Red ripple in US
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- Date published:
8:22 am, November 10th, 2022 - 29 comments
Categories: abortion, Donald Trump, International, Joe Biden, us politics -
Tags: gun control, inflation, mid-terms, nutbar candidates, Republicans, Ron DeSantis, US Democrats
Except in Florida, where Ron DeSantis led a convincing set of Republican gains, the Republican party in the US have had a disappointing mid-term election. The Democrats who were expecting to face the classic mid-term vote against incumbents, will be pleasantly surprised. There are still a lot of votes to count. This being the US, lawyers will be trying to set court dates.
Widely described as a red ripple, as of this morning it has left Republican without definite control in the Senate with 3 senate races not been called. One of which, Georgia, will probably go to a run-off election in December. As expected the Republican party will have a shallow control of the House with an unconvincing majority which is going to make it hard for them to control their undisciplined mob.
Anthony Zurcher at the BBC described it early on as “Mixed-bag kind of election”
This has been a strange kind of midterm election. Democrats are claiming victory even though they appear poised to lose control of the House of Representatives. Republicans are engaging in the kind of circular firing squads usually reserved for the defeated party.
It’s all about expectations. Republicans – looking at midterm history, Joe Biden’s negative approval ratings and a US economy that was struggling – expected to ride a wave to sweeping congressional victories.
Democrats, after watching their last two presidents get drubbed in their first midterm elections, were assuming the worst.
Antony Zurcher, BBC: Mixed-bag kind of election
That really sums it up. The Republicans focused on inflation, crime and disapproval of Joe Biden. That seems to have resonated with parts of their base.
But outside of the Republican bubble the Democratic and Independent voters voted against nut bar election denialists, shot down further restrictions on abortions and anti-abortion candidates, and against the Trump anointed candidates. They also responsibly seemed to have voted for gun control candidates.
Rising prices and abortion were the two issues top of voters’ minds as they cast their ballots, according to the national exit poll.
Almost a third of people surveyed said inflation was the issue that mattered most in deciding how they voted. A large majority of voters also said it had caused them hardship in the past year.
But abortion was another top issue, with 27% of people saying it was their deciding factor, after the Supreme Court overturned a ruling which had given nationwide protection for abortion rights.
That said, voters were sharply divided along party lines – inflation was by far the biggest issue for Republicans, while for Democrats, abortion was top.
BBC: “US midterms: How the parties are doing in maps and charts”
Probably the clearest example of a refusal to elect nut-bar candidates is in Georgia with senatorial candidate Hershel Walker. There was clearly a lot of split voting from Republican supporters who convincingly voted back in Bryan Kemp as governer, while voting for the Democratic senatorial candidate. Hershel Walker is a Trump anointed candidate with what appear to be similar levels of blatant lying and outright hypocrisy between his public positions and his personal actions – especially on abortion. Of course that could also just be simple racism by Republican supporters voting against a black candidate in Georgia. But there are numerous other examples of the Trump touch being off-putting to the general population of voters.
Where restrictions on abortion was a direct question uncomplicated by other positions, it was seems to have clearly been renounced.
Five states voted on changes to abortion rules.
Vermont, California and Michigan all voted in favour of including the right to reproductive freedom in the state constitution.
In Kentucky, however, the question is the opposite – whether or not to specifically exclude the right to abortion in the state constitution. The measure was rejected by a narrow margin.
In Montana, voters have not been asked about abortion directly. Instead they are being asked to decide on a so-called “born alive” measure that would guarantee any newborn infant, even those born as a result of abortion, the right to medical care that will preserve life.
BBC: “US midterms: How the parties are doing in maps and charts”
It is probably also a factor in the high turnout, something that the Republican party spends considerable time and effort to try to suppress.
Midterm elections usually have a relatively low turnout, but over 116 million people went out to vote this year, according to early figures from the US Elections Project.
This is one of the highest turnout figures in decades.
BBC: “US midterms: How the parties are doing in maps and charts”
2018 was a sweep of repugnance voting against Donald Trump, especially by women. This election looks to me like it was the election by women revolting against a supreme court decision.
I haven’t had a look at the state elections yet, but I suspect that when you factor out the ridiculous gerrymandering (MMP thank you for saving us from that particular political crap) you’re going to see problems for anti-abortion extremists.
But I’m sure there will be a lot more analysis over the coming week. What I am sure about is that the Republican circular firing squad will be interesting after this election. Especially between the Trump arse-lickers and the realpolitik parts of the Republican party who want to gain wider support.
