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. Latest juicy comments from the smh.com.au There is nothing more destructive to the environment than the sight of Malcolm's forced smile. Posted by: Abraham Lincoln Continental at April 19, 2007 10:32 PM But did Malcolm Turnbull join the Liberal Party just to be Leader of the Opposition? If John Howard goes (falling on his own sword, one of those wielded by Turnbullus, Costellius or the collective swords of the mob below) the Monarchists and the Struggle Streeters may waver in their allegiance to either of the avowed Republicans or Centurions from the Big End of Town. In which case your two Centurions will find they are but shadows of their former selves. Posted by: Lucy at April 19, 2007 11:45 PM Of course Malcolm Turnbull is going to be the next head of the Liberal Party. Our next PM? yes possible but only after Rudd and Julia have had their turn. And when Turnbull does become PM he will make Australia a Direct Election Republic. Posted by: j iurincich at April 20, 2007 12:08 AM Rocco, you could have dressed him up in Oxford Street clobber, armed him with a flagon of tuppenny dark from the Still-on-the-Hill and, annointed with a gallon of Downer's rouge, call him National Textiles. Posted by: Bob Lansdowne at April 20, 2007 5:57 AM Will watch the execution with interest, although at the moment of writing I am filled with fear. I am afraid of terrorists,afraid of illegal refugees and now I am afraid I will run out of water. Bring on the battle, although I think I will remain afraid whichever one wins. Posted by: sue at April 20, 2007 7:02 AM The "emperor" regalia for Malcolm Turnbull follows on from Moir's "Little Caesar" portrayal of John Howard and prior to that the Hawke-Keating era. I think that the "emperor" Turnbull portrait partly captures the atmosphere and ambition. Certainly one can envisage John Howard on the Ides of March being accosted by a Turnbull faction "et tu Malcolm?" being his dying words. I shudder though to think of him occupying the PM's seat at some future date. He appears somewhat lacklustre and barely believeable in his current portfolio, and has more than once appeared to be on shaky ground when quizzed on environmental reports he claims to be conversant with and yet seems to be unable to recall the details (curious for one trained in the art of rhetorical argument in a court room). An alternative portrait would be of President Turnbull, all to the tune of the West Wing theme music since it partly reflects his well known support for the Republic of Australia. Either way he appears to be well suited to the role of seeking power in a grandiose and pompous manner. Perhaps the stonemasons should begin cutting granite statues "All hail" the conquering empror? Posted by: PJ at April 20, 2007 7:46 AM One of the most infamous Turnbulls was John, Lord of Minto who was nicknames "off with his head" because of his fiery temperament. Posted by: Turnbull at April 20, 2007 8:51 AM "There is nothing more destructive to the environment than the sight of Malcolm's forced smile." I couldn't agree more. You know the Chaser team went and filmed his house during a designated period where all Sydney residents were supposed to be using no lights, as an acknowledgment of the current environmental crisis. Guess who had his lights on. The Chaser rocks. Posted by: at April 20, 2007 10:06 AM "There is nothing more destructive to the environment than the sight of Malcolm's forced smile." I couldn't agree more. You know the Chaser team went and filmed his house during a designated period where all Sydney residents were supposed to be using no lights, as an acknowledgment of the current environmental crisis. Guess who had his lights on. The Chaser rocks. Posted by: RS at April 20, 2007 10:07 AM I have known Turnbull for 30 years. He has considerable ability but can switch his views in the blink of an eyelid to advance his own interests. While Costello has the same triumphalist style, captured well by the Roman legionary illustrations, I think he may have somewhat more of a conscience, if only prompted by awkward observations from brother Tim. Posted by: Centreman at April 20, 2007 10:28 AM It'll be the battle of the forced smile and the broad smirk. For me, anyone is better than good old Johnny boy. So bring it on! Posted by: Gracie at April 20, 2007 11:14 AM Malcom Turnbull is a dangerous person. God help us if he becomes Prime Minister.I cant believe Johnny did no due dilligance on this slippery character.Check out the Federal Court case to which he will shortley be joined.His deep pocket defence avoiding the enevitable evidence that will show what sort of person he really is Posted by: Chris Gurtler at April 20, 2007 3:07 PM Malcolm Turnbull is a legend! I can't wait to see him in the top job. Although he is a republican - which he'll have to do something about... Posted by: Royalist_Scum at