First up, note that the post below this one covers a new Victorian state poll from RedBridge Group. On to the latest from the federal campaign:
• Paul Sakkal of Nine Newspapers reports Labor is experiencing a surge of donations both from wealthy backers hoping to court favour with the party now favoured to win, and from small donors galvanised by hostility to Donald Trump.
• Ellen Ransley of The Nightly reports Labor is dedicating an extra $130,000 to campaigning in Peter Dutton’s seat of Dickson after its research suggested the race there was “closer than originally thought”. As with the last report broaching the possibility, it also notes that “LNP insiders insist they aren’t worried about the seat”.
• Local news site Fremantle Shipping News reports, without going into much detail, that independent hopeful Kate Hulett has successfully renounced her British citizenship and will be able to proceed as planned with her run for the federal seat of Fremantle. Hulett came within 424 votes of unseating state government minister Simone McGurk in the state seat of Fremantle last month. Last week she related on her podcast that she had been making multiple representations to British parliamentarians and to the Home Office and High Commission in an effort to get the matter resolved in time.
• Jeremy Neal, Liberal National Party candidate from the far north Queensland seat of Leichhardt, is distancing himself from “poorly worded” social media posts from between 2020 and 2022 in which he railed against COVID restrictions and vaccines, called for the ABC to be defunded, and expressed more enthusiasm for Donald Trump than is now considered politic. Labor is hoping the retirement of veteran incumbent Warren Entsch will give it a shot of overhauling the seat’s 3.4% margin.
• The Financial Review reports a uComms poll for Climate 200 has Allegra Spender, teal incumbent candidate for Wentworth, leading Liberal challenger Ro Knox 58-42 in Wentworth. The primary votes have Spender on 32.9%, Knox on 32.5% and Labor candidate Savanna Peake on 12.2%, with “nearly 7%” undecided. The report says the poll had a sample of 1015 but does not specify field work dates.
• The Australian reports a poll of Chris Bowen’s western Sydney seat of McMahon by Compass has independent Matt Camenzuli on 41%, the Liberals on 20% and Bowen on just 19%, as compared with 48.0% in 2022. Labor sources are said to be “dismissive”, and expect Camenzuli to come third. Camenzuli is an IT entrepreneur and former conservative Liberal activist who took Scott Morrison and others to court in 2022 after the party’s national executive took control of the federal preselection process. Compass is chiefly noted for finding strong support for conservative culture war positions for suitably disposed clients. The only voting intention poll I know it to have conducted was in North Sydney during the 2022 campaign, which found the eventual winner, teal independent Kylea Tink, running third on 13.6%, or barely more than half her actual result of 25.2%. The report does not identify who commissioned the poll, which was conducted by MMS and SMS from a sample of 1003 on dates unspecified, but I think I can guess.
I see Littleproud is eyeing of billions worth of federal pork for regional seats through a ‘regional future fund’.
I wish the federal Govt would stay in its lane and leave state and local responsibilities for them to manage.
Not sure that raging against Trump 24/7 is healthy for anyone.
US Cartoons (Part 1):
US Cartoons (Part 2):
US Cartoon catch up (part 3):
It is easy to explain Trump.
Bad, mad, evil and a traitor.
In technical terms……
Psychopathy, Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Sadism all rolled into one.
The New York Times
In a Storm of Tariffs, Many Companies See China as the Safest Harbor
The heavy U.S. tariffs on other Asian countries have made China a more appealing option for companies scared to make a hasty decision amid upheaval in global trade.
Futures markets soar in Australia!
SPI 2007,895.00
490.00 (+6.62%)
Here’s one for all the morons who support the Orange Turd:
From the Guardian:
Trump’s executive orders today include one targeting water pressure in the shower. Trump has signed an executive order that aims to roll back water efficiency standards on appliances, according to the White House, the Associated Press reports.
That prompted the president to muse about how he likes to let the water run in the shower and how new faucets are disappointing.