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The Greens welcome today’s long-coming announcement by Pharmac of consultation to remove the special authority renewal criteria for methylphenidate, dexamfetamine and modafinil and to fund lisdexamfetamine. ...7 days ago
- Release: Millions to be spent dividing NZ for no reason
The National Party is wasting millions of dollars allowing David Seymour’s Treaty Principals Bill to be drafted and go to Select Committee. ...7 days ago
- Release: New Zealanders departing our shores at a record rate
The Migration figures released by Stats NZ today show National is continuing to drive Kiwis away from New Zealand in record numbers. ...7 days ago
- Te Tai Tokerau MP Slams Govt Overreach in Scrapping Māori Wards
Mema Paremata for Te Tai Tokerau, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, has reflected on the decisions made by the councils of the North amidst the government’s push to remove Māori Wards and weaken mana whenua representation. “Actions taken by the Kaipara District Council to remove Māori Wards are the embodiment of the eradication ...1 week ago
- Govt already seeking advice on Treaty referendum
On one hand, the Prime Minister has assured Aotearoa that his party will not support the Treaty Principles Bill beyond first reading, but on the other, his Government has already sought advice on holding a referendum on our founding document. ...1 week ago
- Release: Aged care will be worse off if redesign rushed
New Zealanders needing aged care support and the people who care for them will be worse off if the Government pushes through a flawed and rushed redesign of dementia and aged care. ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt fails hundreds of workers as mills close
Labour is devastated at news hundreds of workers are set to lose their jobs following the closure of Winstone Pulp mills. ...1 week ago
- Job losses from mill closures consequence of Govt inaction
Hundreds of jobs lost as a result of pulp mill closures in the Ruapehu District are a consequence of government inaction in addressing the shortfalls of our electricity network. ...1 week ago
- Ngarewa-Packer devastated for Ruapehu following WPI closure
Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader and MP for Te Tai Hauāuru is devastated for the Ruapehu community following today’s decision to close two Winstone Pulp mills. “My heart goes out to all the workers, their whānau, and the wider Ruapehu community affected by the closure of Winstone Pulp International,” said Ngarewa-Packer. ...1 week ago
- Release: Cabinet should stop the Treaty Principles Bill
National Party Ministers have a majority in Cabinet and can stop David Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill, which even the Prime Minister has described as “divisive and unhelpful.” ...1 week ago
- Release: Staff gagged to keep fast track list secret
The National Government is so determined to hide the list of potential projects that will avoid environmental scrutiny it has gagged Ministry for the Environment staff from talking about it. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour challenges Te Whatu Ora gag orders
Labour has complained to the Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission about the high number of non-disclosure agreements that have effectively gagged staff at Te Whatu Ora Health NZ from talking about anything relating to their work. ...1 week ago
- Greens call on Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned after letter from Christian leaders
The Green Party is once again urging the Prime Minister to abandon the Treaty Principles Bill as a letter from more than 400 Christian leaders calls for the proposed legislation to be dropped. ...1 week ago
- Sign the petition: Keep military-style firearms off our streets
Help us tell the Government that reintroducing military-style firearms should not be up for debate. ...2 weeks ago
- Vast majority of councils support Māori wards
Councils across the country have now decided where they stand regarding Māori wards, with a resounding majority in favour of keeping them in what is a significant setback for the Government. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government on the wrong side of Māori wards
The National-led government has been given a clear message from the local government sector, as almost all councils reject the Government’s bid to treat Māori wards different to other wards. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour congratulates Kuīni Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki
The Labour Party congratulates Kuīni Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki on being crowned as the eighth Te Ariki Nui – head of Te Kiingitanga. ...2 weeks ago
- Green Party welcomes new Maaori Kuiini
The Green Party welcomes the coronation of the new Maaori Kuiini, Te Arikinui Nga Wai Hono i te Po, today in Turangawaewae. ...2 weeks ago
- ECE teachers deserve better than this Government
The Green Party is unsurprised but disappointed by today’s announcement from the Government that will see our Early Childhood Centre teachers undermined and pay parity pushed further out of reach. ...2 weeks ago
- Urgent intervention needed on supermarkets
The Green Party is calling on the Government to intervene in the supermarket duopoly dominating our supply of groceries following today’s report from the Commerce Commission. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Rainbow youth neglected in mental health funding
Labour backs the call from The Rainbow Support Collective members for mental health funding specifically earmarked for grassroots and peer led community organisations to be set up in a way that they are able to access. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Transport in NZ has to be more than just roads
As expected, the National Land Transport Programme lacks ambition for our cities and our country’s rail network and puts the majority of investment into roads. ...2 weeks ago
- Foreign Minister to travel to New York, French Polynesia
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is travelling to New York next week to attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, followed by a visit to French Polynesia. “In the context of the myriad regional and global crises, our engagements in New York will demonstrate New Zealand’s strong support for ...10 hours ago - Thanking social workers on their national day
“Today, on Aotearoa New Zealand Social Workers’ Day, I would like to recognise the tremendous effort social workers make not just today, but every day,” Children’s Minister and Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Karen Chhour says. “I thank all those working on the front line for ...13 hours ago
- Minister of State for Trade heads to Laos for ASEAN meetings
Minister of State for Trade Nicola Grigg will travel to Laos this week to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers’ Meetings in Vientiane. “The Government is committed to strengthening our relationship with ASEAN,” Ms Grigg says. “With next year marking 50 years since New Zealand became ...13 hours ago
- Members appointed to retail crime MAG