April 20, 2007 4:27 PM Malcolm has been set up to fail in his portfolio because the Coalition has done nothing to alleviate the water crisis or to address climate change. I feel angry that during Howard's watch the great Murray-Darling Rivers have been neglected to the extent that they are now dying. Why has the government failed to intervene? The people affected by this tragedy should sue for negligence. Posted by: Leone Healy at April 20, 2007 6:15 PM Malcolm Turnbull has more naked ambition than any political animal that ever hit this mother loving earth ....in other words, nothing, can stop him from being the next President of Australia Posted by: Argus Tuft at April 20, 2007 8:48 PM Unfortunately for Malcolm ,every minute he remains on John Howard's Titanic, the more the Water Minister will be tasting SEA WATER. Posted by: Abraham Lincoln Continental at April 20, 2007 10:10 PM Go Malcolm go! He's a talented guy and as a "small L" Liberal with some great ideas I can't wait for him to be leader and get Libs back to being real Liberals. Posted by: Ruxton at April 21, 2007 11:37 AM I don;t quite understand why the chaser rocks with this quote? "There is nothing more destructive to the environment than the sight of Malcolm's forced smile." I couldn't agree more. You know the Chaser team went and filmed his house during a designated period where all Sydney residents were supposed to be using no lights, as an acknowledgment of the current environmental crisis. Guess who had his lights on. The Chaser rocks. * Posted by: at April 20, 2007 10:06 AM If that were the Earth Hour thingie, I was under no obligation to turn my lights off, it wasn't mandated that I had to. I fact I was at Aussie Stadium with 26,000 other people watching the Waratahs almost win against the Crusaders.... Maybe if the chaser team went to that to make a point as opposed to taking on easy targets they would rock as you say..... but for this one, weak attempt fellas. Fanta Pants. Posted by: Fanta Pants at April 21, 2007 12:46 PM In keeping with the theme I dusted off a letter I sent to the SMH editor back in May 2006 - not printed :-( ... You might agree or disagree with my use of phrases such as "sharp business acumen" and "statesmanlike qualities" but the gist is there... read on ... " The fact that he is about to deliver his 11th budget (SMH, 4/5/06, page 1) rather than delivering only half that number, cements in my mind that he will never be our prime minister. If Mr Costello had the guts for the job he would have taken it several years ago on his own terms rather than wait obediently in line. My guess is that if Mr Howard is still PM when he decides to call it a day, the keys to The Lodge will be tossed over Costello�s head and caught by someone with the sharp business acumen and statesmanlike qualities to represent us on the world stage - one half of a particular Sydney power couple perhaps?" Posted by: Jimbo at April 21, 2007 1:17 PM He looks like he is smelling powder maybe his nose is to close to his B-m Posted by: Brasso at April 21, 2007 2:33 PM I believe that Malcom Turnbull should be congratulated for putting the nation first and entering politics, without the intension to increase his personal wealth. Other business heavyweights should do the same. Who would you rather see on your front bench. Union bosses, who act like spoilt children and think they are pseudo militants, or well educated men and women with law, economic and commerce degrees. It does seem funny that Australia has a thing about personality as opposed to actually knowing what they are doing. Kevin Rudd is a nasty piece of work, however you dont see people commenting on his smile. So what if Costello or Turnbull have what looks like a fake smile. Do they do their job? Has Costello presided over the best period of economic growth in our history? While Rudd was on Kerrie-Ann. Our PM was doing his job! fairwelling pour troops to Afganastan. Cut through the bull shit people. we are all shareholders in our counrty. If you board are performing, then why change it? Posted by: Mitch at April 21, 2007 6:00 PM Malcolm Turncoat for PM!?! Saints preserve us. This is the man who joined the party which destroyed his attempt to get a republic up and is now in the pocket of the great est architect of that destruction. Lets face it, Turncoat is about promoting himself and that's that. Posted by: Vic at April 24, 2007 10:48 AM "Union bosses, who act like spoilt children and think they are pseudo militants, or well educated men and women with law, economic and commerce degrees" I reckon a quick poll of the ALP front bench would indicate that there are more than a few econ and law grads in there... Even taking my loathing of Turnbull out of it, I can't think of anything worse than a country run by business heavy weights. Posted by: Jamesey at April 24, 2007 2:07 PM Tell us your political fantasy here and keep it clean please!