Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has weighed in on political polarisation in the United States as the race for the White House heats up.
When asked about how social media could impact elections, he told Cairns radio station 4CA on Friday: “The venom that’s there is pretty extraordinary.”
“We see the polarisation in the United States is not healthy, and it is not something that is lifting up the United States’ standing in the world,” he said.
“The relationship between our two great nations is a relationship based upon our common values, our support for democratic values and human rights, our support for our relationship through our alliance as well.”
Albanese’s remarks came on the same day , while President over concerns about his age and cognitive abilities.
What is political polarisation?
Political polarisation describes a shift in political attitudes away from the moderate centre and towards ideological extremes.
A 2022 study by the non-partisan think tank the Pew Research Centre suggests US politicians have more extreme views than they did 50 years ago.
According to the study, there are only two dozen moderate Democrats and Republicans currently elected, compared to 160 in 1971.
The demographics of politicians have also shifted.
Nearly half of House Republicans come from Southern states, while nearly half of House Democrats are black, Hispanic, Asian or Pacific Islander.
By analysing policies and voting patterns, the Pew Research Centre argues Democrats have become slightly more progressive over time, whereas the Republicans are a lot more conservative.
Australia–US relationship ‘navigable and manageable’
Former prime minister Kevin Rudd, now Australia’s ambassador to the US, will need to forge a strong relationship with whoever is elected president.
That could create challenges should Trump win the election.
Kevin Rudd was appointed as Australia’s ambassador to the US in 2023. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas
Rudd has as “nuts” and a “traitor to the West”.
But Rudd appears to have changed his opinion since then.
“If President Trump is elected on 5 November, we’re not going over some chasm,” Rudd said on Wednesday. “For us in Australia and allies of the United States, this is a perfectly navigable and manageable set of relationships for the next four years,” he said.
While appearing on 4CA, Albanese said it’s important to respect the outcome of the US election.
“There will be a great deal of interest in the US presidential race and all of us will have our personal views on those issues but it’s important, as prime minister, that I allow those democratic processes to take place,” he said.
“I wish Joe Biden well. As president of the United States, I have had a very positive relationship with him, and on a personal level.”
