Yes, what TRTL said.

I'd just add a note on being elitist. It's quite a new thing for citizens to want their politicians to be their equals. Our leaders used to be people we could look up to, who were demonstrably cleverer and wiser than we were. Nowadays, citizens appear to look for politicians who can articulate their baser prejudices and give them some kind of official imprimatur.

It's rubbish, if you ask me. Politicians should have authority, gravitas and wisdom. I'm not talking about privileged, posh, House of Lords-style prigs, I mean people who are genuinely inspiring and inspired. Natural leaders. People with vision.

Pauline Hanson had no vision. She was just a bully who ruled by infecting others with her own prejudices and fears. She was able to exploit the jaundiced view the populace had of the Keating government by being the very opposite of it.

I think anyone who says, "She's one of us," is aiming way, way too low.

I also agree that Pauline Hanson should be applauded for having a go- this supports the fundamental Aussie ethos of giving one and all a fair go.

However, she was not a particularly good world ambassador for the positive promotion of our beautiful, vibrant and tolerant Australia. Pauline was ultimately a time waster and had not contributed anything positive or lasting to the people. There was a very brief moment when she in fact could have made a difference with the massive amount of press she received but squandered the opportunity.

Gibo, I'm just a bit curious. Why are you asking about her? Why now?

Nothing special TammyJo.
I was just thinking about her and how little I had observed of her short career. I thought she might to going back into the chook pen. I always had a sneaking suspicion she got done in by concealed planning that still needed mentioning.

Is the concealed planning you're thinkin about Tony Abbott's little secret organisation? He certainly had it in for her.

Foxy

Your post and TRTL's best sum up the Hanson phenomenon.

Apart from that she was a convenient puppet for David Oldfield.

I was amazed that she tried a comeback; insufficient intellect to realise that she had insufficient intellect. However, she provided much entertainment as well as a suitable scapegoat for Howard.

Anyone remember that video: "If you are watching this I am dead?"

OMG. ROFL.

Pretty much in agreement with TRTL, Foxy and Vanilla so won't repeat what has already been written.

Only to add that despite her failings, the campaign mounted against her was both immoral and undemocratic and the events that led to her jailing should have been the subject of an Inquiry.