PR FROM THE BEACH

Applaud Obama for sure. But the Nobel Peace Prize? Premature I'd say.

Barack Obama appears to have achieved a great deal on the 'home front' in a relatively short time but the announcement that he has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize took me completely by surprise  because I was unaware he had made any significant contribution to 'World Peace'.

Correct me if I am wrong but isn't the US is still at war in Afghanistan? Troops are still in Iraq are they not? Sabre rattling continues towards Iran and North Korea. There is still chaos in the Middle East? Or did I miss something?

Obama has been concentrating on domestic issues since his inauguration. He has given many hopeful speeches, visited a number of countries and even found time to pop to Europe and give his support for an Olympic bid. Hard-working as he is, and even though his speeches inspire hope in many people around the world, my understanding has always been that a Nobel Prize has always been a mark of great contribution in a particular sphere. For actions - not just words.

As far as I am aware there isn't a Nobel Prize for Hope (although perhaps there should be). In the absence of such an award, I think those who decide these matters have opted to give him the Peace Prize as the next best thing. Trouble is, it puts enormous pressure on one man to achieve 'greatness'. He is actually going to have to do something now, other than just deliver a cool speech.

As Shakespeare once wrote: 'Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them'. My concern for Obama is that in having greatness thrust upon him in this way he will mistakenly present himself cross-gartered to the world and end up as foolish as Malvolio.

John and Letterman simply Off-Key

I've tried really hard to find something positive about John Key's appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman but, despite my best efforts, I have failed to find one single thing. 

Rubbing shoulders with Obama at the UN - fine. Sharing the Australian PM's bathroom facilities - ok. Announcing plans at the UN - great. Being made to look a complete dork by a two-bit talk show host - fail.

Who on earth suggested that he appeared on this show?  He may be Tourism Minister as well as PM, but I cannot see one scrap of evidence that would lead me to believe his inclusion would boost tourism in any shape or form.  The Herald today suggests that Key considers it a job well done because someone from Montenegro thought it was good. Montenegro? Sorry, but I doubt they will be visiting NZ in their millions.

The 'interview' simply made John Key look daft and I found myself writhing in embarrassment. The same sort of stomach churning discomfort one might feel when a cheery uncle makes a complete show of himself at a family wedding.  Why would someone put the Prime Minister in such a position?

Obama goes on Letterman because he is the US President and it 'puts him in touch' with the voters, particularly when he is campaigning for health care reform in the country. When Obama appears, he is jovial but still retains an air of authority. He is even allowed to sit down by Letterman who, when interviewing his President, shows at least some respect. But our John? Not a bit of it. Key became Letterman's Aunt Sally and whoever 'wrote' those appalling answers for him needs some urgent help and guidance and a real telling-off.

Dreadful misalignment occurred here and even though the interview is being 'talked up', the whole episode did nothing for NZ's credibility and certainly undermined our Prime Minister. Letterman's brand of tacky TV is about entertainment and commercial viewing figures, not leadership. Unfortunately, this meant John Key was made to look a complete clown instead of a thoughtful statesman. Shame on those who thought a TV trivia moment would increase his profile or improve his standing. All it did was undermine what would otherwise have been a reasonable trip.

Treated like a dork - John Key

Treated like a guest - Barack Obama

After the US Election - Could Barack and Sarah be Dancing with the Stars?

My friend Judy Gombita sent me this fantastic photoshop job of Sarah and Barack - maybe post election this could be the kind of cross-party collaboration we might hope to see. McCain and Hilary Clinton would have been an interesting mix too. I have tried to find the original source, but been unsuccessful, but really thought it worth sharing. Great job - I would love to see one created for Helen Clark and John Key.  Of course we've already seen Rodney Hide strut his stuff because our politicians really do go in for Dancing with the Stars on this side of the planet!  Who would be your favorite political pairing?  And wouldn't it be fun to see them all settle things in a dance-off. At least it would be more entertaining than some of the dire debates we have been subjected to here in New Zealand during the current campaign.