Deflecting the Treaty Principles Bill, Trump-Style

The Prime Minister demonstrates how a dog was taken and used for food

Thanks for joining us Prime Minister. Can we talk about the Treaty Principles Bill?

It wasn’t done by me, it was done by others.

Yes, everyone’s aware that it’s an ACT bill, but you are the Prime Minister and you’ve agreed to allow it through to a first reading in the House and on to the select committee process.

I had nothing to do with that, other than they asked me to do a speech. I showed up to do a speech.

Well arguably you’ve done more than that. I think what most people want to know is why you’re going to support the Bill that far, a process that could take many months, when you’ve also ruled out – apparently – allowing the Bill to finally pass into law.

It would never have happened if Nancy Pelosi and the mayor of Washington had done their jobs.

Wait – what? Have you just been co-opting lines from Donald Trump’s debate performance to deflect away from the predicament you have got yourself into? Is that your plan?

I have a concept of a plan.

Well, I have to put it to you Prime Minister that your plan is not working. Many varied and diverse groups are voicing their opposition to the Bill, and certainly Māori have united to rally against it.

People don’t leave my rallies. We have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies.