Hon Jim Anderton
Progressive Party leader
5 November 2008 Media Statement
Senator Barack Obama's win
Senator Obama’s win in the US elections is a turning point in history towards progressive policies, Progressive leader
Jim Anderton says.
“Today marks the end of the era begun by Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan in 1980 – two failed ideas of the past have
been discredited: that governments have no role in building stronger economies, and that democracies should start wars.
“With change in America, if National were to form a government after this weekend New Zealand would become the only
country in the Western world that still subscribed to those failed policies of the past
“I also pay tribute to the achievements of Senator McCain, who is a great friend of New Zealand and an enthusiast for
better trade access for our exports.
“I hope the new President will also welcome the economic strength that fair trade agreements can contribute at this time
when the world needs strength and when it needs caring government.”
This statement is issued by Jim Anderton. MPs' press releases and speeches are part of the normal course of business of
elected representatives. We do not believe they are election advertisements within the Electoral Finance Act, and nor
was the Act intended to apply to them. However, because some people are confused about the Act, and because the
Progressive Party is proud to confirm our responsibility for what we say, this statement is authorised by Phil
Clearwater, 5 Sherwood Lane, Christchurch.
ENDS