PVO: Kevin Rudd's two-word smackdown proves he's in full suck-up mode (2024)

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Under normal circ*mstances an Australian ambassador to the US who has called a Presidential candidate 'nuts', accusing him of 'rancid treachery' and claimed his first term as President was the 'most destructive' in history would be instantly ruled out serving under such a person.

But this year's presidential showdown between Donald Trump and incumbent Joe Biden is anything but normal.

Rudd's colourful and condemning commentary about Trump pales into insignificance alongside what Trump's recently announced vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance previously said about his new boss.

In 2016 he claimed Trump was shaping up as 'America's Hitler'. It's hard to be more critical than that about a presidential nominee.

Suffice to say Vance walked back from those remarks as he sought to climb the Republican ladder during an era in which The Donald has become all powerful within the Republican party.

Rudd's penchant for colourful language is well known. He's previously described the Chinese as 'rat f**kers' and allegedly let rip at an Australian airforce attendant who messed up his onboard meal.

But our former PM and now-Ambassador to the US apparently draws the line at rock stars making ill timed gags about political assassination attempts.

When Tenacious D band member Kyle Gass 'wished for the death of the president' during an onstage birthday celebration at a concert in Sydney over the weekend, Rudd took his opportunity to dial up the outrage.

He said the comments were 'sick' and the successful musician should 'grow up and find a decent job'.

In making his wish, no doubt spurred on by crowd laughter, Gass added: 'Don't miss Trump next time'.

'That someone would joke about violence just makes me physically ill', Rudd claimed.

I wonder if the outrage brigade is as critical of Trump's many references to violence in recent years.

For example during the 2016 campaign Trump jokingly told a crowd in Iowa 'I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn't lose any voters'.

Does that remark also make Rudd 'physically ill'? Or does his stomach only selectively play up when it suits him?

He's in good(ish) company dialing up the outrage. Palmer United Party Senator Ralph Babet said that the musician should be deported for the comments. The band has since cancelled its Australian tour.

Frontman Jack Black appears to have ended his 30 year collaboration with Gass because of the off-colour joke, announcing an end to the pair working together.

Meanwhile, Rudd has proudly declared that he's becoming a text message pest, using his pliable thumbs to build a relationship with the new Republican VP candidate.

I'm sure Vance could pick Rudd out of a line up if called on to do so.

Rudd is in full suck up mode now, aiming to ensure his viability as ambassador no matter who wins another four years in the Oval Office.

'What I've been doing is just head down, tail up, really, since I arrived about a year or so ago, engaging with the likely members of a future Trump administration', Rudd said.

And for good reason. Trump hasn't exactly been glowing in his reflections on Ambassador Rudd. Earlier this year Trump suggested that Rudd may not long for the world of DC politics:

'I heard he was a little bit nasty. I hear he's not the brightest bulb, but I don't know much about him. If he's at all hostile, he will not be there long.'

If the Democrats find a way to win, under Joe Biden's leadership or a new younger candidate instead, Rudd is confident he already has the relationships to successfully represent Australia on that side of the partisan aisle.

Joe BidenJD VanceDonald Trump