U.S.A.

The Iowa Caucuses: A Model Of Participatory Democracy?

Jan 04, 2012

At first glance, today’s Iowa caucuses look like a model of participatory democracy. In 1,774 precinct meetings all around this Midwestern state, the process of choosing a Republican Party candidate to do battle with Barack Obama on November 6 will commence.

Iowa Republicans are hoping for a turnout of around 100,000 people. Anything significantly less will be a disappointment, anything more a sign of enthusiasm and commitment to making Obama a one-term president.

Over the coming months, till June if no winner emerges earlier, caucuses and primary elections are scheduled to take place in each of the other 49 states. Voters need simply register as Republicans or Democrats in order to choose candidates for the presidency, both houses of Congress, state legislatures, and a host of other state and local positions.

It certainly looks like democracy flourishing. It looks like people power in action. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Elections, Opinion Tagged With: Iowa, Mitt Romney, primaries

Prospects for the Republican Party Iowa Caucus

Dec 31, 2011

The Republican Party Iowa caucus takes place on Wednesday 4th January, Australian time. The caucus is the first official step in the process of nominating a candidate to run against President Barack Obama next November.

Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the Iowa possibilities in this segment on the PBS NewsHour.

Watch Shields and Brooks on Ron Paul’s ‘Authenticity,’ Romney’s Message, Iowa’s Role on PBS. See more from PBS NewsHour.

Filed Under: Elections, Video Tagged With: David Brooks, Iowa Caucus, Mark Shields

President Obama’s Christmas Message

Dec 25, 2011

Filed Under: Obama, Video Tagged With: Barack Obama, Christmas, Michelle Obama

Wanna Bet? Mitt Romney’s $10,000 Offer To Rick Perry

Dec 11, 2011

Republican Party presidential candidate Mitt Romney has offered Texas Governor Rick Perry a $10,000 bet, during a televised debate in Des Moines, Iowa.

The offer caused a storm online. Many observers believe Romney drew unwelcome attention to his personal wealth and fuelled suggestions he is out of touch with the everyday situation of Americans.

Filed Under: Republican Party, Video Tagged With: Iowa, Mitt Romney, Rick Perry

Obama Gives It A Burl At Parliamentary Reception

Nov 16, 2011

President Obama has been welcomed to Australia, ahead of his address both houses of the parliament tomorrow morning.

At a reception in the Great Hall, Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott spoke warmly of the US-Australian relationship. Obama responded with a humorous speech about language differences between the two countries. Giving it a burl, he said the relationship is in top nick.

Barack Obama speaks at a parliamentary reception in Canberra

Listen to Julia Gillard’s speech:
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Listen to Tony Abbott’s speech:
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Listen to Barack Obama’s speech:
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[Read more...]

Filed Under: ANZUS, Audio, Gillard Government, Obama Tagged With: Barack Obama, Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott

Obama And Gillard Hold Joint Press Conference In Canberra

Nov 16, 2011

President Obama and Prime Minister Gillard have held a joint press conference in Canberra at which they announced new US troop deployments to the Northern Territory.

Obama and Gillard at Canberra press conference

Obama welcomed “a rising, peaceful China” and said China’s rise came with responsibilities such as helping to underwrite rules for economic growth. He said that China and India need to do their share of fighting climate change.

Obama said the notion that the US fears China or wants to exclude it is “mistaken”, but he emphasised a “consistent theme” that China needs to rethink its approaches to trade.

Listen to the Obama-Gillard press conference.

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Filed Under: ANZUS, Audio, Gillard Government, Obama, Video Tagged With: Barack Obama, China, Julia Gillard

Obama’s Message To Australia

Nov 16, 2011

President Barack Obama has signed the Visitors Book in Parliament House.

Obama’s message read:

“To the People of Australia, with whom we have stood together for a century of progress and sacrifice. On this 60th anniversary of our alliance, we resolve that our bonds will never be broken, and our friendship will last for all time. Barack Obama.”

Obama's message in the Visitors Book at Parliament House

Filed Under: ANZUS, Gillard Government, Obama, Video Tagged With: Barack Obama

President Barack Obama Arrives In Canberra

Nov 16, 2011

United States President Barack Obama touched down in Canberra at 3.09pm this afternoon.

He was greeted by Governor-General Quentin Bryce, Prime Minister Julia Gillard and other officials at Canberra airport. Obama and Gillard are due to hold a press conference at 6pm.