# Australian PM Howard: Obama, Democrats help terrorists **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [February 13, 2007, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-pm-howard-obama-democrats-help-terrorists/392016 "2007-02-13T14:10:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![SanibelMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@SanibelMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanibelMan)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2007, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-pm-howard-obama-democrats-help-terrorists/392016/1 "2007-02-13T14:10:50Z")
I was browsing the [Newseum](http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/) this morning when I came across the front page of the Melbourne newspaper, The Age, and [its story](http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/obama-row-hits-howard/2007/02/12/1171128898880.html) about some rather unfortunate remarks Prime Minister John Howard made during a TV interview: > [@](#): > > The row was sparked by Mr Howard’s suggestion at the weekend that a Democrat victory in the US presidential race would be a boost for terrorists. “If I was running al-Qaeda in Iraq I would put a circle around March 2008 and pray as many times as possible for a victory, not only for Obama, but also for the Democrats,” Mr Howard said. Howard has refused to apologize: > [@](#): > > Mr Howard remained defiant, refusing to retract his statement in the face of the criticism. “If I hear a policy being advocated that is contrary to Australia’s security interests I will criticise it,” he said. I was somewhat hopeful that the politics of “Democrats = terrorist orgy holders” had ended after the November elections, but I’m heartened to see that we just exported it to other countries. Now, I don’t know of any Australian dopers who made disparaging comments about the fact that Bush wasn’t tossed out in the 2004 elections, so what I’m about to say isn’t directed at any specific poster. But I’d like to say, for the record, that anyone from Australia who thinks ill of Americans because Bush is still in the White House should look to clean out their own house first. ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2007, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-pm-howard-obama-democrats-help-terrorists/392016/2 "2007-02-13T14:22:55Z")
Don’t worry- the majority of people here have no interest at all in the election campaign, and even less interest in Uncle Johnny’s Betting Tips thereof. I doubt your average Australian could tell you the difference between a Republican and a Democrat. I certainly couldn’t. ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2007, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-pm-howard-obama-democrats-help-terrorists/392016/3 "2007-02-13T14:25:34Z")
It’s harder here though. No limits on how long the guy can stay in office and until this term he has been a genius. It didn’t matter who the Labor party threw up - Appollo Beazley, Appollo Beazley again, Clubber Crean, Ivan Latham and Appollo Beazley yet again Rocky just beat them all because he is a cagey, ringwise veteran (boxing talk for cheating prick). However the dude has totally lost the plot of late. If he were my dad I’d be talking with my brothers about which convalescent home to put him in because he has very quickly become very stupid. Of course the alternative is that he is outsmarting us all and, from the depths of despair, he will pull a dead rat out of his hat and sell it as a mink coat. ---
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2007, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-pm-howard-obama-democrats-help-terrorists/392016/4 "2007-02-13T14:29:01Z")
I liked Obama’s response, in which he suggested that Howard should supply the 20,000 troops for the “surge.” ---
**Author:** ![Ice\_Wolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/dfb087/32.png) [@Ice\_Wolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ice_Wolf)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2007, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-pm-howard-obama-democrats-help-terrorists/392016/5 "2007-02-13T14:30:09Z")
As a non-Aussie, I put Howard’s comments down to a last-ditch attempt on his part to keep on the “absolutely pro-Bush 100%” band wagon. It’s expected that he’d see anyone other than an absolutely pro-Iraq War advocate as “pro-terrorist”. The comment, I’d say, was intended more as a barb at his opponents at home than those who might disagree with his stand in America. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2007, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-pm-howard-obama-democrats-help-terrorists/392016/6 "2007-02-13T15:12:36Z")
Apparently Republicans are outsourcing their ridiculous remarks - or maybe nobody in America believes this stuff anymore. Wouldn’t that be nice? [QUOTE=Ice Wolf] The comment, I’d say, was intended more as a barb at his opponents at home than those who might disagree with his stand in America. [/QUOTE] Perhaps there was more context that I’m not aware of, but it doesn’t sound that way. I’m glad this exchange has apparently helped Obama, however. > [@The Age](#): > > Even within the Bush Administration, the suggestion that al-Qaeda would be _barracking for Senator Obama_, the charismatic rising star of US politics, was a surprise. It should be pointed out that this is a horrible pun. ---