The Government has appointed four members to the Ministerial Advisory Group for victims of retail crime, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee say. “I am delighted to appoint Michael Hill’s national retail manager Michael Bell to the group, as well as Waikato community advocate and business ...15 hours ago
- Speech to the New Zealand Nurses Organisation AGM and Conference 2024
It’s my pleasure to be here to join the opening of the NZNO AGM and Conference for 2024. First, I’d like to thank NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku, NZNO President, Anne Daniels, and Chief Execuitve Paul Gaulter for inviting me to speak today. Thank you also to all the NZNO members ...16 hours ago
- Improvements for New Zealand authors
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says changes to the Public Lending Right [PLR] scheme will help benefit both the National Library and authors who have books available in New Zealand libraries. “I am amending the regulations so that eligible authors will no longer have to reapply every year ...1 day ago
- Minister commends Police for gang operation
Police Minister Mark Mitchell congratulates Police for the outstanding result of their most recent operation, targeting the Comancheros. “That Police have been able to round up the majority of the Comancheros leadership, and many of their patched members and prospects, shows not only the capability of Police, but also shows ...2 days ago
- New appointments to the EPA board
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has announced a major refresh of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) board with four new appointments and one reappointment. The new board members are Barry O’Neil, Jennifer Scoular, Alison Stewart and Nancy Tuaine, who have been appointed for a three-year term ending in August 2027. “I would ...2 days ago
- Enabling rural recovery works in Hawke’s Bay
Cabinet has approved an Order in Council to enable severe weather recovery works to continue in the Hawke’s Bay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell say. “Cyclone Gabrielle and the other severe weather events in early 2023 caused significant loss and damage to ...2 days ago
- FamilyBoost childcare payment registrations open
From today, low-to-middle-income families with young children can register for the new FamilyBoost payment, to help them meet early childhood education (ECE) costs. The scheme was introduced as part of the Government’s tax relief plan to help Kiwis who are doing it tough. “FamilyBoost is one of the ways we ...2 days ago
- Prioritising victims with tougher sentences
The Government has today agreed to introduce sentencing reforms to Parliament this week that will ensure criminals face real consequences for crime and victims are prioritised, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. "In recent years, there has been a concerning trend where the courts have imposed fewer and shorter prison sentences ...2 days ago
- Targets data confirms rise in violent crime
The first quarterly report on progress against the nine public service targets show promising results in some areas and the scale of the challenge in others, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “Our Government reinstated targets to focus our public sector on driving better results for New Zealanders in health, education, ...2 days ago
- Asia Foundation Board appointments announced
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced the appointments of Hone McGregor, Professor David Capie, and John Boswell to the Board of the Asia New Zealand Foundation. Bede Corry, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has also been appointed as an ex-officio member. The new trustees join Dame Fran Wilde (Chair), ...3 days ago
- Endeavour Fund projects for economic growth
New Zealand’s largest contestable science fund is investing in 72 new projects to address challenges, develop new technology and support communities, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins says. “This Endeavour Fund round being funded is focused on economic growth and commercial outputs,” Ms Collins says. “It involves funding of more ...3 days ago
- Social Services Providers Whakamanawa National Conference 16 September 2024
Thank you for the introduction and the invitation to speak to you here today. I am honoured to be here in my capacity as Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, and Minister for Children. Thank you for creating a space where we can all listen and learn, ...3 days ago
- Parihaka infrastructure upgrades funded
The Government will provide a $5.8 million grant to improve water infrastructure at Parihaka in Taranaki, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say. “This grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will have a multitude of benefits for this hugely significant cultural site, including keeping local ...3 days ago
- Serious assaults down 22% in Auckland CBD
Cross-government action to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in Auckland is getting traction, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “Our central cities should be great places to live and work, but in recent years they have become hot spots for crime and anti-social behaviour. In Auckland, businesses and residents suffered as ...3 days ago
- Increased certainty for contractors coming
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says upcoming changes to the Employment Relations Act will provide greater certainty for contractors and businesses. “These changes to legislation are necessary to ensure businesses and workers have more clarity from the start of their contracting arrangement. It is an ACT-National coalition ...3 days ago
- Draft critical minerals list released for consultation
A draft list of minerals deemed essential to New Zealand’s economy and strengthening its mineral resilience has been released for consultation, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The draft Critical Minerals List identifies 35 minerals essential to economic functions, are in demand internationally, and face high risk of supply disruption domestically ...3 days ago
- Government eliminates $190 million in trade barriers to boost the economy
The Government has successfully removed trade barriers affecting nearly $190 million worth of exports to help grow the economy, Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay today announced. “In the past year, we have resolved 14 Non Tariff Barriers (NTBs), returning significant value to kiwi exporters. These efforts directly boost our ...4 days ago
- Reo Māori the ‘beating heart’ of Aotearoa New Zealand
From private business to the Paris Olympics, reo Māori is growing with the success of New Zealanders, says Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka. “I’m joining New Zealanders across the country in celebrating this year’s Te Wiki o te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week, which has a big range ...5 days ago
- Need and value at forefront of public service delivery
New Cabinet policy directives will ensure public agencies prioritise public services on the basis of need and award Government contracts on the basis of public value, Minister for the Public Service Nicola Willis says. “Cabinet Office has today issued a circular to central government organisations setting out the Government’s expectations ...6 days ago
