Though the gaffes politicians make sometimes illuminate insights into their character. Just to pick on a few politicians and their notable gaffes, and what they show about their character (and policies)
#1: Kevin Rudd - "Ratfuckers"
Kevin as PM (before Julia Gillard) made the offhand comment once he thought an interview was over that the Chinese government were "ratfuckers" because of how they conducted themselves at the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference of 2009. This outburst showed many things. Number one was that Rudd wasn't scared of using profanity. It's new news that some politicians have a potty mouth, though when you are the Prime Minister and an ex diplomat, you should have had the common sense to hold your tongue and say that far far away from the cameras. Number two, and for policy purposes, it showed clearly how much Rudd cared about passing an agreement. His fury was clearly on display, highlighting his passion for action. And lastly, a quick temper. Though this was later backed up by many more reports on Rudd's character.
#2 - Tony Abbott - "No one is the suppository of all wisdom"
No they're not Tony, and neither are you a depository of the finer points of the English language. Mixing up words is no big deal, though when it's a word like "suppository" it does make people sit up and listen. The laughter from fellow Liberal MP's just after he said it highlight how harmless and innocent the mistake was. Yes it's a laugh, but just because you occasionally mix your words up doesn't rule you out of the position as PM.
#3 - Tony Abbott - "They're young.... (ahh) they're feisty... (ahhh).... I think I can probably say [they] have a bit of sex appeal"
Despite this making international headlines and enraging many feminists, the most sensible critique came from Kevin Rudd.
A throwaway line by Abbott, but a bit mistake for anyone who has previously been accused of being a misogynist. Commenting on any colleagues sex appeal is something that teeters closely to harassment. There's a joke between two close colleagues who've known each other for a while and they both engage in simple banter, and then there is a superior commenting on a colleague. While many argue that this is another aspect of Abbott's misogyny, it definitely definitely demonstrates two things; his 'Dad' joke moments are politically palpable and he found nothing more to say on the women who he was endorsing. The latter is a greater indication of how he values women, by the things he omits from saying when questioned what he thought of them."If any male employer stood up in a workplace anywhere in Australia and pointing to a female staff member said this person is a good staff member because they’ve got sex appeal I think people would scratch their heads at least and I think the employer would be finding themselves in serious strife." Kevin Rudd
#4 - Mark Latham - "She's a rather plain ordinary-looking woman and Abbott has exaggerated massively to try and win her vote among the blokes"
In response to Abbott's previous comment, Mark Latham gaffed his way through a radio interview, demonstrating his inability to connect with the Australian people, or have a filter to what he thinks. He may not be in politics anymore, but if you want to be taken as a serious political commentator, you don't go and be a misogynist (and plain rude) yourself by saying
"In politics they say it's showbiz for ugly people and I don't think she'll be out of place" - Mark Latham.It's honest comments like that that end political careers. So when inevitability an MP makes another gaffe, have a laugh but don't believe all the hype that it's something radical or profound. It's just another piece of evidence into their character, or how much attention they paid to English at high school.
When you correct a gaffe only to make it again. That, is priceless.
(FYI, this was his maiden speech to Parliament)
Links:
Mark Latham gaffe over Tony Abbott sex appeal comment - The Age online
Kevin Rudd attacks Tony Abbott over 'sex appeal' comments - Sydney Morning Herald