English and the Nats have had a shocker of a week. A lame “state of the nation” featuring watered down Labour policy. English roundly criticised for his supine stance on Trump’s Muslim ban. The Thiel citizenship story breaking. A range of bad economic news.
In contrast, following on from their joint “state of the nation” it’s been a good week for the political left in NZ. Here’s a roundup.
Editorial: Labour-Greens off to a strong start
…The two parties presented their State of the Nation and a buoyant mood of mutual support and progressive solidarity seemed obvious. Even the clash of Labour and Green candidates in the upcoming Mt Albert by-election appeared to be an opportunity to present a united Left rather than a strategic mistake. Shared ideas and policies have been less widely reported as the event was more about spectacle than manifestos. The Labour-Green alliance could still win the image war. …
Labour-Greens carry off State of the Nation double-act
For an hour or so in Mt Albert something almost unnatural happened on Sunday. A wary love all but broke out between two political parties. …
The Mt Albert memorial hall was jam-packed and hot, the crowd were enthusiastic for both leaders and the symbolism of the leadership, candidates, and hand-picked “diversity”, on the stage as a backdrop, sent the right message of two parties prepared to work together to change the Government.
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As election year symbolism of their closer cooperation it was all they could have hoped for. …
Labour-Green combo best Left vibe in years
If it is “all about the vibe”, then the Labour-Green alliance has nailed it from the outset of election year. … The vibe at the Mount Albert War Memorial Hall was the best I have seen on the Left for years.The leaders gelled, and so did the crowds. Labour benefited from the Green energy. And the Greens benefited from the extra size of Labour. They both looked better together. But the most important thing was that it felt real. The Green supporters liked Andrew Little. The Labour supporters liked Metiria Turei. They clapped each other like they meant it. …
Double billing at ‘state of the nation’ rally gives Labour and the Greens double the attention
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Little shone. He looked sharp, in a new dark suit from Hugo Boss and new black shoes. He sounded confident and polished. His message was a mix of oppositional attack and inspirational rhetoric. And the crowd went wild.
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The backdrop for the speakers was a tiered mini-grandstand holding people of many ethnicities, mainly Pakeha, and of many ages, mainly young, presumably symbolising inclusiveness and hope. …
And so on:
Labour and Greens create history with joint state of the nation
Labour-Greens launch blitz on ‘failing’ Bill English
Labour leader Andrew Little attacks Prime Minister Bill English in State of the Nation speech
Andrew Little uses own cancer battle to highlight Labour’s health policy
Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei champions ‘fierce women’ in State of the Nation speech
Highlights: Labour and Greens’ State of the Nation speeches
Labour aims to turn gaming sector from $90 million to $1 billion industry
Labour and Greens won’t cut deals in marginal seats That last one surprises me I must admit – seems like a wasted opportunity.
Let’s have a few more weeks like this one please!
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