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Alexander Downer

Voters want visionary leaders, not managers with a plan

Populists are thriving in the huge gulf between what the masses want for their countries, and what elites think they should have.

Alexander DownerColumnist

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So it looks like the next US election will be Trump versus Biden. Most Americans think that’s a poor choice. But this is a widespread Western phenomenon. The public are unhappy with their political choices these days.

High-ranking politicians – wherever they are – fall into two categories: leaders and managers. Rishi Sunak, the British prime minister, is an excellent example of a highly intelligent and competent manager. He understands the issues, he can clearly articulate facts and figures and win debates. He’s an impressive man. But Rishi is a manager. He can’t inspire or excite the public.

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Alexander Downer was Australia's longest serving foreign minister, from 1996 to 2007, and most recently Australian High Commissioner to the UK.

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    Original URL: https://www.afr.com/politics/voters-want-visionary-leaders-not-managers-with-a-plan-20240128-p5f0jj