- Minister to attend Police Ministers Council Meeting
Police Minister Mark Mitchell will join with Australian Police Ministers and Commissioners at the Police Ministers Council meeting (PMC) today in Melbourne. “The council is an opportunity to come together to discuss a range of issues, gain valuable insights on areas of common interest, and different approaches towards law enforcement ...6 days ago
- New Bill to crack down on youth vaping
The coalition Government has introduced legislation to tackle youth vaping, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2) is aimed at preventing youth vaping. “While vaping has contributed to a significant fall in our smoking rates, the rise in youth vaping ...6 days ago
- Interest in agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review welcomed
Regulation Minister David Seymour, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard have welcomed interest in the agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review. The review by the Ministry for Regulation is looking at how to speed up the process to get farmers and growers access to the safe, ...6 days ago
- Bill to allow online charity lotteries passes first reading
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government is moving at pace to ensure lotteries for charitable purposes are allowed to operate online permanently. Charities fundraising online, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust and local hospices will continue to do ...6 days ago
- Tax exempt threshold changes to benefit startups
Technology companies are among the startups which will benefit from increases to current thresholds of exempt employee share schemes, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Revenue Minister Simon Watts say. Tax exempt thresholds for the schemes are increasing as part of the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2024-25, Emergency ...6 days ago
- Getting the healthcare you need, when you need it
The path to faster cancer treatment, an increase in immunisation rates, shorter stays in emergency departments and quick assessment and treatments when you are sick has been laid out today. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has revealed details of how the ambitious health targets the Government has set will be ...7 days ago
- Targeted supports to accelerate reading
The coalition Government is delivering targeted and structured literacy supports to accelerate learning for struggling readers. From Term 1 2025, $33 million of funding for Reading Recovery and Early Literacy Support will be reprioritised to interventions which align with structured approaches to teaching. “Structured literacy will change the way children ...7 days ago
- Survivors invited to Abuse in Care national apology
With two months until the national apology to survivors of abuse in care, expressions of interest have opened for survivors wanting to attend. “The Prime Minister will deliver a national apology on Tuesday 12 November in Parliament. It will be a very significant day for survivors, their families, whānau and ...7 days ago
- Rangatahi inspire at Ngā Manu Kōrero final
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini kē - My success is not mine alone but is the from the strength of the many. Aotearoa New Zealand’s top young speakers are an inspiration for all New Zealanders to learn more about the depth and beauty conveyed ...7 days ago
- Driving structured literacy in schools
The coalition Government is driving confidence in reading and writing in the first years of schooling. “From the first time children step into the classroom, we’re equipping them and teachers with the tools they need to be brilliant in literacy. “From 1 October, schools and kura with Years 0-3 will receive ...1 week ago
- Labour’s misleading information is disappointing
Labour’s misinformation about firearms law is dangerous and disappointing, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says. “Labour and Ginny Andersen have repeatedly said over the past few days that the previous Labour Government completely banned semi-automatic firearms in 2019 and that the Coalition Government is planning to ‘reintroduce’ them. ...1 week ago
- Govt takes action on mpox response, widens access to vaccine
The Government is taking immediate action on a number of steps around New Zealand’s response to mpox, including improving access to vaccine availability so people who need it can do so more easily, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. “Mpox is obviously a ...1 week ago
- Next steps agreed for Treaty Principles Bill
Associate Justice Minister David Seymour says Cabinet has agreed to the next steps for the Treaty Principles Bill. “The Treaty Principles Bill provides an opportunity for Parliament, rather than the courts, to define the principles of the Treaty, including establishing that every person is equal before the law,” says Mr Seymour. “Parliament ...1 week ago
- Government unlocking potential of AI
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins today announced a programme to drive Artificial Intelligence (AI) uptake among New Zealand businesses. “The AI Activator will unlock the potential of AI for New Zealand businesses through a range of support, including access to AI research experts, technical assistance, AI tools and resources, ...1 week ago
- Government releases Wairoa flood review findings
The independent rapid review into the Wairoa flooding event on 26 June 2024 has been released, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today. “We welcome the review’s findings and recommendations to strengthen Wairoa's resilience against future events,” Ms ...1 week ago
- Promoting faster payment times for government
The Government is sending a clear message to central government agencies that they must prioritise paying invoices in a timely manner, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. Data released today promotes transparency by publishing the payment times of each central government agency. This data will be published quarterly ...1 week ago
- Acknowledgement to Kīngi Tuheitia speech
E te māngai o te Whare Pāremata, kua riro māku te whakaputa i te waka ki waho moana. E te Pirimia tēnā koe.Mr Speaker, it is my privilege to take this adjournment kōrero forward. Prime Minister – thank you for your leadership. Taupiri te maunga Waikato te awa Te Wherowhero ...1 week ago
- Interim fix to GST adjustment rules to support businesses
Inland Revenue can begin processing GST returns for businesses affected by a historic legislative drafting error, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. “Inland Revenue has become aware of a legislative drafting error in the GST adjustment rules after changes were made in 2023 which were meant to simplify the process. This ...1 week ago
- West Papuan fighters who kidnapped Kiwi pilot propose terms of release
RNZ Pacific Pro-independence fighters in the Indonesian-ruled West Papua region have proposed the terms of release for the New Zealand pilot taken hostage almost 18 months ago. The armed faction of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) kidnapped Phillip Merhtens, a 38-year-old pilot working for the Indonesian internal feeder ...3 hours ago - Budget 2024: Light at the end of the tunnel
