The first chance for Luxon to cross swords with Chippy as Prime Minister happened in the House with the State of the Nation speech from Chippy as he opened election year Parliament.
It was watched for clues as to how they will joust against each other and over what issues.
Chippy was confident and clear in his delivery. We all praised Jacinda’s communication skills, but Chippy has become Prime Minister in the wake of that dreadful Wayne Brown media stand up where Chippy’s calm pragmatism trumped Brown’s wide eyed panic.
Stressed out people want pragmatism, they don’t want the performative art of emotional kindness.
That’s not to say Chippy is an emotionless robot, his choking up when he spoke of the death of Firefighters was real and authentic and genuine and ultimately very kiwi.
The pride he speaks of when highlighting the manner everyone has rallied around is real and it is something many will feel deeply connected to.
Chippy’s bold claim to do whatever it takes to rebuild and recover is the kind of certainty this country needs right now and he manages to provide some sense of hope.
Chippy is making it clear we have room to borrow and makes the challenge that climate change has changed everything.
“Now is not the time for austerity”.
Let’s get cracking!
It is a class act and Chippy has stamped his style on this Government.
This is the power of leadership in a crisis and it makes gaining any political oxygen almost impossible for Chris Luxon.
Simon Bridges may have been right when he criticised Covid, but his tone was felt to be totally off in the face of a mass challenge and he was politically punished.
Luxon misreads the room and instead of focusing on the enormity of the Storms begins with political jabs.
Feels petty. He should be a Statesman in this moment, not a politician.
Has the political intelligence to thank those who have helped clean up, appreciates this is part of our identity.
His respect to First Responders is genuine and reminds you he can step up when he needs.
The problem is while he can be constructive, National still have no actual vision or policy for the problems.
Their climate change policy is to repeal everything Labour did over the last 5 years, so what actual solutions are they bringing other than the interests of those profiting from cow pollution?
Chippy’s speech was a quiet victory for decency and his style connects with a Kiwi mindset that is willing to trust and listen.
Luxon’s speech was professional but felt like a Timeshare pitch for a holiday home in Queenstown that you can’t really afford.
Increasingly having independent opinion in a mainstream media environment which mostly echo one another has become more important than ever, so if you value having an independent voice – please donate here.
If you can’t contribute but want to help, please always feel free to share our blogs on social media
Unless Labour reall b*gger things up between now and the election, I think they’re pretty well certain to go back.
Essentially the election’s Labour’s to lose – but they may yet manage it.
‘Simon Bridges may have been right when he criticised Covid’.
Well Martyn many people give that filthy disease a right tongue lashing and tell it is completely irresponsible and threatening the physical and mental health of the whole world but that self centred bastard of a virus just ignores us all.
I saw the speeches too.
Chippy was measured, pragmatic and leader-like.
The LotO gave a gabbled 20 minute speech in 15 minutes. Slow down! You’ve got 8 months to convince us you’re The Man – or otherwise!.
Chippy chippy chippy, chirpy chirpy cheep cheep.
The buddy buddy cuteness is tiresome already.
Chippy chippy chippy, chirpy chirpy cheep cheep.
The buddy buddy cuteness is tiresome already.
Rabid lefty criticizes center right leader. I didn’t see that coming…
It’s called rabid right you toss pot.
Chippy is a way better communicator than the previous PM…
Load of bollocks Kraut (by the way is that sour Kraut) National have never fixed justice more prisons and high incarceration rates particularly of the Tangata whenua is exactly what English proclaimed to be ‘a fiscal and moral failure’. Might I add also not good for social cohesion or race relations. You fix justice when you fix all the other social ills we have in this country, sustainable jobs, somewhere decent to live, good education, opportunities to upskill and train, counselling and rehabilitation for those that need it, inclusiveness, respect and equal opportunities to name a few.
I personally, like a lot of voters, would watch Luxon’s ascent to power with a degree of apprehension, if National were to be elected in October.
However, Chris Luxon has many good points about his character such as dedication and commitment, passion, integrity, enthusiasm, a good approach to people, a while host of skills in many areas.
After watching Chris Penk on the Working Group last night I think National have the wrong Chris – he’d romp in if he was ever put up for the role but I guess he’ll have to turn back-stabber to get anywhere in the National caucus
Comments are closed.