Quite often, leaders on all sides of politics, once they've retired from office, become the kind of person, with a political view that I would've supported, if they had been that person with that viewpoint, when they were leaders.
Case in point, two former right wing, Australian Prime Ministers were individually interviewed about President Trump's negative impact on Australia and global politics in general. Both said things that even a left leaning 'woke' voter like myself could get behind and nod in agreement with.
Keep in mind both these former PM's are right wing politicians that should be aligned with the US Republican party, and President Trump's views on many issues.
Malcolm Turnbull
Mr Turnbull, like President Trump is a businessman turned politician. He's a person I was all set to vote for until he aligned himself with the Australian Liberal Party. Which was a little unexpected for me because up to that point his politics sounded more left than right.
I would encourage you to watch his full interview with ABC News (Australia) below. It's a real, honest and matter of fact point of view that clearly shows Malcolm is not a Trump supporter in any way.
My key take away from this interview, aside from Malcolm's assessment that Australia can no longer rely on US support in anything, but particularly regional defense, is that Trump's America first strategy will strengthen China Globally.
Despite my not being a fan of the Chinese Communist Party (is anyone a fan?) maybe it is in Australia's interest to strengthen ties with China as Trump pushes everyone away from the US with tariffs 'for everyone, no exceptions' and other such nonsense.
For a long time Australians in particular have had a concern that China could have plans to start a war with neighboring countries, but, while they do flex their military every now and then, they seem a lot more interested in economic power through partnerships with any country willing to trade with them. Australia is, and has been for years, in all kinds of economic partnerships with China
For whatever reason, Australia quite happily turns a blind eye to some of the more questionable aspects of the CCP because we export quite a lot of resources in their direction.
So one of the global effects of Trump's 'Make America Great Again' strategy will inadvertently help make China great again, and perhaps make them economically stronger in the process too.
Tony Abbott
Mr Abbott is one of my least favorite former PM's but to his credit he was very decisive and seemed to get things done - and has always been outspoken against Vladimir Putin.
Not surprising then, in his interview with Times Radio (UK) he calls out any suggestion by anyone that Ukraine started the war with Russia, specifically calling anyone who thinks that is living in a fantasy land.
My take away from this interview was that Mr Abbott in a general sense is very much aligned with many of President Trump's policies and views, but he will call out anyone who tries to rewrite how the war in Ukraine began and who is in the wrong.
One thing I was particularly pleased to hear him highlight was a quote from Joe Biden that he felt really resonated with him. For me, it's not so much the quote that mattered, it just tells you a lot about a politician when they have no qualms about speaking highly of people who they don't necessarily align with almost all of the time.
Trump's America
I've said before, I truly hope American voters get the full President Trump experience. I particularly hope he delivers what they voted for rather than whatever all this foreign policy is that no one in the Red States even had on their voting card.
Did anyone vote for invading Denmark or for changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico? Was control of the Panama Canal a deciding factor in the polling booth?
I just hope the full Trump doesn't totally screw up global relations or, if it does, I hope countries will opt for better friend and trade partners than the USA. Because global relations is not a one way street, and you don't need to drag everyone else down just to build yourself up.
Comments
Post a Comment
Comments are moderated by an actual human (me, TET) and may not publish right away. I do read all comments and only reject those not directly related to the post or are spam/scams (I'm looking at you Illuminati recruiters... I mean scammers. Stop commenting on my Illuminati post!).