The House - The government's maiden Budget is finally reaching the end of its long approval process, and it's going to be just in time. ...4 hours ago - How do ecosystems collapse? Our study shows evolution plays a role – and can delay a disaster
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher Blake, PhD Student, Monash University Piyaset/Shutterstock Dying coral reefs, rainforests transforming into savannas, grasslands turning into deserts – these are ecosystem “tipping points”, boundary lines we’re desperate not to cross. In dynamic systems filled with life, these critical thresholds ...5 hours ago
- Celebrity Treasure Island power rankings: Cully goes to Hollywood
Alex Casey ranks week two of Celebrity Treasure Island NZ. This week on Celebrity Treasure Island was all about craving. Old drama school friends craving a hug and a cry in a caravan, broadcasters craving more than one seventh of a cream donut, former deputy prime ministers and drag queens ...6 hours ago - Surrogacy Commodifies Women, Says Women’s Rights Party
While commercial surrogacy is technically illegal in New Zealand, the involvement of fertility services in surrogacy through assisted reproductive technology is a commercial activity paid for by intending parents, with potential harm for birth ...7 hours ago - Politics with Michelle Grattan: Adam Bandt on why the Greens are playing hardball on housing
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The government has found many of its key measures stuck in a legislative quagmire, with both Greens and Coalition playing hardball with Labor’s plans. This week the government’s housing legislation has stalled in the ...8 hours ago
- Digital health research can be positive for Indigenous people. But our study found it needs to follo...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Goodman, Postdoctoral Fellow in Indigenous Health, CSIRO Digital technologies are transforming health care for all Australians, and this includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Electronic health interventions (eHealth) can involve features such as telehealth, instant messaging and mobile apps that ...8 hours ago
- What’s the difference between a psychopath and a sociopath? Less than you might think
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bruce Watt, Associate Professor in Psychology, Bond University Benoit Daoust/Shutterstock Articles about badly behaved people and how to spot them are common. You don’t have to Google or scroll too much to find headlines such as 7 signs your boss is ...8 hours ago
- Australia desperately needs a strong federal environmental protection agency. Our chances aren’t l...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Justine Bell-James, Associate Professor in Environment and Property Law, TC Beirne School of Law, The University of Queensland Enrico Della Pietra/Shutterstock When Labor came to power federally after almost a decade in opposition, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek pledged to turn around ...8 hours ago
- The Productivity Commission wants all Australian kids to get 3 days a week of childcare – but it w...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Melissa Tham, Research fellow at the Mitchell Institute, Victoria University The federal government has released a highly anticipated report into Australia’s childcare system. The report, by the Productivity Commission, says addressing affordability should be a priority. It recommends fully subsidised childcare for ...8 hours ago
- New teen accounts on Instagram are a welcome step, but real ‘peace of mind’ requires more
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tama Leaver, Professor of Internet Studies, Curtin University As Australia and other countries debate the merits of banning kids under 14 from social media, Meta has announced a significant “reimagining” of teenagers’ experience of Instagram. These new “Teen Accounts” will be set ...8 hours ago
- Ministers defend level of scrutiny on gang patch ban changes
Two ministers have argued politicians' scrutiny - by Cabinet and Parliament - is enough, and the Attorney-General says it wasn't necessary to examine the changes. ...9 hours ago
- Will the exploding pager attack be the spark that ignites an Israel-Hezbollah war?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Saikal, Emeritus professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University The alleged Israeli attack on members of Hezbollah via their pagers is another ominous development propelling the Middle East towards a full-scale regional war. It leaves Hezbollah with ...9 hours ago
- Productivity Commission charts the costly path to universal early childhood education
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Big increases in government spending on child care have been recommended by the Productivity Commission, that would see families earning up to A$80,000 fully subsidised under the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). This would cover ...9 hours ago
- Gareth Evans condemns Labor timidity, tells leadership to ‘recover mojo’
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra A former senior member of the Hawke and Keating governments, Gareth Evans, has accused the Albanese government of political timidity, condemning its instinct to “move into cautious, defensive, wedge-avoiding mode”. In a speech on ...9 hours ago
- Flying to a footy final? Watch your wallet. Here’s why airfares soar
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Doug Drury, Professor/Head of Aviation, CQUniversity Australia ymgerman/Shutterstock Planning a flight to an AFL final is like trying to decide when and how to hop on an amusement park ride that hasn’t stopped. You don’t know where you need to ...10 hours ago
- Runt is a gentle, beautifully shot, and warmly humorous small town Australian story
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John McAloon, Senior Lecturer, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney Court McAllister/STUDIOCANAL When young Annie Shearer (Lilly LaTorre) meets a stray dog named Runt (Squid) the two become inseparable. They live in the dry Western Australian town of ...10 hours ago
- Gone By Lunchtime: David Seymour and the zombie utopia
The treaty principles bill is dominating 2024 political headlines. Is it really all about 2026? Church leaders oppose it. Christopher Luxon is increasingly exasperated by getting asked about it. And David Seymour has reworded a critical part of it. Is the Act leader on the back foot over a ...10 hours ago
- Why the case for higher speed limits is fatally flawed
Analysis - Proponents argue even marginal time savings for some drivers justify the changes, Timothy Welch writes, but at what cost? ...11 hours ago
- The harder I work, the luckier I get? What coaches, athletes and fans need to understand about luck ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steven Rynne, Associate Professor, Sports Coaching; Affiliate, UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Queensland In the world of elite sport, where everything is planned down to the last minute detail, surprisingly few are prepared to acknowledge the inherent role ...12 hours ago
