NationStates Jolt Archive

Now there's a tough one...
No, really, who is your favourite modern-day politician?
Which country is he/she from?
What do you like about him/her?
Feel free to contest any choices, but refrain from slinging mud without evidence posted as well.

My favourite is probably Joschka Fischer from the Green Party in Germany. Apart from the fact that I agree with him in pretty much any respect politically, but I like the fact that he is a real idealist (or at least used to be), a streetfighter (in a good way) and that he was sworn in in sneakers and jeans.
http://www.payer.de/kommkulturen/kultur10168.gif
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joschka_Fischer

John Howard, the Australian Prime Minister. Partly because I'm Australian, partly because of his party.

FAVOURITE politician?

As in, favourite AND politician? In the same sentence?

Wow...uh....million dollar question right there....umm....

John Howard, the Australian Prime Minister. Partly because I'm Australian, partly because of his party.
Why do you like the guy?
You being Australian can't be the reason, cuz then you'd have to love Beazley as well (which I assume you don't).

Why do you like the guy?
You being Australian can't be the reason, cuz then you'd have to love Beazley as well (which I assume you don't).

Beazley. I hate that guy. I like the way that Howard handles interview questions. I like the fact that he's right wing. I invariably agree with any decision he makes because he's a liberal.

Bill Clinton,United States,was good at handling the economy in my opinion i think if he could have ran again for president he would have been re-elected

Both Howard and Clinton are working under the same premise though:
That it is somehow possible to be more competitive than China be making it easier to hire and fire people.

John McCain. US Senator.

While I may not agree with him on very many platform issues (I'm honestly not sure what all of his stances are), I do very much agree with his ethics, general centrism, and clear, level-headedness.

I consider myself quite centrist, with maybe a slight left lean, but I would vote for John McCain for President.

I nominate the foreign affairs minister of Finland, Erkki Tuomioja. Oh, and then there is of course the mayor of Springfield, Mayor Quimby. "Vote Quimby!"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erkki_Tuomioja

Both Howard and Clinton are working under the same premise though:
That it is somehow possible to be more competitive than China be making it easier to hire and fire people.

I don't think that the government would implement such policy if it wasn't going to work. So it must be possible.

I agree John McCain is good but ive heard rumors of Hilary,Jeb Bush and even Mitt Romney running for pres sorry to get off topic!

Other than Clinton my all time favorite would be from my city Mayor Edward Lambert

John McCain. US Senator.

While I may not agree with him on very many platform issues (I'm honestly not sure what all of his stances are), I do very much agree with his ethics, general centrism, and clear, level-headedness.

I consider myself quite centrist, with maybe a slight left lean, but I would vote for John McCain for President.

when looking at this post i immediatly though of mccain as well. he does a good job not being too republican.

I agree John McCain is good but ive heard rumors of Hilary,Jeb Bush and even Mitt Romney running for pres sorry to get off topic!
I haven't heard of Mitt Romney.
I'm not 100% about Hilary, although wouldn't be surprised.
I doubt we'll see Jeb run in 2008. Maybe sometime in the future. Maybe. Not 2008.

I don't know what John McCain is planning on...but it'd be very cool if he got the White House, congress was split evenly...and a swing justice was sitting on the SC...

I don't think that the government would implement such policy if it wasn't going to work. So it must be possible.
You'd think that, wouldn't you?
But you don't seem to be the most critical thinkers around, so I forgive you. :p
As an Economics student, I can tell you that it is a stupid idea, because even if they turn the entire nation into a sweat shop, people will still prefer going to China because it's bigger.
Right now, better education and skills is the only thing Western nations have left in their workforces. And Howard for one thing seems to want to make it more difficult to get such skills, preferring to have more bricklayers and plumbers about (nothing against them, but those skills are available worldwide).

You would be surprised how hard it is to get a plumbers license especially here in MA there is actually a lack of plumbers in the country you try reading the code book and saying a dumb person can do this job right lol :D

I don't really have a *favorite* politician... but I have a few that I like... each for different reasons:

Michael Badnarik -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Badnarik

Ron Paul -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Paul

Zell Miller -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zell_Miller

You'd think that, wouldn't you?
But you don't seem to be the most critical thinkers around, so I forgive you. :p
As an Economics student, I can tell you that it is a stupid idea, because even if they turn the entire nation into a sweat shop, people will still prefer going to China because it's bigger.
Right now, better education and skills is the only thing Western nations have left in their workforces. And Howard for one thing seems to want to make it more difficult to get such skills, preferring to have more bricklayers and plumbers about (nothing against them, but those skills are available worldwide).

I can see that I'm out of my depth with the Economic side (currently I've only done one semester of year 11 Economics). I just reasoned that the goverernment have a whole lot of people who know what they're doing and that the government would only implement policy if it really was in the best interest of the nation. But then again, I'm no good at politics.

Favorite Modern Day Politician? Isn't that an oxymoron like Military Intelligence or Jumbo Shrimp? I, as a Libertarian, believe we should have FEWER Politicians and they shouldn't be professional ones

I like Jack Lyton from Canada's New Demorcratic Party. They support unions, multiculturalism, cheaper post-secondary education, enviromentalism... Best chance of a left wing party winning here in Canada.

