers steal now, one assumes.
I got my first bit of propaganda for "The Malcolm Turnbull Team" today. I looked closely, and I found the name of my local Liberal candidate, but it was hard. No pics of Malc, nothing flashy, just a humble letter.
Labor sent their thing last week (slogan:
In other news, the Libs had their own stuff up in Fremantle (they've lost that one, surely?) while one of the ALP MPs... kinda sorta plumb forgot he had a $2.3 million negatively-geared house. As one does. Whoops.
And the WA Libs seem to be... caught out?
And, for LOLs, the AEC, who made us all go back to the polls in 2013 because they lost some senate papers, have accidentally exposed the date of birth, email address, driver's licence number, gender, previous home addresses, country of birth and mobile numbers for voters in a number of key electorates.
(Lets not forget the ABS want to make the census data identifying this year.)
posted by Mezentian at 2:15 AM on May 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
Sorry. I mislead. The logo is for "The Turnbull Liberal Team".
It's the only mention of the party anywhere in the letter.
The candidate's billboard has "Liberal For SEAT" and looks more akin to the 2013 stuff, but Malc's mail drop seems very different to Abbott's. Maybe they're trying to disassociate themselves with the legacy of the Abbott/Hockey years. Can't imagine why.
posted by Mezentian at 4:31 AM on May 18, 2016
It's the only mention of the party anywhere in the letter.
The candidate's billboard has "Liberal For SEAT" and looks more akin to the 2013 stuff, but Malc's mail drop seems very different to Abbott's. Maybe they're trying to disassociate themselves with the legacy of the Abbott/Hockey years. Can't imagine why.
posted by Mezentian at 4:31 AM on May 18, 2016
I got my first bit of propaganda for "The Malcolm Turnbull Team" today.
I got mine about a week ago. It was misleading - the envelope said "Important information about the Federal Election" so I opened it. I should have known better. I chucked it out without reading as soon as I realised what it was so can't compare notes on the contents of the letter. It'd be the same though right, just with my local member's name instead of yours?
Half the time ALP don't even bother to campaign here. One time the ALP candidate wasn't even in the country on election day.
posted by pianissimo at 5:46 AM on May 18, 2016
I got mine about a week ago. It was misleading - the envelope said "Important information about the Federal Election" so I opened it. I should have known better. I chucked it out without reading as soon as I realised what it was so can't compare notes on the contents of the letter. It'd be the same though right, just with my local member's name instead of yours?
Half the time ALP don't even bother to campaign here. One time the ALP candidate wasn't even in the country on election day.
posted by pianissimo at 5:46 AM on May 18, 2016
That was the letter I got, Dear HOUSEHOLDER. I assumed it was the AEC, but it was a Lib postal voting. It will get sent back tomorrow.
Half the time ALP don't even bother to campaign here.
The perils of being in a safe seat, I assume, at state and federal level.
On the plus side, we never hear from CEC/Rise Up Australia until election day.
posted by Mezentian at 5:52 AM on May 18, 2016
Half the time ALP don't even bother to campaign here.
The perils of being in a safe seat, I assume, at state and federal level.
On the plus side, we never hear from CEC/Rise Up Australia until election day.
posted by Mezentian at 5:52 AM on May 18, 2016
Maybe Dutton legitimately worries that the capabilities he brings to his job is compares poorly to the capabilities of a illiterate and innumerate Afghan refugee could bring to the job of Immigration Minister.
posted by kithrater at 6:03 AM on May 18, 2016
posted by kithrater at 6:03 AM on May 18, 2016
It's so gross. Dutton says something stupid and mean, so we get outraged by his stupid mean potato face, and then we can all talk about refugees and immigration, where the government's stupid meanness is a vote-winner, rather than health and education, where it isn't.
Australians will stop lapping up this stupid meanness one day, right?
posted by misfish at 5:14 PM on May 18, 2016
Australians will stop lapping up this stupid meanness one day, right?
posted by misfish at 5:14 PM on May 18, 2016
Honestly, the only upside I can see to this election is I will once again have the opportunity to laugh in the face of the useless sack of crap the Christian Bigotcrats will send to hand out how to vote cards in my electorate on polling dady.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 7:55 PM on May 18, 2016
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 7:55 PM on May 18, 2016
Dutton says something stupid and mean,
There's apparently (the ABC Fact Check aside) another argument that says, "actually, what he said was mostly accurate", but I didn't quite hear where it was from and who did it, but it was from a rival fact checking unit. I haven't been able to find it, though.
The truth is probably somewhere in the middle.
so we get outraged by his stupid mean potato face
I believe First Dog uses a Brussels Sprout.
posted by Mezentian at 3:10 AM on May 19, 2016
There's apparently (the ABC Fact Check aside) another argument that says, "actually, what he said was mostly accurate", but I didn't quite hear where it was from and who did it, but it was from a rival fact checking unit. I haven't been able to find it, though.
The truth is probably somewhere in the middle.
so we get outraged by his stupid mean potato face
I believe First Dog uses a Brussels Sprout.
posted by Mezentian at 3:10 AM on May 19, 2016
misfish: "Australians will stop lapping up this stupid meanness one day, right?"
I would like to subscribe to your newsletter.
posted by langtonsant at 3:38 AM on May 19, 2016
I would like to subscribe to your newsletter.
posted by langtonsant at 3:38 AM on May 19, 2016
dear god can this be over soon? the tv ads have only just started and i hate them already.
posted by harriet vane at 6:42 AM on June 5, 2016
posted by harriet vane at 6:42 AM on June 5, 2016
dear god can this be over soon? the tv ads have only just started and i hate them already.
I saw a parody political ad by I think Hungry Jacks last night, in a rare moment when the Red Thoughts Consort switched away from Netflix, and I almost smashed the TV by sheer pavlovian reflex.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 5:51 PM on June 5, 2016
I saw a parody political ad by I think Hungry Jacks last night, in a rare moment when the Red Thoughts Consort switched away from Netflix, and I almost smashed the TV by sheer pavlovian reflex.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 5:51 PM on June 5, 2016
I just discovered that one of the candidates in my division (Grayndler) is called Meow-Ludo Meow Meow. Pretty sure it was originally Barry and he changed it though. Anyway. There's a group called the Science Party? that I never heard of before so I checked their website. Well played Mr Meow Meow, well played.
posted by um at 8:09 PM on June 6, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by um at 8:09 PM on June 6, 2016 [1 favorite]
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