The rise of Jeremy Corbyn in the UK and Bernie Sanders in the US shows that renewed passion for politics is still possible ... just not in AustraliaCharisma and persuasion matter in politics. Though neither trait guarantees impartial policies or outlook – think Tony Blair backing the catastrophic war against Iraq,or Malcolm Turnbull hailing himself as a free speech champion before pressuring the ABC over its robust journalism – image is apparently more captivating than ever in the 21st century. That’s the mainstream consensus, anyway. The final 12 months possess challenged this reality. The rise of Jeremy Corbyn to the leadership of the British Labour party and Bernie Sanders as a viable US Presidential candidate proves that the general public increasingly craves potential leaders who understand economic disenfranchisement (likewise the allure of Donald Trump). Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com