**Author:** ![Ice\_Wolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/dfb087/32.png) [@Ice\_Wolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ice_Wolf)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2007, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-pm-howard-obama-democrats-help-terrorists/392016/7 "2007-02-13T15:28:17Z")
Howard would have to be an idiot if he thinks his comments really hold any sway, either way, in America. Especially not these ones. Considering there’s a rising opposition to Australian troops being in Iraq from within Australia, it’s in Howard’s best interests politically (seeing as he won’t budge on the “keep 'em there 'till the US says go” issue) to show the “those who disagree with me are helping the terrorists” card. Howard isn’t an idiot – but his comments, perhaps made thinking that no one except his own media would notice, are proving to have been made most unwisely. The Aussie election this year is proving to be quite a show for us Kiwis to watch. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Moto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9de0a6/32.png) [@Mr.Moto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Moto)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2007, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-pm-howard-obama-democrats-help-terrorists/392016/8 "2007-02-13T15:31:28Z")
[QUOTE=Contrapuntal] I liked Obama’s response, in which he suggested that Howard should supply the 20,000 troops for the “surge.” [/QUOTE] I really don’t think either party behaved well in this little spat. PM Howard ought to keep out of our election. This is a good general rule for a foreign leader. And Obama, in turn, as a senator ought not to publicly criticize the contribution of a valued ally, especially one with so many Muslim neighbors and one that has suffered its own problems with terrorism. ---
**Author:** ![hawthorne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c89c15/32.png) [@hawthorne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hawthorne)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2007, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-pm-howard-obama-democrats-help-terrorists/392016/9 "2007-02-13T15:40:22Z")
This isn’t particularly low stuff for Mr Howard. It does have the whiff of desperation though. There have been signs in the last few months that he’s in trouble and this is another. But I wouldn’t count the bastard out until I can piss on his grave. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2007, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-pm-howard-obama-democrats-help-terrorists/392016/10 "2007-02-13T15:40:43Z")
[QUOTE=Mr. Moto] And Obama, in turn, as a senator ought not to publicly criticize the contribution of a valued ally, especially one with so many Muslim neighbors and one that has suffered its own problems with terrorism. [/QUOTE] “You forgot Poland,” part deux. He was the object of a very personal criticism and I think he’s entitled to wonder why Howard doesn’t put his money where his mouth is. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Moto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9de0a6/32.png) [@Mr.Moto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Moto)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2007, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-pm-howard-obama-democrats-help-terrorists/392016/11 "2007-02-13T15:55:01Z")
What he’s entitled to is very irrelevant to the discussion. He’s a presidential candidate, which means he’s running for the position of diplomat-in-chief. If he can’t smile, blow it off and leave his personal feelings out of his response, he fails that test. Which is why I said he behaved badly. Was he wronged? Surely he was. But his answer made matters worse, which isn’t his job right now. ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2007, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-pm-howard-obama-democrats-help-terrorists/392016/12 "2007-02-13T15:56:42Z")
[QUOTE=Mr. Moto] I really don’t think either party behaved well in this little spat. [/QUOTE] This is a nonsensical attempt to blur the issue by false equivalence > [@](#): > > PM Howard ought to keep out of our election. This is a good general rule for a foreign leader. Of course. > [@](#): > > And Obama, in turn, as a senator ought not to publicly criticize the contribution of a valued ally, especially one with so many Muslim neighbors and one that has suffered its own problems with terrorism. Nope. Obama is not criticizing Australia’s contribution. He is (quite correctly) criticizing Howard’s weaselly attack in a perfectly logical way (by pointing out what Howard clearly must do if his statement reflects his actual view of the situation). ---
