Is the Australian Election a Harbinger of our Own Election?

Question

The Labor Party won, sweeping out Howard and replacing him with Kevin Rudd. He has promised to change things in Australia and to pull Australia's 500 troops from Iraq.

The Coalition of the Willing has become unwilling. Britain has left Basra, with good results, despite all predictions of violent disaster. Now, it seems Australia will leave, too. It is said that Rudd's victory came about in part because Australians disapproved the war and dislike George Bush, even though they approve of friendly relations between the two countries.

Rudd will also honor the Kyota Treaty, leaving the U.S. the only holdout in this environmental group.

My question is, since most Americans have grown weary of the never-ending Iraq War, will the Australian Election be echoed in our own elections? Will U.S. citizens stand up and voice their concerns about this Administration's handling of the war and other issues? Or do you think another Republican will win?

Answer 1

Since the Iraq war and the Republican president who sent troops there are both unpopular, then a new president from the Democratic party is more likely to be chosen and will have a public mandate to end the war and bring the troops home.



The war has stained the legacies of Blair, Howard and Bush. The next president knows that if he/she wants to be popular, and have any chance of a second term in office, then ending the war soon is a requisite.

Answer 2

No, I really don't think that Australia has any influence on the U.S.A.

Perhaps the whole world is just going into a new phase? Sick of wars, crime, lies & generally concerned about what's not going the right way.

John Howard had been in office for 11 years, people think change will bring good results, but it doesn't always work out that way.

I think this world is becoming emotionally & mentally,"worn-out". We continually see so much suffering through the media, we think it will all change if we vote for fresh ideas.

Our elections are also next year. Our Primeminister & country would not send fighting troops to Iraq...we also are honouring the Kyoto Treaty. Our economy, like yours, is not looking good, voters here seem very disillusioned with all options, not like it used to be. I think we don't believe anyone, anymore. The world really does need great leadership, more than it ever has before.

Thankyou for asking an intelligent question. Rare these days.



From New Zealand. Hi.

Answer 3

you bet ye it is.