White House 'trying to help (John) Howard'

The Labor Party's federal president, Carmen Lawrence, has accused the United States administration of trying to help Prime Minister John Howard win another term.

US President George W Bush and two senior officials have attacked Mark Latham's commitment to withdraw Australia's troops from Iraq by Christmas.

Ms Lawrence does not think the comments will harm Labor's electoral prospects.

But she says it does appear the comments were designed to help the Howard Government in the lead-up to this year's election.

"They're probably working to support Mr Howard, who has aligned his fortunes precisely with those of Mr Bush," Ms Lawrence told Channel Nine.

"I don't know what the outcomes will be but a lot of Australians tell me that we should be entitled to make up our own minds, taking into account all of the factors that Australians care about. We don't really need advice."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200406/s1130832.htm

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/06/13/1087065020463.html?oneclick=true

Do you think that Howard has sufficiently pissed off the voting populace to put Labor in the driver's seat?

he manufactured a crisis to win the last election and I don't think people will fall for it this time.

that Lawrence is telling the truth.

The US really does want Australia to play deputy as Sheriff Dubya swaggers by the saloon.

nt

It will probably enhance their chances significantly.

Aznar
Blair
Bush
Howard

Withdrawal of Australian forces from Iraq under a future Labor government would be a political disaster, United States Secretary of State Colin Powell said.
<snip>

"If Australian troops were removed from the campaign effort we have underway now in Iraq, it would be a disaster, a political disaster. That is what we believe," he said on ABC television.
<snip>

Key elements of the interview were released last week, adding to the pressure on Opposition Leader Mark Latham over his policy to withdraw Australian forces form Iraq.

Mr Powell's comments echoed those of US President George W Bush during a visit to Washington by Prime Minister John Howard and by deputy US secretary of state Richard Armitage.
<snip>

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/06/13/1087065021405.html

..he should have learnt to keep his mouth shut by now:spank:

does he have any credibility left ???:shrug:

I wish I could remember less about Powell. He certainly has no credibility left with me. :(

the lying son of a bitch:puke:

Federal Labor Party president Carmen Lawrence has accused the United States Government of playing politics with its Australian alliance to help get Prime Minister John Howard re-elected.

Dr Lawrence said criticism of Labor policy by US President George Bush, Secretary of State Colin Powell and his deputy Richard Armitage appeared designed to encourage Australian voters to turn against the Opposition and endorse Mr Howard for a fourth term.

"Australians are a proud people and don't much like being told how to conduct themselves by other governments," Dr Lawrence told Channel 9's Sunday program.
<snip>

"I think it's a bit unseemly for American senior officials to be telling an Opposition in this country how to conduct its affairs and what its policies should be."
<snip>

http://www.thewest.com.au/20040614/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto126522.html

every thing they touch turns to poop.