“In my case, I like to take a nice shower to take care of my beautiful hair,” Trump said.
Anytime you see a new faucet, he said, “you know it’s going to be a long wash of the hands.”
Seriously, you can’t make this stuff up!
The boys at News Corp have hit the panic button. They will say and do anything between now and the election to prop up Dutton. Whether that be questioning their own debate audience, putting out dubious polls, and flatly making things up. If Dutton doesn’t recover expect News Corp’s wacky desperation to reach peak levels.
Rex Douglassays:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 7:41 am
Not sure that raging against Trump 24/7 is healthy for anyone.
_____________________
Let them be.
It’s their choice to waste time and effort.
Federal election betting:
On @Betfair_Aus
Labor $1.29
Coalition $4.30
Sportsbet
Labor $1.26
Coalition $3.82
Morning all. Another day, another backflip, this time from Trump instead of Dutton.
The temporary pause in higher tariffs is deceptive. A 10% tariff on most countries will still have a huge impact on lots of trade for goods made in USA with imported components. The China tariff is still large enough to cripple whole industries, including Elon’s EVs.
Long term damage is still immense. Nobody external to USA will ever buy US bonds on such generous terms again, at least not while Trump is in office. The same goes for foreign investment in US factories. So USA will face higher borrowing costs and lower growth for at least the next four years.
And as everyone has said, the gains for Trump’s inner circle shorting the market came from desperate investors selling during the dip. Their losses are real.
It may not be immediate but I think a US recession is still likely within the next two years. It took that long from the October 1987 stock crash to the recession in 1988/89.
Centre – you really are a wanker, to put it bluntly! Your sole preoccupation on Poll Bludger seems to be how much money you can make out of betting on Trump or Dutton, nothing at all to contribute in terms of psephological discussion or debating the issues of the day.
As for Trump, he’s mercurial and unpredictable, the world’s markets from day to day are at the whim of a pathological narcassisist and the idiots who worship at the feet of his throne.
My hunch is people this time will see Albo and Jim Chalmers as the steadier, more stable port of call at this time and stick with the incumbants.
#weatheronPB
Enticing cool air,
and thin clouds scraping above,
draw me out and in.
Herald Sun 10/04
Labor has been accused of making an “embarrassing” attempt to boost its housing credentials mid-election by seeking permission from the Coalition to approve new projects under a fund the Opposition says hasn’t produced a single additional home.
Housing Minister Clare O’Neil has written to her Coalition counterpart Michael Sukkar requesting her department be allowed to execute contracts with up to 92 developers planning to build about 5500 social and affordable homes under Labor’s Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), insisting the projects can’t afford the three-week delay until after the election.
__________________
That is embarrassing.
They have had 3 years, now they are suddenly worried about 3 weeks.
Why would anyone care about traders getting margin calls. If they are then they have got leverage and are therefore players not mom and pop investors.
Taylormade
You know what is embarrassing?
You referencing the Herald Scum as the moniker of truthful reporting.
The reports are and continue to be twisted to fit a false narrative. Each and every time.
What a waste of energy for anyone to read first grade level of literal shit in this publication.
Very large amounts of money were made today by people who had advance warning of Trump’s backflip (temporary) on tariffs and who had the idle cash to invest it. Well done, those lucky folk.
There will be more money lost as we get closer to the 90 day point, then another “whooshka” (as Centre calls it) for those in the know.
Meanwhile, the Maga chumps are watching their 401ks dribble away.
This is masterful work by Trump.
“• The Australian reports a poll of Chris Bowen’s western Sydney seat of McMahon by Compass has independent Matt Camenzuli on 41%,”
The most unbelievable thing is that 41% of respondents had even heard of the guy. I’m not sure 41% would have heard of Chris Bowen, given the lack of attention paid to politics by most Australians, let alone some far right clown who is a legend only in the NSW Liberal Party.
Everything you can say about Trump has been said.
Time to ignore him now.
In a nutshell
——-
The credibility of the US government is completely shot.
Gone.