I think I would probably like some politicians from France or Germany better but its difficult to research them without knowing their language.

Kim Beazley --> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Beazley
Peter Beattie --> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Beattie

I can see that I'm out of my depth with the Economic side (currently I've only done one semester of year 11 Economics). I just reasoned that the goverernment have a whole lot of people who know what they're doing and that the government would only implement policy if it really was in the best interest of the nation. But then again, I'm no good at politics.

Education is the key to success. Look at Queensland. We used to be a rocks and stones economy with a bit of tourism, but now Peter Beattie has transformed us into the Smart State, with advances in things ranging from biotechnology to film to ICT.

Bill Clinton,United States,was good at handling the economy in my opinion i think if he could have ran again for president he would have been re-elected
yes, Bill Clinton, definatley. good politician, good with the economy (and his hands apparently ;) ;))

plus Nelson Mandella and Gordon Brown (UK Chancellor)

My favourite is probably Joschka Fischer from the Green Party in Germany. Apart from the fact that I agree with him in pretty much any respect politically, but I like the fact that he is a real idealist (or at least used to be), a streetfighter (in a good way) and that he was sworn in in sneakers and jeans.

Second that.

Shirin Ebadi, Iran.

http://nobelprize.org/peace/laureates/2003/ebadi-bio.html

She's judiciary and not, technically, a politician, but I couldn't imagine a better President for Iran.

Favourite politician?

In comedy terms, Boris Johnson, Kilroy or George Galloway. They're funny on Question Time anyway.

Tony Benn is the best polirician though. Unfortunately labour thought he was too honest and too left to be leader :(

Favourite politician?

In comedy terms, Boris Johnson, Kilroy or George Galloway. They're funny on Question Time anyway.

Tony Benn is the best polirician though. Unfortunately labour thought he was too honest and too left to be leader :(
lol *chants*
Boris! Boris! Boris!

http://deadbrain.co.uk/images/election2005/boris/8.jpg

http://www.nigelhaversalliance.com/pics/boris8.jpeg

Tony Benn is the best polirician though. Unfortunately labour thought he was too honest and too left to be leader :(

How can you not appreciate a man who retires from Parliament in order to "devote more time to politics"?

http://www.nigelhaversalliance.com/pics/boris8.jpeg

Is it just me or does he look uncannilly like the chap from the Fast Show there?

Boris...looks live everyone and noone...

My list is de Villpen (France), Ken Clark (UK), Roy Bennett (Zimbabwe) http://africantears.netfirms.com/roy/ and Jacque Chirac though not in any order.

John Howard, the Australian Prime Minister. Partly because I'm Australian, partly because of his party.
I had an Aussie stay with me for about a month and he woudn't shut up about how much he hated John Howard and wished he would go to Hell :rolleyes:

I like Jack Lyton from Canada's New Demorcratic Party. They support unions, multiculturalism, cheaper post-secondary education, enviromentalism... Best chance of a left wing party winning here in Canada.

I think I would probably like some politicians from France or Germany better but its difficult to research them without knowing their language.
...and would bankrupt the Country in mere months if he ever became Prime Minister..which he won't

I had an Aussie stay with me for about a month and he woudn't shut up about how much he hated John Howard and wished he would go to Hell :rolleyes:

A lot of Australians are of that opinion. Unpatriotic bums ought to be shot. And made to pay for the bullet. Did this Australian in question have that irritating stereotypical accent? I hate those accents. I wish I could get rid of mine.

Boris Johnson even though he bats for the wrong side.





The conservatives that is

Senador Pedro Simon
He is from Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil
Because he is Mr Bean's father. It is just hilarious to watch him speak.

Joschka Fischer isn't bad at all. We need more politicians who throw shit at the police :p
Anyway, as a politician with real power, he get's my vote

Alan Keys. A career political from America who will never win an election in his life. Why? Because he ACTUALLY TELLS PEOPLE WHAT HE STANDS FOR! This may be an admerable quality, but it is not how you win elections, unfortunatly.

The Hon. Dr. Ron Paul (http://www.house.gov/paul/), the US Representative from the 14th congressional district of Texas.

I like him because:
He's the only politician I've met who I genuinely liked and trusted.
He's smart.
He is a Libertarian who says what he means, means what he says, and backs it up with a voting record: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery

(The Lagonia States take note - Ron Paul got elected by telling people exactly what he stands for.)

Both Howard and Clinton are working under the same premise though:
That it is somehow possible to be more competitive than China be making it easier to hire and fire people.

You say this like it's somehow a bad thing to hire people quickly.

As for firing people quickly, what's wrong with that? I've read stories about how, in France, employers have to meet with several government bureaucrats, and it takes six weeks to fire someone for gross incompetence, negligence and sheer laziness. How can that possibly be defended as reasonable?

For my favorite politician, I nominate Preston Manning. All you fellow Canucks know what I'm talking aboot. And not just for the humor value, either -- I genuinely liked the guy.

