http://youtu.be/5W6C8O729ZE
A penis in a glass of
red wine, awkward kisses and a political candidate who thought Islam was a
country - what's not to marvel at?
America's The Daily Show
poked fun at the brevity of Australia's election campaign, with its host in awe
of how much political scandal could be packed into four weeks.
The political comedy
show, currently hosted by British comedian John Oliver while host Jon Stewart
is on leave, did a segment on "DOWN-UNDERcision 2013".
Oliver appeared
gobsmacked by the rich buffet of gaffes already publicly aired during the
campaign before going on to say that Australia had its own versions of American
politicians Rick Perry, Anthony Weiner and Sarah Palin.
He started with footage
of the cringeworthy interview with Liberal candidate Jaymes Diaz, who was not
able to name his party's six-point plan to stop the boats.
He contrasted this
incident with a Republican presidential debate in 2011 when Texas governor Rick
Perry was unable to name one of three agencies he was planning to axe.
Oliver drew parallels
with New York mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner, who has been embroiled in
sexting scandals, and disgraced [Liberal National Party] Queensland minister Peter Dowling, who sent
pictures of his penis in a glass of red wine to his mistress.
"It's almost
impossible to get red wine stains out of a penis," Oliver said. "He
is going to have to soak that thing in club soda for hours."
He also took issue with
the choice of wine.
"You do not pair a
penis with red wine. Try something lighter, crisper to offset the nuttier notes
of the penis."
But his favourite talent
was former One Nation candidate Stephanie Bannister.
"So, in just four
weeks, Australia already has a Rick Perry and an Anthony Weiner ... of course
the real test is, does it have an under-informed, right-wing woman thrust into
a national political spotlight she's not only unprepared for but at times seems
to barely comprehend?" Oliver asks.
He then calls Ms
Bannister "a turbo-Palin", referring to the controversial Republican
vice-presidential candidate in the 2008 US elections.
Ms Bannister was an
anti-immigration candidate vying for the Brisbane seat of Rankin. She mistook
Islam for a country and confused "haram" - a word that refers to acts
forbidden by God - with the Koran during a television interview that attracted
worldwide attention.
"I don't oppose
Islam as a country, umm, but I do feel that their laws should not be welcome
here in Australia," Ms Banister said in the one-on-one interview with
Channel Seven in her Queensland backyard.
More laughs were had
when Oliver played footage of Opposition Leader Tony Abbott misplacing a kiss
on the back of a mother's head, instead of her baby.
"Yes, that's a
creepy moment, but is it any creepier than a stranger pressing his lips on the
head of a non-consenting baby?" Oliver asked.
