David Shearer has just had a live chat at NZ Herald. Mostly bland ‘PR hack’ type answers, but a few that were slightly interesting.
One significant response:
|
12:17
|
|
Hi David, After reading an article from the herald today. What’s your view on making education compulsory from the age of 3 for the children of beneficiaries? |
|
|
12:18
|
 |
David Shearer:
We support early childhood education for all Kiwi kids. It’s a pity that ECE is not available in so many of our poorer areas. |
|
No argument against but making a valid point about availability.
He was called on his “grow the economy” response:
|
12:29
|
|
Grow the economy, create jobs and lift wages you say. How exactly? |
|
|
12:31
|
|
David Shearer:
That’s a big question… We could start with pro-growth tax reform, modern monetary policy, sustainable superannuation and compulsory KiwiSaver. That’s for starters – none of which the National Government will go near. |
|
Many questions were avoided, like this:
|
12:33
|
|
Comment From Darren
What is your position on marijuana legalization? |
|
|
12:34
|
|
David Shearer:
I don’t want to see people in prison for smoking a joint. |
|
And this:
|
12:34
|
|
Comment From Martin
Hi David, my wife and I both work. We are in a situation where we pay more for childcare than we do for our mortgage. We would be better off financially on one income with no benefits because we would not have to pay for childcare. ECE free hours aren’t working. What would you do to help? |
|
|
12:35
|
|
David Shearer:
Sorry to hear that. Labour has always valued ECE. It is John Key’s Government that has let cost rise. |
|
And when pushed on marijuane, another bland answer:
|
12:36
|
|
Comment From Colin
So does your answer above mean you are for the decriminalisation of marijuana? |
|
|
12:38
|
|
David Shearer:
It means we don’t want to see people getting criminal records for smoking a joint. |
|
But he can do cross party positives (unlike some politicians):
|
12:43
|
|
Comment From Daniel
People focus a lot on the negativity in Parliament. In your view, what is the best thing the current Government has done, and how would you improve on that? |
|
|
12:44
|
|
David Shearer:
They’ve continued to build on Labour’s work on free trade – and I support that. And I think they’ve done some good work in helping address re-offending rates. |
|
Another go at cannabis:
|
12:45
|
|
Comment From Ricardo
David – Yes or No. Are you for decriminalisation or cannabis? (your answers previously are not definitive) |
|
|
12:46
|
|
David Shearer:
I’m not making policy on the hoof. But as I said, a joint shouldn’t mean jail. |
|
Fails this one…
|
12:46
|
|
Comment From Jen
Hi David, why won’t your food in schools policy be universal? |
|
|
12:46
|
|
David Shearer:
We starting by focusing where the need is. |
|
…free food for all kids decile 1-3 schools when 1 in 11 are hungry? That’s not focusing.
And the last one…
|
12:59
|
|
Hi David, I’m 30, with a masters degree, ten years works experience and a $70,000+ loan. Where are the jobs? Why should I have to leave to use my skills? |
|
|
1:01
|
|
David Shearer:
You shouldn’t have to leave! Labour will give you the opportunities to stay here. We want to build a future that for smart and talented people like yourself. |
|
…typical of the bland “we’ll do better, somehow, don’t worry about the details”.
As I said at the beginning, mostly of lightweight PR hack type answers that gave no insight into Shearer’s personality or ability or policies.
Some minor insights amongst the dross but mostly just an indication that Shearer is learning the party talking points.
Darryl
/ September 12, 2012Once again David Shearer, never actually answered any question. I don’t know why he was on live chat. It sounded like just a social chit chat. No substance as usual.