Annihilated.
Nobody anywhere in the world can believe a single word that comes out of this Administration.
Ever.
I’m confused. Was April 2 liberation day or is that in 90days?
Or is it a liberation week and this was the closing act?
Or more of a liberation aspiration day.
Look, it’s all great at filling the media space. But the US business plan relies on its stability and consistency to be the centre of global finance. Without that, they’re just a bunch of big consumers with a big military. So not nothing, but a third less than in the business plan.
Good news guys. Tesla up 22%
The request by Albanese to Dutton to allow ongoing approvals under the Housing Australia Future Fund is also masterful work. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-10/labor-s-bid-to-break-election-rules-for-housing-projects/105155974
It’s completely unnecessary as it’s just ongoing bureaucratic administration of legislation, but it nicely wedges Dutton. Either he can agree to the implementation of handouts from a fund he has promised to scrap, or he can refuse it, thus incurring the wrath of would-be homeowners. Just like the post-budget vote on the little tax cuts that don’t take effect for 15 months.
Nice work, Albo.
Mundo
Surely you understand that everything that relates to the economy and the security of the globe is occurring within the framework of what the orange menace and his administration are doing at present.
And despite what happens with our govt, it all revolves around what happens everywhere else in terms of trade and defence.
There is no getting away from it
ANU research: Poorest urban fringe electorates gain most from Labor’s first-term tax and welfare reform
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/10/poorest-urban-fringe-electorates-gain-most-from-labors-first-term-tax-and-welfare-reform-anu-research-shows
“Analysis by the Australian National University’s Centre for Social Policy Research has revealed how a highly progressive Labor agenda will boost incomes among the least well-off households by an average of $1,672 in 2025-26.
“At the other end of the spectrum, the wealthiest households on average will be nearly $800 worse off, the modelling shows, as the re-jigged stage-three tax cuts leave them worse off than they would have been without the change.”
**
This means we will most likely see improvements to headline inequality stats covering the 2023 to 2025 period. Its now pretty clear that a vote against labor is a vote to stall equality.
Trump would have directed the D of J not to investigate insider trading allegations. He & his buddies would’ve made a mint.
Mundo, you can’t leave the room when a toddler with a knife is having a tantrum and the baby is in the cot next to him.
For eg,
Jim chalmers met with RBA board to figure out what to do going forward in light of the tariffs.
Australia does not inhabit a bubble. Especially as we are the main strategic location in the south for defence with the USA
“ Good news guys. Tesla up 22%”
Lols@ nath’s optimism.
Me thinks you should consider Building Your Dreams elsewhere 😉
Good news guys. Tesla up 22%
————————————
That’s from Trump saying certain companies (his discretion) with be exempt from the China tariffs. Wink wink nudge nudge know what I mean?
On twitter. Yep
——-
Japan and China were dumping their bonds last night. A huge financial crisis. Trump had no choice but to cave. Perhaps, nobody told him the basic truth that we borrow money from foreign countries. Trump can negotiate tariffs but not in a position to dictate whatever he wants.
Good Morning! Here’s Your Week 2 of the Election Campaign News and Views Roundup.