- The changes to author payment scheme the Public Lending Right, explained
It just got easier for authors to get paid for the use of their books by libraries. But is it enough? What is the Public Lending Right scheme and why am I hearing about it now? The Public Lending Right scheme (PLR) is an annual payment to New Zealand authors ...12 hours ago
- AUKUS in talks with Canada, Japan, NZ, say leaders
The leaders said that new partners could contribute to the so-called AUKUS "Pillar Two", which does not involve nuclear submarines. ...12 hours ago
- ‘I am a proud reader of some objectively terrible books’: Time Out’s Abby Irwin-Jones
Welcome to The Spinoff Bookseller Confessional, in which we get to know Aotearoa’s booksellers. This week: Abby Irwin-Jones, book buyer at Time Out in Mt Eden, Auckland. Weirdest question you’ve ever been asked on the shop floor I had a very well-dressed, charismatic young man come in right before closing ...12 hours ago
- Funding cuts could see ‘significant change’ for Whakaata Māori
Its chief executive says the organisation is looking "at everything possible" to achieve cost savings and ensure the next 20 years for Whakaata Māori. ...12 hours ago
- Nurses tell health minister targets not possible without more funding
In response Shane Reti said they had more funding than ever, and now needed "bold new thinking". ...13 hours ago
- Doctors confront minister on hiring freeze that ‘should not be happening’
Psychiatrists who heard Matt Doocey's comments shook their heads in apparent disbelief and started murmuring. ...13 hours ago
- ‘Cocktail of issues’ at Te Whatu Ora / Health NZ says Commissioner
Its "precarious" financial position isn't the most pressing, Lester Levy says. ...13 hours ago
- The government is looking to combat disinformation – but what about truth in political advertising...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yee-Fui Ng, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, Monash University The federal government has just introduced a new bill that seeks to combat disinformation and misinformation on the internet. This is a laudable measure in the context of a rise of dangerous ...14 hours ago
- Why is the internet overflowing with rubbish ads – and what can we do about it?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steve D’Alessandro, Professor of Marketing, School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University Kenny Eliason/Unsplash It is difficult to spend any time on the internet these days without being inundated with advertisements. In Australia alone this year, online advertising has ...14 hours ago
- Harris gains in post-debate US national polls, but will her gains be sustained?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The United States presidential election will be held on November 5. In analyst Nate Silver’s aggregate of national polls, Democrat Kamala Harris ...14 hours ago
- Celebrating the lynchpin of our democracy, parliament’s online petitions page
Ban all fireworks. Give everyone fireworks. Rewrite the national anthem. Stop politicians blocking me on social media: parliament’s online petitions page is a trip inside the nation’s raw, unfiltered political id. If you asked people to point to the centrifugal force powering New Zealand’s democracy, most would name the parliamentary ...14 hours ago
- Environment Ministry opens detailed climate projections to the public
Anyone can visit the public database and select whether they are interested in drought, rainfall, wind or temperature, which season they are interested in and whether they would like to see projections for low, medium or high greenhouse gas emissions. ...15 hours ago
- Small populations of Stone Age people drove dwarf hippos and elephants to extinction on Cyprus
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Corey J. A. Bradshaw, Matthew Flinders Professor of Global Ecology and Node Leader in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous and Environmental Histories and Futures, Flinders University Imagine growing up beside the eastern Mediterranean Sea 14,000 years ago. You’re an accomplished ...15 hours ago
- It’s time we called out Māori brands too
We seem to have a double-standard when it comes to businesses using Māori cultural elements. So where should we draw the line? Ātea editor Liam Rātana argues with himself about it. In a society arguably at the peak of cancel culture, cultural sensitivity can be a minefield for brands to ...16 hours ago
- Faster is not always better: why the case for higher speed limits is fatally flawed
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Welch, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images As the government’s plan to increase speed limits begins to roll out, a group of local and international road safety and health experts has warned the ...17 hours ago
- I’m a school principal. Here’s why I’m worried about the new curriculum
Rushed-in changes risk burning out teachers and overwhelming our most vulnerable students, argues principal Martyn Weatherill. Parents may be wondering why teachers and principals asked the government last week to pause the fast-track implementation of new structured maths and English curricula by Term 1 next year. It isn’t because we ...17 hours ago
- ‘Held at ransom’: victim-survivors open up about the use of child sex abuse material to fight cr...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carol Ronken, Industry Fellow in the Centre of Justice, Queensland University of Technology fizkes/Shutterstock Warning: This article discusses details of child sexual abuse On one hand I would struggle to know that my abuse material was out there being ...18 hours ago
- Could geriatric hospitals reduce pressure on the health system? Maybe – but improving aged care is...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Partington, Research Fellow (Health Economics), Flinders University Jsme MILA/Pexels Australia is facing a surge in hospital presentations in older adults. Between 2015–16 and 2019–20, hospitalisations among people aged 75–84 increased by an average of 3% annually, the largest rise of ...18 hours ago
- Walking the trees: we traced how First Nations groups moved bunya pine and black bean trees
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Monica Fahey, Adjunct Fellow in molecular ecology, Macquarie University Matt Sheumack/Shutterstock For millennia, Indigenous knowledge holders have passed down lore to the next generation. Much lore describes the relationships between people and Country, including custodial responsibilities to care for other species ...18 hours ago
- The deep political power of fluro: how hi-vis became a symbol of working class masculinity
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Humphrys, Lecturer and Head of Discipline, Social and Political Sciences & Climate, Society and Environment Research Centre (C-SERC), University of Technology Sydney Recent weeks have seen mobilisations of construction workers protesting the imposition of an administrator on their union by the ...18 hours ago
What happened in Arizona? Please please let Kari Lake lose, I have never used heroin but I am pretty sure nothing would top the joy of watching her meltdown.
