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11:43 am, July 25th, 2011 - 26 comments
Categories: Minister for Overseas Holidays -
Tags: barack obama, diplomacy
Gotta love the piece in the Herald today about Key[s]’s meeting with Obama. No mention of what was discussed or achieved (nothing). Just ‘oh they got along. And Key would have made Obama laugh. If Obama wasn’t busy with important stuff’. Best part in this non-bylined article is the list of what makes them such good buddies.
From the moment they met at the United Nations in 2009, they got on. Reasons include:
* They have a lot in common.
* They are both leaders of their countries.
* They were both elected to high office in November 2008.
* They are both married with two children.
* They both turn 50 next month.
* They both have homes in Hawaii.
By that logic, I like every 33 year old whose been a union delegate since 2004, has a 5 year old kid, and likes to go to the beach for their holidays.
Bitter experience has proven that’s not true.
If Obama and Key were really such good mates, Key wouldn’t have given a scared taonga as a present and got back a toy sword made in Wellington.
Honestly. Who writes this garbage? Reads like Kevin Taylor wrote a ‘what they have in common’ list for the journo to use. And they just copied it out.
Let’s drop the myth that Key and Obama are best pals. Course Obama is friendly with foreign leaders of friendly countries. It’s kind of in the job description. Course he calls him by his first name. That’s what more American leaders do to assert dominance while suggesting closeness. Watch a movie. Course Obama can rattle off a couple of nice things about Key and New Zealand. That’s what briefings are for.
Fact that Obama doesn’t know Key[s]’s name tells you how much he actually knows and cares about him. The guy’s got bigger things on his plate. Why do we have to pretend there’s a personal relationship where there clearly is not?
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- Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families
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- Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...2 weeks ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
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- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...14 hours ago - PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...2 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...2 days ago
- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
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- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...2 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...3 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...3 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...3 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
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- Appointments to the ENZ board
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- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...3 days ago
- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
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- Judicial appointment announced
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- GDP data highlights importance of growth
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- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
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- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
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- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
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- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...4 days ago
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
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- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
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- Hawke’s Bay Expressway moving at pace
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- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
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- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
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- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
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- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
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- A busy year in the House
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- Consultation opens on working with engineered stone
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- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
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- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
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- Building consent processing times improve
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- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
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- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
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- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
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- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
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- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
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- Local Government (Water Services) Bill passes first reading
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If it was HC you would have a different opinion
If it were HC:
1. It wouldn’t have obviously been a publicity stunt
1a. HC would only have gone if something useful were resulting from the visit.
2. HC wouldn’t be gushing about how she was the “luckiest prime minister in 25 years”
We should expect to see some trite comment from Key on the 6pm news today about how he just got back from the US where it was 40c and now he’s back in blizzard conditions.
Good ink HS, Lanthanide is absolutely correct.
I’m not sure about 1a, but the things she talked about did seem a bit more important than inviting the marines over for a look-see.
What a contrast to “Gee it’s so awesome meeting Mr Obamas, he even let me touch him! I think we’re going to be friends! Look out for Arabs!”
We should expect to see some trite comment from Key on the 6pm news today about how he just got back from the US where it was 40c and now he’s back in blizzard conditions.
And all the stupids (and we do seem to have a lot of them) will be thinking: ha ha ha, he’s right again… gosh he’s reeely nice that man. I’m going to vote for him.
Depressing isn’t it.
If it was HC She wouldn,t get a plastic sword
so, you’re conceding the coverage is facile but refusing to condemn it because the guy is your ‘side’ and you claim we would do the same? Is that really what politics comes down to for you?
Actually if it was HC I would be hiding my face in shame just like I am now at what pathetic lapdogs we’ve become for the American Empire. So no, I wouldn’t have a different opinion.
No no no they’re besties and Keys can ring him up anytime he likes and Obamas answers the phone it’s true.
Sometimes Keys rings Obamas just to ask what he’s up to. They talk about NZNTM (Obamas’ fave show). Obamas goes “you hang up!” and Keys goes “no you!” and then they just lie there listening to each other breathing.
Sometimes when they get together they strip down to their gruds and have waterfights it’s soooo awesome.
Key got to fill his photo scrapbook up with the last pics he needed. Now he can happily leave the PMs job, head overseas and make some real money again.
Probably the only noteworthy English-speaking head of state he hasn’t photo’d with yet is the PM of Cananda.
All political leaders of small countries seek association with and kudos to flow from ‘contact’ with the really important and recognisable political leaders of the moment
It’s always been an opportunity for spin and always will be.
John Key and his advisers seem to be quite good at it in the eyes of some. So what? Nobody really cares, do they?
Key is 51 next month.
And his wig is 8.
Fail. 09/08/1961. 2011 – 1961 = 50.
But, who cares indeed. No doubt we can wait with bated breath for the John Key Memorial Holiday on August 09 so we can all pedal in adoration whilst gushing forth soliloquies, down the Sir John Phillip Key Memorial Cycleway, thinking about how that nice man Mr Key has made us all so much poorer but it’s not his fault, after all there is a depression shaping up and he didn’t do anything contributory.
“Didn’t do anything contributary” Jasper you must be jesting a foreign exchange dealer at Elders, Wellington then Merrill Lynch in London, followed in the foot steps of George Soros, speculating on the currency market. Was he trading the NZ currency down the river?
What a big “to do” we have through our media over a Whale meeting a Minnow for all of 30 minutes. Obama congratulates the P.M. on keeping our military in Afghanistan precisely when
America is in a process of withdrawing troops. The two leaders do not literally each own a “home” in Hawaii. Key owns a MANSION (to go with his several Mansions throughout the world). I am sure that the two men have one thing in common, the strongest support for Israel
regardless of anything.
Michael Cullen had the best description:
Fair point, and I’d bet the Washington Monument that Obama would never vote for ‘Mr Keys’ if he was able to … he’s way too ‘socialist’ …
Of coarse Key commented on the weather thats whats tourists do,he will wopp out his photo albulm next, thats once Duncan forwards the photos from his phone.I suppose that it would not be Duncan to Keys it would be DG maaaate.
…But, but… President Obama was reported as saying that he thought John Keys was “intelligent and thoughtful”!!
Either this does not say a great deal for Obama’s powers of perception,or it was meant as a throw away comment to please “Keys” and shake him off his heel.
Of course it could have been double speak for ‘cunning and starstruck’ in which case those of us with perception would agree.
look over here at me with Obama….saying and doing nothing in particular just diverting your attention away from that 10Bill Budget hole we shonkeyed past you thanks to a compliant MSM who have no grasp of fundamental economics, mathematical comprehension or memories on such porkys as ‘fiscally neutral tax cuts’ to name but one ….jeez this is such as awsum job I even get to pretend I’m commanding our armies…..maybe next chopper ride I can fire a gun.
Or, even better, read Dale Carnegies’ How to Win Friends and Influence People. The psychopaths manual to manipulation of other people.
I’m not sure if it’s been mentioned on the Standard or not, but why was it necessary for John Key to wipe his right hand on his trouser leg immediately after shaking hands with Barack Obama in front of a hoard of media and camera’s? (Can be spotted on the TVNZ news coverage on the 24th July on Sunday night news.) Some sicko photo-op this turns out to be. Can someone image capture this, because I’d like to frame it in memory of this disgusting little man representing our country!