Poorest urban fringe electorates gain most from Labor’s first-term tax and welfare reform, ANU research shows. Exclusive: The wealthiest households on average will be nearly $800 worse off, modelling reveals, as a result of the re-jigged stage-three tax cuts
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/10/poorest-urban-fringe-electorates-gain-most-from-labors-first-term-tax-and-welfare-reform-anu-research-shows
PM arrives in Far North with federal election pledge to upgrade Barron River Bridge.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-09/federal-election-far-north-queensland-kuranda-range-highway/105156822
Muslim voters: Don’t let rage cloud strategy. By Abel Ahmad
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/04/muslim-voters-dont-let-rage-cloud-strategy/
Housing Minister Clare O’Neil has sought the opposition’s agreement to continue approving housing projects ahead of the election. The Coalition has been contacted for comment, but has committed to axing the fund, meaning it may be unlikely to approve the request.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-10/labor-s-bid-to-break-election-rules-for-housing-projects/105155974
ABEL Energy says it will pause work on a $1.7 billion alternative fuel plant in Tasmania’s north if the Coalition scraps Labor’s green hydrogen subsidy program as promised. Liberal candidate for Lyons Susie Bower is head of the group representing the area where the project is planned, and a strong backer of renewable projects. Labor’s candidate Rebecca White says Ms Bower needs to stand up to her leader, Peter Dutton.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-09/abel-energy-bell-bay-hydrogen-project-coalition-susie-bower/105156912
Donald Trump was not physically standing alongside Jim Chalmers and Angus Taylor, but the US president was clearly present in the first treasurers’ debate of the federal election campaign.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/the-leader-who-spoke-loudest-at-the-treasurers-debate-wasn-t-even-in-the-room-20250409-p5lqc7.html
There Was Never a Master Plan. Trump backed down on tariffs. His supporters think that was the idea all along.
https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/04/trump-tariff-reality-test/682373/
Chalmers calls Coalition’s economic plan an ‘ambush’ as Taylor plugs spending cuts in treasurers’ debate
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/09/chalmers-calls-coalitions-economic-plan-an-ambush-as-taylor-plugs-spending-cuts-in-treasurers-debate
Treasurer Jim Chalmers was told he had a “glass jaw”, while his counterpart Angus Taylor was accused of “not putting in the work”, in a lively election debate that got personal.
https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/politics/australian-politics/federal-election-2025/2025/04/10/treasurers-election-debate
Election Diary: Chalmers and Taylor quizzed on personal flaws during animated treasurers’ debate
https://theconversation.com/election-diary-chalmers-and-taylor-quizzed-on-personal-flaws-during-animated-treasurers-debate-253734
Is the Coalition ready to lead Australia? All evidence suggests not. Shaun Carney
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/is-the-coalition-ready-to-lead-australia-all-evidence-suggests-not-20250408-p5lq76.html
Two weeks into the federal election campaign and, surprise, surprise, Peter Dutton has returned to condemning “the woke agenda”, echoing President Donald Trump’s attack on diversity programs in the United States and promising to do the same here if elected on May 3.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/the-problem-with-going-after-woke-diversity-it-s-actually-good-for-us-20250224-p5lepc.html
AUSVOTES ECONOMIC FACTS #2: In fact, energy prices are plummeting
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/ausvotes-economic-facts-2-in-fact-energy-prices-are-plummeting,19608
Coalition sends mixed signals on how long it will take for gas reservation plan to reduce energy bills
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-09/coalition-mixed-signals-over-gas-plan-timeline/105154726
‘Unanswered questions’: Dutton’s plan to cut gas bills under fire from experts
https://www.smh.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/unanswered-questions-dutton-s-plan-to-cut-gas-bills-under-fire-from-experts-20250409-p5lqgn.html
Australia urgently needs to get serious about long-term climate policy – but there’s no sign of that in the election campaign
https://theconversation.com/australia-urgently-needs-to-get-serious-about-long-term-climate-policy-but-theres-no-sign-of-that-in-the-election-campaign-250637
Labor made plenty of promises at the last election. Did they deliver?
https://theconversation.com/labor-made-plenty-of-promises-at-the-last-election-did-they-deliver-251481
Long-term goals vital for voters in upcoming election. By Bronwyn Kelly
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/long-term-goals-vital-for-voters-in-upcoming-election,19609
Adam Bandt says losers burning world down while Dutton’s gas pitch has a notable dissenter
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-09/adam-bandt-press-club-dutton-albanese-gas-federal-election/105155802
Coalition nuclear plan will plough $58bn wrecking ball through renewable energy projects, analysis warns. Going nuclear will cost ‘real dollars for farmers, real dollars for country towns and real blue-collar jobs’, Clean Energy Council says.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/10/coalition-nuclear-plan-will-plough-58bn-wrecking-ball-through-renewable-energy-projects-analysis-warns
China is offering to work with Australia to boost trade and defend growth in response to tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump in a new bid to find common ground when the world is spiralling into a catastrophic trade war.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/five-years-after-trade-war-with-australia-beijing-wants-to-join-hands-to-resist-trump-20250409-p5lqiq.html
There is no winner in a tariff war and protectionism benefits no one. Xiao Qian Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Australia
https://www.smh.com.au/national/there-is-no-winner-in-a-tariff-war-and-protectionism-benefits-no-one-20250409-p5lqih.html
Trump’s tariffs could push Australia into recession town. So why is the RBA waiting until May to meet?