Nicanor Perlas.
Philippines.
He opened my eyes to http://www.cadi.ph/

Favourites

John Gormley (http://www.johngormley.com/jg/) Irish Green Party (http://www.greenparty.ie/)
I don't agree with every opinion of his, but he is opinionated, strong in his convictions and incorruptible. Plus, I know him. :)

Pronsias de Rossa (http://www.derossa.com/) Irish Labour Party (http://www.labour.ie/)
Veteran Irish left-wing politician. Generally the same reasons as above. He was one of two TDs to walk out of Parliament during Ronald Reagan's visit in 1984.

I don't really have a *favorite* politician... but I have a few that I like... each for different reasons:

Michael Badnarik -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Badnarik

Ron Paul -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Paul

Zell Miller -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zell_Miller
Wow, Miller really does not fit. He's a nutcase!

Shirin Ebadi, Iran.

http://nobelprize.org/peace/laureates/2003/ebadi-bio.html

She's judiciary and not, technically, a politician, but I couldn't imagine a better President for Iran.
Cool, she appears to be non-conservative too - a rare trait in Iran!

yes, Bill Clinton, definatley. good politician, good with the economy
I can't believe what I'm hearing. Pure Metal praising Clinton? Pres Bill is too right wing for me let alone you!

A lot of Australians are of that opinion. Unpatriotic bums ought to be shot. And made to pay for the bullet. Did this Australian in question have that irritating stereotypical accent? I hate those accents. I wish I could get rid of mine.
Wow, is it possible to get more snobbish than this?

Unpatriotic bums ought to be shot. And made to pay for the bullet.

Define patriotic.

I generally don't like politicians left or right, but I've always liked Ann Richards (U$, Texas). She speaks her mind yet manages to retain her class in the process. She's also has a killer sense of humor. :D I wish she'd run for gov. again. But she says her days of holding office are over.

One of my favourites is Jean-Pierre Chevènement (France). I don't agree with him on many things but I have a great deal of respect for him. He resigned from ministries in the past because he has refused to do what he does not agree with. I think that it takes a lot of nerve to be able to do that.
For someone that feel does more of what I agree with I would say Dominique de Villepin (France). I like his ideas of where Europe should be going, I think that it is important for there to be a strong Europe not only for France or Europe but for the rest of the world as an example. As well, he doesn't seem to want to go down the path of destroying the French social model while trying to do something about unemployment, which seems to be a problem with a lot of the rest of politicians they don't want to do anything or want France to change to an Anglo-Saxon style economy.

William Hague. UK. Lovely chap, liked his policies at the time.

I don't really have a *favorite* politician... but I have a few that I like... each for different reasons:

Michael Badnarik -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Badnarik

Ron Paul -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Paul

Zell Miller -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zell_Miller

I have a tremendous amount of respect for Zell Miller. If he ran for president (not that he's going to :( ) he'd have my vote without a doubt. He stood up for what he believed in, and went against the party lines to voice his opinion. If the democrats would put up someone like him, they'd win once in a while.

That said, probably my favorite politician as of now, is Rudy Guliani, the former mayor of New York. Played a major part in reducing crime in New York city. And the way he held NYC together after September 11th. He would've been elected to the Senate, but withdrew because of health reasons. I hope he runs in '08, but it's doubtful :(

Edit: I forgot to add Ken Mehlman, the party chairman for the republicans. Very respectful, very curteous to his colleagues. On meet the press, he was asked if he had anything bad to say about dems, in response of Howard Dean's uncalled for comments, and he says something to the effect of "No, I don't believe that partisan bickering gets anything accomplished". He had nothing but nice things to say about Hillary Clinton, and Harry Reid. He's a good guy ;)

You say this like it's somehow a bad thing to hire people quickly.

As for firing people quickly, what's wrong with that?
I'm saying that the possibility of firing someone fast (while beneficial on some levels), is not good for society as a whole (and that can be argued against), but even moreso that it is not something we can possibly hope to gain a competitive advantage in compared to a nation like China or India.
A more educated workforce is really the only level the West can still compete, and especially in Australia that level is being sabotaged right now.

Now there's a tough one...
No, really, who is your favourite modern-day politician?
Which country is he/she from?
What do you like about him/her?
Feel free to contest any choices, but refrain from slinging mud without evidence posted as well.

My favourite is probably Joschka Fischer from the Green Party in Germany. Apart from the fact that I agree with him in pretty much any respect politically, but I like the fact that he is a real idealist (or at least used to be), a streetfighter (in a good way) and that he was sworn in in sneakers and jeans.
http://www.payer.de/kommkulturen/kultur10168.gif
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joschka_Fischer

My favourite poliician is Ed Broadbent of the New Democratic Party of Canada (NDP)

He is from Canada (natch)

I like that Ed had the good sense to return to Federal politics after a number of years spent teaching at university. Formerly the leader of the NDP in the 70s and 80s, Ed has done a great deal recently to draw attention away from the Liberal and Conservative parties, and redirect the public's attention to the NDP and its' new leader, Jack Layton.

As well, he has a terrific plan to turn the Senate chamber into a public gymnasium.

bump