Abbott’s call on Macklemore splits anti-SSM backers
George Brandis doesn’t get all the fuss about US rapper Macklemore playing a pro-LGBTI song at a footy match. ABC’s News Breakfast, yesterday:
For many, many years, as long as I can remember, popular artists have performed at the AFL grand final.
Wrong sport, mate. The Australian, yesterday:
Macklemore has responded to controversy over his performance at the NRL grand final.
No campaigner Cory Bernardi also is cold on censoring Macklemore. The Australian Conservatives senator on Sky News, yesterday:
I’m not sure this was supposed to be a political statement. He has a few mega hits and I’ll enjoy three of the four of them.
Is the No campaign splitting over Macklemore? Tony Abbott on Twitter, Wednesday:
Footy fans shouldn’t be subjected to a politicised grand final. Sport is sport!
Footy fans shouldn't be subjected to a politicised grand final. Sport is sport! https://t.co/1uRh4eZ61Z
— Tony Abbott (@TonyAbbottMHR) September 27, 2017
Well, Bernardi and the former prime minister have a bad history. The Australian, December 31 last year:
Liberal senator Cory Bernardi has accused former prime minister Tony Abbott of advancing his political self-interest by “talking up” Coalition divisions amid fears about the emergence of a breakaway conservative movement.
Wait until Abbott speaks to his daughter. Frances Abbott on Instagram, yesterday:
I can’t think of a better song for all the hundreds of thousands of people to listen to on Saturday. This is what we need right now. Go harder @macklemore.
Nationals senator and No supporter Bridget McKenzie is also barracking for Macklemore. Sky News, yesterday:
I don’t see sport’s role in inclusive behaviour being challenged by including a song like Same Love because the song is about homophobia, it’s not about same-sex marriage.
They’re really splitting over Macklemore? No supporter Peter Dutton on Sydney’s 2GB, yesterday:
When I take my kids to the footy I want them to watch the footy, I don’t want some political message jammed down their throat.
The Australian’s Rick Morton sums up Macklemore-gate on Twitter, yesterday:
What the hell is happening to this country.
We regret to inform you the postal survey now comes with a second question on Macklemore
— Rick Morton (@SquigglyRick) September 28, 2017
In other news, The Australian Financial Review had an interesting guest columnist on Wednesday:
Peter Mandelson … will be visiting Australia at the beginning of October.
Yes, Tony Blair’s “Prince of Darkness” is headed Down Under. BBC News online, January 24, 2001:
Northern Ireland secretary Peter Mandelson has resigned from the cabinet over a row concerning a passport application from an Indian billionaire. It is the second time Mr Mandelson has been forced to leave the cabinet in disgrace since Labour came to power in 1997.
Maybe he’ll arrive on a Russian oligarch’s yacht. The Sun, November 29, 2009:
Lord Mandelson is to be accused of “improper” conduct in a TV documentary probing his links to a controversial Russian tycoon … over his decision to sign an order exempting the businessman’s company from having to pay tariffs … Mandelson and Mr (Oleg) Deripaska have dined together … on his luxury yacht.