GarryP

Sigh. He's said it won't vote for the far right because they don't create, they destroy. He's also said he won't vote for the far left because they don't balance the give aways with the general economy (and don't have a clue about it really).

Of course, Labor ain't left wing...

Hell no. Abbott's major failing is that he was an incompetent. He zagged when he should zig, he lied, he was driven by his ego.

The only thing he sold was that Turnbull would be better (even though he isn't).

Step 1 - they need to have ideas first. And let's face, none of them really do.

Trump is reflecting bigots views straight back to them. It's not difficult, and that's why there's no confusion. However, I consider that he won't do those reflections if he were to get selected. Premeditated lying till the selection happens, then thrown out with the bath water.

scrubbedexpat098

So is it not better to lie to bigots, and racists, and people who give no **** about politics, then turn the tables on them and turn out to be a decent upstanding president, or to do the opposite to decent, upstanding people?

GarryP

Oh, the general principle of divide and conquer is sound for politics. Getting in there and convincing them to support you with their own beliefs, fine.

However, as I said, the problem is the other attributes that make him useless/dangerous as a president. Not that I think they will let him get through selection.

BadgeIsBack

Fair call: but I get the impression it's not just the 1pc, anyone who's a leader or 'Captain'.

BadgeIsBack

True. Another fair comment : I agree about Abbott. He was also inarticulate. And you're right about Garry, might have come across as questioning him personally.

Beoz

Who is 'they'? It's quite possible he could be president. He seems to be selling a message that reasonates with those who vote. And who are you so say they are bigots and racists? They don't want Mexicans illegally entering the US. Why does that make someone a racist or a bigot? And why does their opinion have less value than yours?

Amazulu

He appeals to those that have been ignored/sneered at by mainstream western politicians for decades - white working males. The people that. generally, get on with life, work hard, pay their taxes, abide by the law. Yet these very people have been brushed aside by the political elites - and now they are angry and pissed off

GarryP

Oh I don't know, why would I consider them to be be bigots and racists?
Could it be that this is what they were agreeing with?

Beoz

And some Mexicans do bring drugs and are involved in crime. True statement do a degree.

Amazulu

I was thinking about who I would vote for if I had a vote in the upcoming US election

My favourite would be Ted Cruz - hard right, tough, wants to make government smaller, cut taxes, break islam, Iran etc
Clinton or Trump - Trump. Not ideal but the better choice out of the 2
Sanders or Trump - Trump. Despite the fact that his policies are too far-left, he is too old. Reagan was pushing it but Sanders in 74!

GarryP

So, I came across this story on the Murdoch Information Network

Take cover, the Commies are coming

What do you think? A sign that Australia might have a true left wing option at the next election ...... or a subtle dig by Murdoch against the minor parties that are trying to stop the major parties from fiddling the voting to lock them out?


Nice to know that the far right can still use 'reds under the beds' to stoke up fear....


As for age, well ....

astera

Ted Cruz is a brainless little prick who shouldn't even be tasked with running a hamburger stand. How is he going to make gov't smaller or cut taxes? It's just what people want to hear, that's all. Breaking Islam? And Iran? Is he high on dope?

At the end of the day you want to handle and tackle extremism, and you need the moderates of that religion on your side. Otherwise he's end up like the biggest presidential idiot in US history, who due to his submoronic actions can easily be attributed to being the most successful extremist recruiter of all time. And too dumb to even notice it...

I won't even go into Trump as his campaign is just farcical and aimed at those whose level of brain development hardly makes them qualify for the human species. The president is supposed to be someone from the top shelf, someone everyone can look up to and trust, respect, hold in the highest regard. Trump is the antithesis of everything a president should stand for.

In terms of Clinton vs Sanders I think the answer is quite simple. If you are a corporation, vote for Clinton. If you are a citizen, vote for Sanders. Last time I checked only people got to vote - not companies - but for some reason there are those who believe "the chameleon" will make them better off even though she's the one being backed by top $$$ (for a reason) and has previously pushed forward their agenda and legislation at the cost of ordinary people.

Garbatellamike

Good calls all of them - I don't have a dog in this fight but if I did Sanders would get my vote.

knockoff nige

There needs to be a qualifying exam for anyone who wants to run for president. People like Donald Trump shouldn't get past phase one. The US is idol'd to death and expect a new revolutionary leader every four years. Not one single candidate has that genius or vision that they are looking for. So, leave it to Fox News to sensationalise these boring wannabe's into the new heroes.

Bernie Sanders is the only candidate who has any legitimacy. He represents the actual voters, not just the corporations or the christians. He could bring accountability to the corporate world. He has many socialist views but so what? It's the direction the US needs to go in before they can repair the mess they are in. They don't need to get in bed with Putin to sort out their own very top heavy domestic issues. And if he shows more strength and ability to control the gun lobbyists, he should be elected on that alone. But that can only be seen once in office. He's the guy, everyone else thinks they're entitled.

Beoz

..... and that's why he will win ....... the people want something new, different and exciting