Posts by simon g

Last ←Newer Page 1 2 3 4 5 Older→ First

  • Hard News: Prospects,

    Every three years I'm amazed that I can get away with voting without ID. Especially as I live in an apartment block with envelopes sticking out of mail boxes, with nice EasyVote cards inside.

    Sorry, can't stay to chat, more polling booths to visit (although using the one for Ms Kobayashi could be hard to pull off ...)

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1333 posts Report

  • Hard News: Prospects,

    Today Helen Clark and John Key had their final rallies and walkabouts of the campaign, drawing dozens - possibly even hundreds - of followers.

    Meanwhile ...

    Thousands of people thronged the capital's central business district today for the inaugural Wellington Boobs on Bikes parade.

    Two Tits beats Two Ticks.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1333 posts Report

  • Hard News: Prospects,

    Russell

    That was revealed by Brian Edwards on TV One, Wednesday night (the post-debate panel). It's been ignored by all media since.

    I don't usually go with "media bias", but there's too often a failure to see a story if it doesn't fit.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1333 posts Report

  • Hard News: Prospects,

    Paul C

    Check out the Herald's Porkometer. National have won (and I bet that's not what the Herald intended when they started it!).

    So the new government will spend more AND cut taxes AND not sell anything AND not borrow more AND make us all safer and healthier and freer and richer and happier.

    Don't get down - the magic money is here!

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1333 posts Report

  • Hard News: Prospects,

    Epsom is a story for our times.

    John Key lives in the electorate. The "next Prime Minister" says he will vote for his party's candidate. But he isn't urging others to do so. And obviously he wants Hide to win (but won't vote for that to happen).

    I think this many be unique in the history of Western democracy: leader votes one way and fervently hopes his supporters don't follow him.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1333 posts Report

  • Hard News: Prospects,

    Re: a quick decision (Glenn Pearce et al):

    That effectively means that a large minority of the votes are ignored. We won't know the real result until all the specials are counted - and those votes are as valid as anybody's. In recent elections, specials have changed the result (e.g. 2005, National lost a seat, and in 1999 it was crucial for the Greens, for NZ First and the whole make-up of Parliament).

    There are two delays: the wait for negotiations and the wait for the vote count. The two happen simultaneously, and people get impatient, blaming MMP for "not knowing yet".

    Of course, there may be a very clear indication on election night: a projected result that special votes will almost certainly not change. But if it is close, well, we'll just have to wait and see what the rest of us have voted for. Which is NOT the same as waiting for a series of hui - something the media might like to point out (but mostly won't).

    It's very sad if the needs of the ADD media (and public?) are deemed more important than the pretty basic principle of democracy - finding out first what the people said.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1333 posts Report

  • Hard News: History is now,

    Don, Max etc

    Imagine the dilemma the One News producer/editor must have had.

    "Who do the viewers want to hear from right now? Obama, or Wilson? Let's see ... Obama's making history, but on the other hand, we've paid Tim's airfare. So Tim it is!"

    What's worse is if you complain, you'll get the usual PR guff: "live television ... instant decision ... benefit of hindsight ... can't please everyone".

    It's an easy decision, only foresight was needed, and you would please everyone, bar Tim's mum.

    This is how bad it was: I was grateful for Fox News (and Prime for relaying them).

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1333 posts Report

  • Hard News: History is now,

    Joshua, Prime say they will cross to it live, if you have that channel.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1333 posts Report

  • Hard News: History is now,

    McCain concedes graciously.

    Obama will want to strike the same tone. Me, I just want to see it. As opposed to "Wheel of Fortune".

    Incredible day, one of a few in my lifetime. Please, NZ networks, in your 6 pm bulletins don't dedicate less time to this than the wrap-up of non-events in sport.

    Cancel the Sainsbury show if you have to!

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1333 posts Report

  • Hard News: History is now,

    No nailbiting, Sam. History has been made.

    If McCain is declared the winner now, I'm joining the Weather Underground.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1333 posts Report

Last ←Newer Page 1 99 100 101 102 103 134 Older→ First