Sunday, 08 November 2015 10:23

What a twit

Written by Rural News Group

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

The Republican presidential front-runner who appears to wear a dead possum on his head – Donald Trump – has finally managed to get agriculture into the US political debate, but not in a good way.

Responding to a recent poll that had his rival Ben Carson leading the Republican field at 28%, and Trump slumped to second place with 20% in the Iowa caucus race, 'the Donald' sent out a snide tweet stating: "Too much hash creates issues in the brain." In other words, he was blaming Round-Up sprayed on crops in the state for voters' support of his rival. However, after copping bad press for his comment, Trump did what any good politician would do – blamed an unnamed staff member. Sure, Don, it was the intern.

More like this

Editorial: Hope for the best

New Zealand's dairy industry is right to call out Donald Trump over the damage the additional 15% tariff the US is imposing on our exports but also imposition on lower tariffs on our competitors.

Dreams aren't plans

OPINION: Milking It reckons if you're National, looking at recent polls, the dream scenario is that the elusive economic recovery finally roars to life.

If voters see some growth and wages rising faster than prices, the government could say they've "fixed" things as they ride into the next election.

Back here on Earth though, the economy they inherited is a basket case, and the long-term headwinds are fierce.

Political commentator Liam Hehir says, "dreams are not plans" and if the turnaround doesn't come in time, National may have no choice but to go negative.

"Everybody wants to fight on the economy if they can. But when neither side has a compelling story, the contest shifts to other issues. That's not new. In fact, it's the stuff of politics everywhere, always."

Trump’s tariffs put $1.3B NZ exports to US at risk, DCANZ warns

Donald Trump's uncompromising tariff policy is set to put New Zealand dairy exports to the US under huge pressure.

Editorial: We are Trumped

OPINION: Nothing it seems can be done in the short term to get Donald Trump to change his mind about removing the unfair 15% tariffs that he’s imposed on New Zealand exports to the US.

Trade experts warn of US tariff risks to NZ exports

Two leading New Zealand trade experts warn that the 15% tariff slapped by the US shouldn't be taken lightly.

Featured

Fonterra’s $3.2b capital return to farmers set to boost rural incomes and NZ economy

According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.

$2b boost in NZ exports to EU

New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.

US tariffs hit European ag machinery markets

The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.

Tributes paid to Jim Bolger

Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.