Our central bank continues to act as though nothing out of the ordinary has happened. In fact the opposite is true. Greg Jericho
https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2025/apr/10/trump-tariffs-australia-recession-rba-reserve-bank-of-australia
Donald Trump’s China tariffs an act of economic war. By Peter Hartcher
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/donald-trump-s-china-tariffs-an-economic-act-of-war-20250409-p5lqgc.html
Dutton bitten by Britton and the NSW Libs’ calamities. What a shambles.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/dutton-bitten-by-britton-and-the-nsw-libs-calamities-20250409-p5lqct.html
LNP candidate in critical Queensland seat apologises after controversial posts on China and ‘feminists’ resurface. Leichhardt candidate Jeremy Neal says views – including on Covid measures – were shared on social media during ‘traumatic’ pandemic frontline work 🙄
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/09/lnp-candidate-jeremy-neal-leichardt-queensland-china-covid-lockdown-social-media-posts-ntwnfb
A Liberal candidate who connects Australian businesses with the Saudi government has praised its autocratic leader and argued the country is as safe for women as any other in the world. Fiona Douskou, the opposition candidate in the NSW seat of Barton and a Bayside councillor, endorsed the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a podcast, frequently travels to the Arab powerhouse, and met with the Australian consul general. 😯
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/saudi-arabia-very-safe-for-women-says-liberal-candidate-who-does-business-there-20250408-p5lq62.html
The National Party want an ongoing, secure source of funding for regional infrastructure, telecommunications and health services
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-10/election-20-billion-regional-fund/105156176
Voters aren’t just flirting with independents. It’s deep and meaningful now. By Alex Greenwich
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/voters-aren-t-just-flirting-with-independents-it-s-deep-and-meaningful-now-20250409-p5lqdx.html
Fifteen seconds of summary: Labor blasts video at vulnerable Victorian seats. Choice of seats appears to reflect ALP concerns in the southern state, where the Libs have hopes of multiple gains. Plus: Sophie Scamps cuts loose. By Josh Butler
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/01/fifteen-seconds-of-summary-labor-blasts-video-at-vulnerable-victorian-seats
Almost $20 million was mistakenly paid to businesses and commercial landlords that were not eligible for grants during COVID-19, and the Victorian government is still writing off the losses.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/victoria/businesses-can-keep-nearly-20-million-in-mistaken-grants-20250408-p5lq2i.html
Victorian Liberals scramble to prevent John Pesutto bankruptcy in wake of Moira Deeming defamation loss
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-09/vic-libs-john-pesutto-moira-deeming-defamation-bankruptcy/105154946
Jacqui Lambie suggests putting a ‘tent-like’ roof on Launceston’s York Park stadium
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-09/jacqui-lambie-york-park-launceston-tent-like-roof/105155136
Police are investigating a letter containing a suspicious substance that was addressed to South Australian MP Tony Pasin’s office.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-09/suspicious-substance-sent-to-liberal-mp-office-tony-pasin-barker/105156608
President Donald Trump has “paused” his so-called reciprocal tariffs for the next 90 days while increasing the levy on Chinese imports to an unprecedented 125 per cent in a stunning about-face that sent sharemarkets skyrocketing in the US.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/trump-pauses-tariffs-for-90-days-but-hits-china-harder-in-stunning-reversal-20250410-p5lqlw.html
ASX set for 6pc jump, Wall Street roars to one of its best days in history after Trump backs down.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/markets/wall-street-surges-after-trump-pauses-some-of-his-tariffs-20250410-p5lqly.html
Darth Orange: Trade war shows Donald Trump has embraced the dark side. In the film, the Galactic Republic, under Senator Palpatine, imposes tariffs on interplanetary trade routes, prompting the Trade Federation to retaliate with economic and military warfare – including a full-blown blockade of a planet. Thankfully, we’re not at that point… yet.
