It may seem strange to learn that the man responsible for Darling Nikki is now explaining to journalists why both major US political parties aren't delivering the Bible goods to the nation as well as he'd like, but that's exactly what's happening.

In 2001, Prince Rogers Nelson became a Jehovah's Witness, and after stewing in the grace of God for the past seven years, he's now fully qualified to explain to the masses what Jehovah thinks about the gays Are you ready?

He tells the New Yorker magazine, "Here's how it is: you've got the Republicans, and basically they want to live according to this (the Bible). But there's the problem of interpretation, and you've got some churches, some people, basically doing things and saying it comes from here, but it doesn't.

And what of the Democrats, Prince?

Read More »

Poor Kevin Rudd. It appears he's still in the bad books with President Bush, who was apparently displeased to learn that our Prime Minister busying himself with sharing details of their phone conversations with the press. How displeased? Oh, displeased enough to deliver the ultimate Screw You to our fearless leader - he's not included Kevin's mug in an online photo album!

Wait, what?

It is the ultimate souvenir gift from Washington to a leader at a global summit - your own grip-and-grin pic with the US President. The White House then adds an extra ego-stroking touch by putting the picture on its website so the world can see your familiarity with power. But not for Kevin Rudd.

Read More »

From the Sydney Morning Herald on February 11th 2007:

Prime Minister John Howard has launched a broadside against US presidential hopeful Barack Obama, warning his victory could destroy Iraq and prospects for peace in the Middle East. Mr Howard's stinging attack against the popular Democrat, who formally launched his bid for the Democratic candidacy overnight, also appears to commit Australian troops to staying in Iraq well into 2008.

The man who wants to be America's first black president has pledged to withdraw US troops from Iraq by March 2008, a timetable Mr Howard believes is dangerous.

"I think that would just encourage those who wanted completely to destabilise and destroy Iraq, and create chaos and victory for the terrorists to hang on and hope for (an) Obama victory," Mr Howard told the Nine Network. "If I was running al-Qaeda in Iraq, I would put a circle around March 2008, and pray, as many times as possible, for a victory not only for Obama, but also for the Democrats."

That Malcolm Turnbull is a tech-savvy bastard, isn't he? God bless him, he's just discovered Twitter and is happily informing the nation of his comings and goings like it's going out of style.

What sort of thrilling stuff is he up to, I hear you ask?

GIRLFRIEND, YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE IT!

Read More »

Tony Abbott has publicly declared his love for Britain (well, kind of...) by stating that he believes Australian school children should be taught the ins and outs of British history as BRITANNIA RULES!

Opposition frontbencher Tony Abbott wants school students to study more British history, saying Britain has shaped the world and should get the credit for it.

If that's not a man-on-country crush, I don't know what is.

Read More »

Chris Rock famously tore into Bill Clinton last week, and judging from his appearance last night on Larry King Live, he's not quite done yet. If you'll recall, the two first tangled on The Late Show with David Letterman, when Clinton's less-than-enthused support for Barack Obama was attacked by Rock, who memorably shrieked, "Hillary lost!" On Larry King last night, Rock reiterated that he likes Bill Clinton and has met him several times, but when asked whether the former president can ever be absolved for "playing the race card" during the South Carolina primary, Rock offers a defence that's unconventional to say the least. Though, perhaps not as unlikely as his comparison of vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin to vanquished Dancing with the Stars contestant Kim Kardashian. Clip above. [Larry King Live]

When the team from Sunrise asked me to contribute my thoughts regarding Malcolm Turnbull's new role as the leader of the Liberal Party for their website, I wish I could say I was surprised. But to be honest, I've always envisioned myself as a political pundit, so after I finished sending Laurie Oakes a menacing email telling him to watch his goddamn back, I settled down and wrote some stupid responses to the questions I was given.

If you would like to read these thoughts, then go to the Sunrise website and take a look. Also, "media commentator and political bandit" is going straight onto my business card. And by business card, I obviously mean the About Me section on my Facebook page.

MORE: Turnbully? Turncoat? How Defamer sees Turnbull

I haven't had a chance to glance at Peter Costello's giant sookfest, but I've just read a few lovely excerpts thanks to my friend Jessica who had an hour and a half spare whilst waiting for a late plane this morning and scribbled down the best bits.

Are you ready?

On what can loosely be described as his sense of humour:
"In my later years as Treasurer, YouTube was also emerging as a powerful medium. Bloggers pick up parliamentary broadcasts carried on television and post them on YouTube. Some of my attempts at humour can be viewed there." p76

More after the jump.

Read More »

Poor Brendan Nelson. From the second he took over from John Howard after the resounding election defeat last year, everyone was thinking "Dude is a Band-Aid that's gonna get ripped off and thrown away once the wound isn't quite so icky to look at anymore" and he was like "No, for real! I am leader! And quite popular! Look and marvel as my colleagues appreciate me and support me!" and Malcolm Turnbull was all "Hey bitch, call me when you're done cleaning my office and I'll move my stuff in" and... well, I've run out of idiotic things to say on this topic, and wahey! Did you see that the Libs decided to go with Turnbull after their Top Secret Ballot this morning?

Malcolm Turnbull is the new leader of the Liberal Party after beating Brendan Nelson in a ballot in Canberra this morning..

Read More »

There's just twenty minutes until members of the Liberal Party go into a secret room, wallpapered with images of great conservative leaders of the past like Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan, and vote for school captain. Or who they want to be the leader of the Liberal Party.

"I'm not going to win, am I?"

You're not in the race, Peter. Shut up.

Brendan Nelson and Malcolm Turnbull are about to face off in a Liberal leadership vote after Dr Nelson's attempted ambush of his rival.

Dr Nelson pounced on his jetlagged leadership rival last night, hoping to catch Mr Turnbull off guard by bringing leadership speculation to a head this morning rather than waiting for the shadow treasurer to strike against him.

Vaguely interesting! Can't wait to see how this turns out. And then laugh heartily.

MORE: Malcolm Turnbull, Brendan Nelson to face off in leadership ballot (news.com.au)