Vladimir Putin launches election campaign... on a Harley-Davidson

By Matthew Barrett
^{Follow Matthew on Twitter}

The Prime Minister of Russia, Vladimir Putin, launched his election campaign yesterday, after a general election was called for December. This was no ordinary election campaign launch, however. Putin, famous for his macho public image, decided to launch his election campaign riding into a bikers' rally on a Harley-Davidson:

Putin gave a speech, paying tribute to the contribution of Soviet motorcyclists in the Second World War, in front of a crowd of war veterans and bikers.

Australia's minority Labor government will collapse if it loses one MP and one Labor MP has just been caught using his union credit card to rent a prostitute...

...allegedy. You'll enjoy this ten minute report...

McCain saves Senate career with $20m negative campaign against Republican rival

By Tim Montgomerie

Last night John McCain defeated an attempt by former Congressman J D Hayworth to replace him as the Republican Senatorial candidate for Arizona but, despite being his party's presidential candidate just two years ago, he had to spend $20m doing so. These two negative ads are typical of the campaign he fought. Remember, this is a primary within the Republican party.

Hayworth, btw, hardly fought a high-minded campaign either...

Ron Paul's son, Rand, challenges establishment Republican candidate in Kentucky

All across America, including against Florida Governor Charlie Crist, conservative candidates are standing against more centrist Republican candidates as part of the anti-'RINO' phenomenon that took off in New York. 'RINO' equalling Republican In Name Only.

Rand Paul, son of libertarian Ron Paul, is the poster boy for this insurgent movement as he seeks to win the Republican nomination to be US Senate candidate for Kentucky.

This Wall Street Journal video overviews the Republican establishment's concerns that this will cause division in the party and that the conservative candidates favoured by grassroots Republicans will be easier for Democrats to beat than more moderate candidates.

 

In the video below Rand Paul explains why he opposes government bailout of car manufacturers:

Canadian Conservatives launch videos with "risk" as key message

Click here to see the series of ads that Canada's Conservatives are running in the election called yesterday.

The theme of Risk was one used by the Australian Liberals last year.  We must hope the much newer Canadian government will be more successful with their campaign - during more difficult economic times.