https://www.smh.com.au/money/planning-and-budgeting/darth-orange-trade-war-shows-donald-trump-has-embraced-the-dark-side-20250408-p5lq10.html
SMH Editorial: Trump’s chaos makes an Australian inquiry into AUKUS common sense
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/trump-s-chaos-makes-an-australian-inquiry-into-aukus-common-sense-20250409-p5lqeq.html
Fact check: are US tariffs really bringing in $2bn a day as Trump claims? US president may have used some hypothetical maths but chances are slim that such sums are being raised. By Richard Partington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/09/fact-check-donald-trump-tariffs-revenue
U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest foreign policy gambit, threatening sweeping tariffs on countries that continue to import Russian oil, has jolted global markets and raised fresh concerns among U.S. allies, including Australia.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/what-trumps-oil-tariff-threats-mean-for-australia,19611
If Trump’s Trade War Implodes, It May Be Knives Out for Republican Populists
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/04/09/tariffs-trump-oren-cass-qa-00280980
Revealed: Big tech’s new datacentres will take water from the world’s driest areas
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/09/big-tech-datacentres-water
Measles is back. Now is the time to bolster Australian public health. By Ranjana Srivastava
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/commentisfree/2025/apr/09/us-health-funding-measles-australia-must-invest-public-health-system
RFK Jr. vowed to upend American health care. It’s happening faster than expected.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/09/rfk-revamp-health-hhs-00280101
The AP’s win against Trump shows principles still have power in the US. Series of actions this week including at Princeton and in a tiny town, offer hope that courageous voices can make a difference
By Margaret Sullivan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/apr/09/associated-press-trump-administration
Gina: Like father, like daughter – episode 2 podcast
https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2025/apr/07/gina-like-father-like-daughter-episode-2-podcast-ntwnfb
If I was immigration minister, I would develop a population plan. By Abul Rizvi
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/04/if-i-was-immigration-minister-i-would-develop-a-population-plan/
Will there be a war between China and the US? By Wang Wen
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/04/will-there-be-a-war-between-china-and-the-us/
Germany’s Merz seals coalition deal under pressure to face challenges posed by Trump. The U.S. president’s tariffs and stance on Ukraine compelled the incoming chancellor to quickly form a stable government capable of responding.
https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-friedrich-merz-coalition-deal-under-us-donald-trump-pressure/
EU targets Trump’s red states with tariffs on US trucks, cigarettes and ice cream
https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-tariffs-trade-war-donald-trump-republican-states/
Romanian centrists drop own presidential candidate to support pro-EU Bucharest mayor
Centrist party aims to avoid the “toxic scenario” of far-right and ultranationalist candidates both making the presidential election runoff.
https://www.politico.eu/article/romanian-liberals-abandon-election-candidate-rally-behind-bucharest-mayor/
French far right floats toppling government in wake of Le Pen verdict. Threats against Bayrou are increasing a week after Le Pen was effectively banned from running for president.
https://www.politico.eu/article/france-far-right-national-rally-toppling-government-marine-le-pen-pm-francois-bayrou-jordan-bardella/
The US brain drain has begun. The White House appears hell-bent on destroying not just economic and political paradigms, but a higher education system that really did make America great.
https://www.politico.eu/article/united-states-higher-education-brain-drain-academic-freedom-research-innovation-donald-trump/
Cartoon Time!