Too early and close to call
69% counted. Hobbs is ahead of Lake by 50.3% to 49.7%.
The exit polls show interesting sectional voting. Lake isn't very popular with women or younger voters or anyone with tertiary education. A lot of voting on straight party lines which really shows up in the cross-correlations down below the fold.
BTW: The delays in Arizona counting appear to be largely a result of Republican voter suppression laws and rules.
The Georgia runoff has the fate of the Biden Presidency in it.
Ripple perhaps but they can still lock both Houses.
That will really shut Biden down, makes for a crazy US end to the political year.
Huge shoutout to all who fought the Republicans to a standstill.
Yep. A win by 1 seat is just as good as 100.
Given the received wisdom of the dire political pundit class in the US was these elections were going to see a sweeping GOP victory, where does that leave the shibboleths of the media talking heads everywhere? After all, our keyboard interviewing circle jerk pundit class have practically declared the next election and done and dusted for National on much of the same reasoning as the Democrats were written off.
Good point Sanctuary. The pundits there and here really seem to enjoy the aroma of their own flatulence. Plus I guess many of them are paid mouths for hire anyway.
A hell of a lot of community organising work went into reducing the widely predicted “red wave” to the “red ripple” as LPRENT well ascribes.
The descriptive terms like red trickle, or flood or whatever wash over the nitty-gritty, the minutiae. Like the Kari Lake situation and that of gun-toting Lauren Boebert.
And the most dramatic one of Marjorie Taylor Greene. The appalling, ignorant representative garnered comfortably more than 60% of the vote.
That alone paints a picture of the terminal state of the United States.
Be of good cheer.
Lauren Boebert with 96% reported counted (153,295 votes)
Has only 49.7%.
Her opponent Adam Frisch has the majority
Pretty freaky how many republicans she must have pissed off.
Marjorie Taylor Greene is at 65% odd with 97% counted. However her district has always been one of the safest republican house seats for a very long time. She was unlikely to lose. I’d have to look it up – but wasn’t her vote down compared to 2020?
BTW: why don't you just look these things up rather than dribbling all over yourself in anticipation whilst slagging off something you obviously know fuck all about? Google search is pretty good and designed for the lazy.
"Slagging off something you obviously know fuck all about?" What?
I certainly wasn't seeking to slag anything off. Just pointing out that behind the headlines there are all sorts of stories bringing joy and bewilderment.
One little comment I saw, probably an oldie, was about the Republicans suffered from 'electile dysfunction.'
Naturally there are stories about Herschel Walker on being told there was to be a 'ru-off.' And him last being seen, headphones aboard, jogging down the road.
This bit of re-elected Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ victory speech has wide appeal.
Select comments under a YouTube video of Ron’s anti-woke diatribe appealed to me:
I was generally supportive of causes that aim to raise awareness of and/or address racial prejudice, sexism and other social inequalities, long before DeSantis and his ilk started labelling them ‘woke’. Imho he is a fitting successor to the previous GOP President of the United States. Unless overtaken by events, Woke War One (WWI) is coming – buckle up.
U-S-A, U-S-A – let's make America ‘great’ again!!!
"Woke" has taken over from "Politically Correct" as the term for "something in the 21stC I don't like", much beloved of lazy thinkers.
IMHO "Woke" is a shorthand for "Critical Theory" that rejects empirical knowledge, and importantly, ignores material (Marxist) analysis of class conflict, focusing instead on its own political project
If "woke" was used in this way, it would certainly be a valuable word. I just don't think it is currently used this way – and may never have been. The meaning is the use.
The quotee views 'wokeness' as much more dangerous than a Trump presidency.
I'm either immunised against "Critical Theory", or it's taken over my brain
Can DeSantis trump Trump in the race to be the most 'anti-woke' candidate ever?
Imho, 'woke' is a near-perfect pejorative – way better than predecessors such as 'politically correct'. The proportion of cheering DeSantis supporters who heard 'woke woke woke' and thought 'Critical Theory' won't be large. Rather, 'woke' will be viewed as something abnormal and 'other' – a regressive mix of weak and weird.
Yeah, I know that wasn't the best reference around but I quoted the bit I thought had merit.
Sleep on Florida. DeSantimonious is watching.
DeSantis wants to impose a theocracy, plain and simple. His mass progroms have already started by trying to purge queer culture from the school system, and allowing people to run down protestors like dogs. I wouldnt be suprised if we started seeing the odd lynching in Florida over the next few years.
DeSantis is a scary character, building on the MAGA base, but he's much more electable and coherent than Trump.
DeSantis is responsible for the deaths of many thousands of Floridians due to his lies and coverups re Covid safety measures
Yeah, kinder, küche, kirche.
