Talking Todd Muller and American Politics: A Not-So-Serious Overview
Ah, the political landscape! It’s about as stable as an unsupervised three-year-old with a sharpie in one hand and a wall in front of him. Just as we thought the dramatics of politics were reserved for our own backyard, enters Todd Muller, a man who likes his politics American-style – larger than life, unpredictable, and with a side of fries.
The Musical Chairs of Madness
With America’s election just a few days away, Muller is practically vibrating in his seat. You’d think he was waiting for a rugby match instead of a political showdown. According to him, this election holds the potential for disaster for New Zealand’s dear economy. Nothing says “good times” better than a former MP who keeps an eye on the American circus from afar while co-hosting a podcast named What’s the Story, Old Glory. Now that’s a title you’d expect from an impatient taxi driver rather than a political analyst!
The Ins and Outs of Todd’s Political Infatuation
But let’s not dismiss Muller too quickly! This man dive-bombed into American politics since childhood, which is basically political fandom in its purest form. While he’s not sporting a MAGA hat—thankfully—he acknowledges the good things about American foreign policy, noting, “What you want from a New Zealand perspective is consistent, predictable leadership from America.” Consistency, eh? That’s rich coming from a country whose leaders change colors like chameleons at a rave.
Predictability is Key… Or Not
Now, about Trump’s unpredictability—who needs workers when the competition serves up a 2,000% tariff on China? Because why not? Here’s Todd adding oil to the fire saying, “If we’re going to see the big powers enter into a more protectionist and trade-war kind of environment, it’s a disaster for us.” Tsk, tsk! Someone’s spilling all the tea today. It seems like America’s wanting to make the world go round, but instead is opting for a “just keep spinning” approach, confounding us all, including Muller.
Polling Predictions – A Game of Chance
Muller’s confidence in Trump’s chance of winning is both a little scary and slightly absurd. “Look, if you’re looking at polling, I think Trump will do it,” he proclaims with the conviction of a bloke who’s never backed the underdog in his life. Let me tell you, if polling were gold, we’d all be living in palatial mansions by now.
On the Sidelines of Politics
Todd’s fascination has glided him through political waters smoother than a politician dodging questions. He’s currently sipping piña coladas on the fine sandy beaches of ex-politics, while still keeping up with that American drama—a thousand suns could not keep him away from it, it seems! And what do you know, he has no regrets about stepping down. Well, if he can leave politics with that kind of satisfaction, then who’s to judge? But let’s see if he’ll still say that when the show gets messy.
Conclusion – The Wait Begins
As we enter the final countdown to the American election, Todd Muller watches with bated breath. A heartbeat away from disaster or triumph, depending on which way the political winds blow. So, folks, grab your popcorn! It appears the political anxiety level is about to boil over like a pot left unattended. If American politics were a circus, some of us just bought season tickets. Enjoy the show!
The upcoming American election, set for just days away, has the potential to significantly impact New Zealand, warns Todd Muller, a former Member of Parliament and a passionate aficionado of U.S. politics. The stakes of this election are remarkably high, with Muller describing the current political climate as being precariously balanced, with a potential outcome that could spell “disaster” for his home country.
Renowned for his previous role as a minister and the briefly tumultuous leader of the National Party, Muller has nurtured a deep fascination with U.S. political affairs since childhood. Currently, he co-hosts the podcast What’s the Story, Old Glory with Elizabeth Soal, which dives into the high-stakes drama surrounding key figures like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris as the presidential election approaches on November 5—effectively November 6 for audiences in New Zealand. Notable recent guests on the podcast include Scott Brown, a former senator and Trump nominee for ambassadorship to New Zealand.
Muller emphasizes the far-reaching implications of the U.S. election for New Zealand. “From a New Zealand perspective, what we desire is consistent, predictable leadership from America,” he remarked in an exclusive interview with The Spinoff, featured in a special edition of the politics podcast Gone By Lunchtime. He expressed his concerns, stating, “In my view, Trump’s foreign policy is far too erratic. His unpredictable nature means that assessing his potential actions or statements is nearly impossible on any given day. There is a complete lack of rationale, consistency, or strategic thought in his decisions, which is alarming. A victory for Trump may lead to a troubling inward turn for America and heightened protectionism, which would threaten our export-driven economy.”
Muller cites Trump’s alarming suggestion of potentially imposing tariffs as high as 2,000% on China, indicating the ramifications for New Zealand. “Discounting the overwhelming rhetoric, such a move is detrimental to our interests. If the global landscape shifts towards protectionism and trade conflict, it constitutes a disaster for us. New Zealand’s historical prosperity has been deeply rooted in a post-war environment of stability, and a president focused more on alienating allies in Europe than addressing threats like Putin undermines this stability,” he added.
Despite facing scrutiny but ultimately remaining critical of Trump, Muller finds himself in a position of cautious optimism about the Republican’s chances. “If we analyze the latest polling data, I believe Trump possesses a strong possibility of winning. In recent weeks, previously slight margins in vital swing states have closed in favor of Trump,” he stated. The election’s ground dynamics will also play a crucial role, as Muller points out that on-the-ground efforts to mobilize voters will determine Harris’s chances of success. “The real question is whether her campaign can sufficiently energize turnout in key urban centers like Philadelphia on election day,” he assessed.
Muller’s lifelong fascination with American politics bloomed in 1979 when he first delved into a U.S. encyclopedia, prompting grand ambitions of one day achieving the presidency—an aspiration that was ultimately shelved. Yet his fascination remains steadfast, overshadowing his interest in local politics. “The American political landscape, coupled with my devotion to Bay of Plenty rugby, has always captivated me much more than local New Zealand politics,” he declared.
These days, Muller has distanced himself from domestic political discourse, finding joy in the shift. He reflected on the demanding nature of parliamentary life, stating, “It’s all-consuming. You pour everything into it, irrespective of your political beliefs. Leaving that world made me realize just how demanding it truly was. Now, I’m relishing my new life, staying invested in politics while focusing solely on U.S. affairs.”
When asked if he harbors any regrets about exiting parliament at the last election, Muller unequivocally stated, “No, not even the tiniest of the tiniest part of me. I made the right decision, and I’m thoroughly enjoying my new life.”
Follow Gone By Lunchtime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
