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Just imagine if...

Sometimes for those of us who are obsessed with politics, we begin to discuss alternative possibilities...What if so and so was still Prime Minister or President or what-if someone else won the election? Al Gore comes to mind right now. He lost the 2000 Presidential election by less than 100 votes!  Thanks to Rocco in the Sydney Morning Herald comes a selection of fantasy scenarios which I hope you all enjoy... If you have your own scenario, tell us about it on the link below the story.   When Prime Minister Peter Garrett met President Bill Gates Posted by Rocco April 23, 2007 smh.com.au Date: April 24, 2017 Here's a quick background briefing for those who left the country after ex-Prime Minister John Howard won yet another election in late 2007. Having remained as Opposition Leader till the following election, which was won with a smaller majority by Peter Costello, Kevin Rudd was finally replaced by Peter Garrett. Garrett, as we all know, went on to win the next election in a landslide, with a euphoric, thirsty nation finding that playing their old Midnight Oil records really loud brought rain. Meanwhile, in the United States, after four years of Democratic rule under President Hillary Clinton, Bill Gates - under the Democratic banner - edged out a Republican Jeb Bush comfortably in 2016. Gates and Bush were the only two candidates capable of financing a worthy campaign. As far as photo-ops go, while hastily put together - hence the two flags are stuck haphazardly behind them - this one is a win-win for both parties. While the USA, via Gates, will be able to put in a good word for us with the world's only super power, being the European Union, Garrett has promised an easier free trade deal with the parched USA. The export and mass distribution of Midnight Oil records to thirsty American farmers will bring much relief and joy. It is important that early in their stewardship these two leaders are seen to at least appear comfortable together, and are on the same spreadsheet when it comes to foreign policies. For an example a withdrawal date for troops in Iraq and Iran. As the cameras flash and the two participants smile cheesily at us, they shake hands warmly and President Gates waves. President Gates, having aged gracefully, brings a statesman-like quality to the picture, while Prime Minister Garrett, sporting a blue business suit with a tinge of green, holds a walking stick. To celebrate his election win Midnight Oil reformed one last time, an event that saw the over-enthusiastic frontman dance right off the stage and break an ankle. Future generations will see this photo-op as the beginning of a new era, while new Opposition Leader Amanda Vanstone marks it as the point where the fightback begins. Tell us your political fantasy here

Just imagine if...

Malcolm Turnbull became Prime Minister Posted by Rocco April 19, 2007 smh.com.au Standing in for an absent Peter Hartcher, Phillip Coorey's Op-ed piece on the Federal Liberal party, state factions and preslection battles offers an irresistible tasty morsel for my drawing board. The key focus of the piece does centre on the looming preselection battles. But its the line that reads "...with John Howard to leave politics, win or lose the election, there were moves to shore up votes from NSW to replace him." and the allegation that the hand of Malcolm Turnbull might be in there pulling a few levers that really offers the Indian ink in my pen the cathartic outlet. As the various battles for preselection play themselves out below them the two key figures, Malcolm Turnbull and Peter Costello, look on. An Imperial Roman theme, as depicted in the pencil rough above, pulls in together the necessary elements for a successful concept. Imperial Roman politics as blood curling as they were, with its many twists, allegiances and stabbings would be just as proud to sponsor this up coming showdown. Placing Malcolm Turnbull nearest to the viewer more than adequately conveys the right measure of iciness required. Would it be right to say that Malcolm Turnbull didn't join the Liberal Party to be just another minister? In the above ink draft Peter Costello on the far right draws his sword in preparation. Has he seen the white of Malcolm Turnbull eyes or is he just marking his territory as early as possible?. Historically most Liberal Prime Ministers originate from Victoria that might be of some comfort for Peter Costello as he waves his sword around but then again it doesn't seem as if Malcolm Turnbull is frightened off so easily. A simple application of the colour palate with Winsor & Newton water colours nails the drawing down but in no way suggest that the challenge will be a wishy washy affair. I have however deliberatively kept the action between the two figures nebulous both in line and colour helping suggest mass movement and confusion; this in turn has the effect of making Turnbull and Costello appear even more severe. With an industrial dispute at our printing plant forcing us into early deadlines, keeping the drawing simple as possible not only helped with meeting the deadline but in the end seems to have helped enhance the drawing. As entertaining as this drawing was to execute, it's the anticipated political execution of one the above that will provide the real entertainment. Tell us your political fantasy here and keep it clean please!