/
https://twitter.com/abughazalehkat/status/1590409501446148096
How will the Democrats repay women particularly young women for saving the mid terms from total carnage?
If nothing else, the furniture has been saved.
However Biden is still going to face the most right wing, racist, homophobic, transphobic, mysoginistic, authoritarian, anti union, anti welfare, anti public, sector, theocratic GOP in US history. They belive in total Biblical Christianity, and the imposing of it at gunpoint. We are talking about turning the clock back to the 1800's.
The Republicans will stop at nothing to commence their pogroms, starting with the LGBT community. As far as the GOP goes, the are vermin who deserve to be exterminated. Same with the blacks,
Some magnificent writing from Jack Holmes at Esquire:
"McCarthy now faces the prospect of a one- or three-seat majority where, even if he can fend off a leadership challenge, he will spend all day, every day trying to appease and corral the National Disgrace Caucus of halfwits and narcissists trying to get themselves on TV. It could amount to a Vice-Speaker Marjorie Taylor Green situation, or possibly Jim Jordan, although the caucus may be one light if Lauren Boebert crashes to shock defeat in Colorado's 3rd District. Adam Frisch led her all night and into the morning there, and the prospect that just one of these ghouls might have to get a real job is some solace indeed. Speaking of which, Sarah Palin is getting beaten like a drum up in Alaska again by Mary Peltola."
https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a41906011/who-won-midterms-2022/?fbclid=IwAR2HWKjrUw5pKS2Ow9H8dk6urH0gCwKj-sglOvojlFJNQaYs9OynhuMYYb8
Bobert is still behind although only just …
All I can say is well done to our American friends for not voting in the Christian Fascists who have infested the GOP.
Seems to be a big reaction against by republican voters.
Time will tell.
" Especially between the Trump arse-lickers
That description does you favours.
We have such a rich language yet you choose language like that to make a point.
Where next for the GOP if they can shake Trump?
Anti-democratic campaigning or plotting has been part of their long term goals for a long time. There will have been a lot of anti-democratic ultra partisan Republicans elected in key offices that decide on electoral issues. ID/voter suppression laws weren’t discussed, nor was gerrymandering.
The Federalists seem to rather have overachieved in terms of flooding the judiciary. There seems to be more Russian sympathy with the GOP, with talk about slowing or stopping support for Ukraine. Fox News has demon spawn in OAN etc. We’ve seen Elon Musk tweeting conspiracies about Nancy Pelosi’s husband.
In short, Trump is an issue, but if he goes American democracy isn’t necessarily free from disloyal opposition and attacks on it as an institution or a concept. To be cheerful about it, perhaps it’s only going to get worse? Perhaps ‘civility’ maybe be returned in some discussion of their plans, but the plans without the insults and reality denying fabrications won’t change an enormous amount? The next coup may be better organised and less visible.
And let’s be honest it is far far from clear that they will shake themselves free from Trump 2024.
The far greater danger in the US is that BOTH sides have had it clearly demonstrated that NEITHER can prevail by voting and the 50/50 split has been well reinforced.
Not true on the Democrat and Biden record of delivery this term.
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is a federal bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on March 11, 2021, to provide economic relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the White House, the key features of the law include the following government initiatives and investments:[2]
Build Back Better Act of 2021
The Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376) is a bill pending before the 117th Congress. It cleared the United States House of Representatives on November 19, 2021.
House Democrats released a $1.75 trillion budget framework on October 28, 2021, for spending on climate change, childcare, and healthcare. President Joe Biden (D) announced his support for the framework the same day. Key spending included the following initiatives:
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) is a federal bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on November 15, 2021.
According to the White House, the key features of the bill include:
Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022 is a firearm regulation and mental health bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on June 25, 2022.
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
Signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 16, 2022, addressing climate change, healthcare costs, and tax enforcement.
Joe Biden presidential administration – Ballotpedia
Also:
Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Act
Directing Pentagon to give US$Trillion and counting weapons to Ukraine which have enabled them to repel Russia, and now likely to win
Revived and expanded NATO
Unified much of world against Russia
Deep trade sanctions against China which are working in specific and telling areas
Very robust defence of Taiwan
And Biden has successfully defended the Senate majority which hasn't been done in a fair while, and he has two years to go to achieve more.
The above I'd argue is more extensive than that achieved by LBJ, our last big New Dealer.
Remember this: https://time.com/4608555/hillary-clinton-popular-vote-final/
In the final count, Hillary Clinton’s lead in the popular vote of the 2016 presidential election was nearly three million votes.
According to the independent, non-partisan Cook Political Report, Clinton’s final tally came in at 65,844,610, compared to Donald Trump’s 62,979,636, with a difference of 2,864,974. The total number of votes for other candidates was 7,804,213.
Seems the reverse has occurred: https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2022/11/10/republicans-have-won-6-million-more-votes-than-democrats-in-house-races-but-relatively-few-seats/
According to the Cook Political Report, as of Thursday morning, November 10, Republicans have won 50,113,534 votes, or 52.3% of the vote, compared to 44,251,768, or 46.2% of the vote. Republicans lead by 6.1%, which is better than their average in “generic congressional ballot” polls, in which the party led by 2.5% in the final RealClearPolitics average before the election. But Republicans have only managed to flip nine seats thus far — likely enough to control the House, but far short of a “wave” result many anticipated.