Why do country people think Barnaby Joyce is great? What do they see in him that I don't?
Remembering that I used to see some appealing self deprecation in him, his personal image deserves to be strongly hit by a few things:
* he seems increasingly bitter, despite having had the benefit of a media covering up his infidelity during an election;
* apart from the relationship with a former staffer, there was the allegation of apparently serious level, drunken sexual harassment for which the National Party returned "no verdict";
* he gives the impression of drinking more now;
* at a time when he has just established a second family, and (if I recall correctly) having previously given the usual "it's so hard for a marriage, being a politician who has to be away from family so often" comments before he left his family, he is now deciding to increase his time on the job with his second set of kids;
* he gives the impression of doubling down on the "climate change and drought and bushfires - no connection" meme, at a time one would like to think that at least some country people might be starting to have doubts.
On the last point though - how many rural people are stupid? Quite a lot, seems to be the increasing lesson of election results.
It is even worse.
ReplyDeleteHe wears a large hat even when it is not needed to given him a farmers persona yet he has NEVER been a farmer only an accountant.
He was also a hopeless minister.
You bullshit all the time. Whereas Barnaby, when not involved in scandal, tends to be truthful and sensible. Like not falling for really basic science fraud. Not wanting to impoverish his fellow countrymen. People notice these things.
ReplyDeleteIt isn't over, BJ will have another shot. What he doesn't realise is that the rank and file members are fed up with him and don't want him back. So many former leaders just can't get over losing. Rudd, Abbott, Turnbull, and Joyce have all demonstrated puerile tantrums upon losing office. We need a new kind of leader.
ReplyDeleteGillard remains the model for grace in losing the leadership.
ReplyDeleteSince he resigned as leader he been badly wrong on any policy he has tried to talk about. Given his 'partner' is a PR gal and he is'the best retail politician' in OZ how come he has been an embarrassment
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