Two democratic heroes; two very different treatments by Radio New ZealandThe Panel, Radio NZ National, Tuesday 11 June 2013
Jim Mora, Tony Doe, David Farrar
Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, I could not listen after 4 o’clock, but if the combination of inanity and insincere unctuousness in the preshow chat was anything to go by, I’m kind of glad I missed the main show.
This is what, according to Susan Baldacci and Jim Mora, the World is Talking About….
1.) Do i-Phones have a soul?
2.) Designated drivers are often just “less drunk” rather than sober.
3.) An exciting new coffee cup design that eliminates cup rings.
4.) Dogshit detectors in Spain.
5.) Nelson Mandela’s health.
This last topic supplied the unctuousness factor. Susan Baldacci announced that Mandela had rallied a little over the last twenty-four hours; Mora huffed and sighed: “That’s goodish news.” More huffing and sighing, then more unctuous expressions of goodwill for the Pope, who is also not in the best of health.
This contrasts brutally with Mora’s behaviour after Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez died…
The Panel, Radio NZ National, Friday 8 March 2013
JIM MORA: Okay, just a couple of minutes left. Should John Key go to Hugo Chávez’s funeral or not? I can see why he’s NOT going. Ha ha ha ha!
DAVID SLACK: Of course he should go. He’s been leaned on by the United States.
MORA: But he’d be seen to be endorsing a revolutionary left wing leader?
MARK INGALLS: I’m ashamed as a New Zealander that he’s not going.
[Long uncomfortable pause….]
MORA: [grudgingly] Mmmmkay.