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2007, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-pm-howard-obama-democrats-help-terrorists/392016/13 "2007-02-13T15:56:53Z")
[QUOTE=Mr. Moto] But his answer made matters worse, which isn’t his job right now. [/QUOTE] In what way? ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2007, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-pm-howard-obama-democrats-help-terrorists/392016/14 "2007-02-13T15:57:49Z")
[QUOTE=Mr. Moto] He’s a presidential candidate, which means he’s running for the position of diplomat-in-chief. [/QUOTE] [Thesaurus.com](http://Thesaurus.com) must be malfunctioning; it fails to bring up “doormat” when I punch in “diplomat”, or vice versa. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Moto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9de0a6/32.png) [@Mr.Moto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Moto)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2007, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-pm-howard-obama-democrats-help-terrorists/392016/15 "2007-02-13T15:59:14Z")
Suggesting that our allies aren’t doing enough in such blunt terms isn’t a great way to encourage them to do more. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Moto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9de0a6/32.png) [@Mr.Moto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Moto)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2007, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-pm-howard-obama-democrats-help-terrorists/392016/16 "2007-02-13T16:08:36Z")
Besides, Obama’s suggestion of a deployment of that size for Australia demonstrates an ignorance of the actual size of their military. ---
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2007, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-pm-howard-obama-democrats-help-terrorists/392016/17 "2007-02-13T16:10:24Z")
[QUOTE=Mr. Moto] Suggesting that our allies aren’t doing enough in such blunt terms isn’t a great way to encourage them to do more. [/QUOTE] I can’t imagine that the comments of a politician running for an office he would not even hold for almost two years should do much to sway Australian foreign policy. > [@](#): > > Besides, Obama’s suggestion of a deployment of that size for Australia demonstrates an ignorance of the actual size of their military. Then perhaps Howard should stay out of American politics, and Obama will refrain from issuing marching orders to the Aussies. Win win. ---
**Author:** ![tagos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@tagos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tagos)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2007, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-pm-howard-obama-democrats-help-terrorists/392016/18 "2007-02-13T16:14:06Z")
[QUOTE=Mr. Moto] He’s a presidential candidate, which means he’s running for the position of diplomat-in-chief. [/QUOTE] Because heaven knows he has some big diplomatic shoes to fill. 😉 Let’s all hold hands and thank God he never said anything like ‘Axis of Evil’, ‘you’re either for us or against us’ or ‘Bring it On’. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2007, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-pm-howard-obama-democrats-help-terrorists/392016/19 "2007-02-13T17:48:57Z")
[QUOTE=Mr. Moto] He’s a presidential candidate, which means he’s running for the position of diplomat-in-chief. If he can’t smile, blow it off and leave his personal feelings out of his response, he fails that test. [/quote] Nonsense. Our current president doesn’t make a habit of smiling at criticism - although he’s been known to smirk occasionally. > [@](#): > > But his answer made matters worse, which isn’t his job right now. In what way did it make anything worse? Is Australia not going to committ the 20,000 troops it promised? 😕 There’s no international situation here that Obama has intensified. Howard simply chose to take a shot at him and I thought his response was fair. He didn’t fly off the handle, he just wondered (somewhat pointedly) if, since Howard is committed to Iraq, he could do more than criticize a Democratic presidential candidate. > [@](#): > > Besides, Obama’s suggestion of a deployment of that size for Australia demonstrates an ignorance of the actual size of their military. I doubt the “suggestion” was meant to be taken literally. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2007, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-pm-howard-obama-democrats-help-terrorists/392016/20 "2007-02-13T18:35:41Z")
> [@](#): > > The row was sparked by Mr Howard’s suggestion at the weekend that a Democrat victory in the US presidential race would be a boost for terrorists. “If I was running al-Qaeda in Iraq I would put a circle around March 2008 and pray as many times as possible for a victory, not only for Obama, but also for the Democrats,” Mr Howard said. Has anyone pointed out to Mr. Howard that we hold our presidential election in November? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-pm-howard-obama-democrats-help-terrorists/392016.md?page=2)