Can the U.S. be serious about Alexander Downer?

[Matilda]

I can't believe that even the Libs aren't rolling on the floor
laughing at the thought of Downer heading up any international
agency, let alone a position as sensitive as the IAEA.

This is the man best known for his fishnet stockings, and for lasting
less than a year as leader of the Liberal Party. The man described
by a U.N. deputy secretary as "the most willfully stupid politician
in the international arena" according to John Pilger.

Is it because they really don't know him, or is it more likely that
GW Bush feels a kinship to this "idiot son of the aristocracy"?
They are both petty, spiteful men who would be nowhere without their
family connections. Both have risen above their abilities, and
are therefore extremely sensitive to any hint that they are not being
accorded due deference. But worst, both are appallingly ignorant
and insensitive, and have a habit of creating tension rather than
calming it.

Things get more surreal every day in Bushworld.

[UL_Approved]

1. A man from Australia...

...called Downer "Lexx Loser". The guy is a total hack job, but the Bush regime thinks it can pull the secret patsy maneuver and get away with it.

After one month, the U.S. has rolled back environmental regulations, tried the "nuclear option", appointed Alberto Gonzales who endorses torture and ignores the Geneva Convention, is making claims of nuclear weapons in Iran and tried to oust members of the UN watchdog force who are telling Bush he is full of shit. And this is just a tiny list of things that have happened in 5-6 weeks that I can think of off the top of my head.

[SweetLeftFoot]

2. Downer

You forget his famous "Things That batter" gaffe!

[Matilda]

3. Oh, God, yes.

For a job that requires intelligence, knowledge and sensitivity,
they want Alexander Downer???

[SweetLeftFoot]

4. I know

Methinks they are more looking for dopey, compliant yes-man. Downer would have been perfect for the job.