Alan Moir
Dionne Gain
Cathy Wilcox
Aresna Villanueva
First Dog On the Moon
Ben Jennings on Donald Trump’s domination of the news headlines
From the Internet
Jay Nordlinger @jaynordlinger.bsky.social
Hang on — are we now “unliberated”? Do people know — or do they care to know — that they’re being played?
Secular Talk @kylekulinskishow.bsky.social
How long until the idiots on Wall Street realize 125% tariffs on China and 10% on everyone else are still preposterously high and will destroy the economy
Enjoy!
I reckon the reps from red states were squealing so hard.
Smart play by the EU
——-
The European Union has responded to Trump’s trade war with tariffs of their own that deliberately target red states.
The European Commission on Wednesday greenlit tariffs of up to 25 percent on cigarettes from Florida, beef from Kansas and Nebraska, chicken from Louisiana, car parts from Michigan, and most importantly, soybeans.
I agree with Victoria that USA under Trump is no longer trustworthy. That applies to security as well as economics, as Ukraine would confirm.
IMO Australia ought to take a step back from focusing on defense with USA. Trump tariffing Korea and Japan drove them to make a trade deal with China. We ought to talk to Korea, Japan and Singapore before deciding our next defense moves.
I note UK is now reviewing AUKUS. This might give Australia a face saving means to withdraw.
“ That is embarrassing.
They have had 3 years, now they are suddenly worried about 3 weeks.”
_____
What is truly embarrassing is your pitiful attempts to spin this. These contracts are not the first HAFF contracts that the Labor Government has entered in the last 18 months (strange how you ignore the first 18 months of HAFF obstructionism by the Liberal-Greens axis of evil in that 3 years you bleat about). In fact well over 10,000 HAFF homes are already in the pipeline. As Luigi says, this sets up a perfect wedge against Dutton and Sukkar. Well played Albo.
My reading of the US media on the tariff backflip is that every country except China now has a 10% tariff – just like we already had. So a lot of countries – except Australia – are now better off than they were yesterday.
Nevertheless, when it opens today, the ASX will experience the same puppet-like jump that the NYSE experienced last night. We are schmucks.
Taylormade @ #66 Thursday, April 10th, 2025 – 7:54 am
“ Poorest urban fringe electorates gain most from Labor’s first-term tax and welfare reform, ANU research shows. Exclusive: The wealthiest households on average will be nearly $800 worse off, modelling reveals, as a result of the re-jigged stage-three tax cuts
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/10/poorest-urban-fringe-electorates-gain-most-from-labors-first-term-tax-and-welfare-reform-anu-research-shows”
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Stick that up your arse, you anti-labor ‘social justice’ concern trolls (Integrity, Irene, Pageboi and now that he has returned, Vlad get a special mention: the rest of y’ll – you know who you are, so do we – give yourselves an uppercut).
World News & Politics Patrol:
President Trump paused the sweeping reciprocal tariffs the U.S. imposed this week, saying dozens of countries had reached out to negotiate new trade deals: https://www.axios.com/2025/04/09/trump-tariffs-pause-china-stocks-recession
China Issues Travel Warning For US: https://www.newsweek.com/china-travel-warning-us-2057449
China retaliates against Trump’s ‘trade tyranny’ with 84% tariffs: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7vnn6y6g82o
China’s central bank asks state lenders to reduce dollar purchases: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-central-bank-asks-state-lenders-reduce-dollar-purchases-sources-say-2025-04-09/
Goldman Sachs warns that oil could crash under $40 in an ‘extreme’ scenario: https://www.businessinsider.com/oil-price-crash-outlook-forecast-goldman-sachs-trump-tariffs-opec-2025-4
US tariffs on Mexico and Canada unaffected by 90-day pause: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-tariffs-mexico-canada-unaffected-by-90-day-pause-white-house-official-says-2025-04-09/
Iranian official says Tehran plans to establish new drone bases: https://breakingdefense.com/2025/04/iranian-official-says-tehran-plans-to-establish-new-drone-bases-reports/
Tax cut for Musk, Bezos and other tech billionaires on the table, Starmer confirms: https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/tax-cut-billionaires-starmer-musk-bezos-trade-3630807
Nigel Farage gets his 10th job as he becomes Sky News Australia commentator: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/apr/09/nigel-farage-gets-his-10th-job-as-he-becomes-sky-news-australia-commentator
Trump’s ‘Great Time to Buy’ Claim Hours Before Tariff Pause Raises Insider Trading Concerns: https://www.latintimes.com/trumps-great-time-buy-claim-hours-before-tariff-pause-raises-insider-trading-concerns-580331
Trump’s Team Has No Idea What to Say About His Sudden Tariffs Reversal: https://newrepublic.com/post/193808/trump-team-cant-explain-reversal-tariffs
Trump explains dramatic reversal on tariffs: People getting ‘a little bit afraid’: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-explains-dramatic-reversal-tariffs-people-bit-afraid/story?id=120651386
Even Fox News admits: Trump ‘capitulated’: https://www.nj.com/politics/2025/04/even-fox-news-admits-trump-capitulated.html
Furious Dem Asks Trump Trade Rep ‘WTF’ as Tariffs Get Pulled: https://www.thedailybeast.com/rep-steven-horsford-grills-jamieson-greer-on-trump-tariffs-pull/
Trump Gives Bonkers ‘Victory Speech’ After Tariff Surrender: https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-gives-bonkers-victory-speech-after-tariff-surrender/
US President Donald Trump says he will soon announce “major” tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals, a move that could end decades of low-cost global trade in medicines: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cedyylj1v32o
Trump Says He’d Use Military to Prevent Iran From Nuclear Weapon: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-09/trump-says-he-d-use-military-to-prevent-iran-from-nuclear-weapon
Kash Patel was removed as acting ATF director: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/kash-patel-removed-acting-atf-director-replaced-by-army-secretary-sources-say-2025-04-09/
UnAustralian: Dutton Chuffed That Trump Followed His Lead And Performed A Policy Backflip
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Marcos De Feilitttsays:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 5:03 am
It was the penguins wot won it, I tells ya.
”
You don’t go against Penguins. Don’t you know that? 🙂
A regular reminder of what Dutton has in store for us..
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Centresays:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 6:09 am
Here’s your real news today: – more than 75 Countries have called the US to negotiate tariffs.
The Dow goes “Whooshka” up around 3,000 points. WOW, well played Donald, what a legend. Bad luck lefties, not your day, better luck next time.
The election is still there to be won. One more Whooshka to go on May 3, the icing on the cake!
”
You are an idiot of historic proportions.
This chaos is about personal grievances and settling scores.
There is no plan in what he is doing.
Penguins still have their 10% tariff.
“ You are an idiot of historic proportions.”
Probably auditioning for an ambassadorship if P.Dutty wins on May 3. His team are as equally stupid as he, so I reckon he might even get some low level gurney, right after Pru McSween. Failing that, maybe he should send his resume to Jabba the Gina, who I’m sure could find him a $2 a day job working underneath Adam Giles.
One thing CenterBet probably does know from personal experience, is that if you put your hard-earned on a neddie to win – you are invested in a positive outcome.
So the flood of money onto Labor in the last 3 weeks with all the bookies has thousands of small punters – yes even those tradies in the front bar – invested in Labor winning the election.
For every CentreBet trying to salvage some of their underwater gamble, there are dozens cheerleading for Albo.
Democracy Sausage says:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 7:52 am
Centre – you really are a wanker, to put it bluntly! Your sole preoccupation on Poll
In one of his many posts center said he does this for entertainment. The problem ( or advantage for his trolling efforts) is his online persona is not more stupid that other posters supporting the Liberal position. The disadvantage for the Liberals, comments in unguarded moments get amplified.
He obviously enjoys the attention, sort of Trump like, any attention is rewarding.
Elon shorted himself. Pretty amazing stuff when you know a positive news story is about to break.