Australia: Palin's "One Nation" bus tour sounds familiar to Australians

The Sydney Morning Herald

A Palin imitation: Hanson inspires Sarah's One Nation bus tour
By Benjamin Preiss

The One Nation party claims it inspired American conservative politician Sarah Palin's bus tour of the US.

Party members say Ms Palin was influenced by controversial redhead Pauline Hanson in launching her "One Nation" campaign tour.

One Nation NSW president Richard Putral told The Age that a party member from the Northern Territory had met Ms Palin in the US, where they exchanged political ideas.

"It just developed from there," he said.

The former Republican governor and vice-presidential candidate in 2008 launched the tour last month.

She hopes to "educate and energise Americans about our nation's founding principles" on the tour, which kicked off at a motorcycle rally in Washington.

Ms Palin is yet to announce her decision on candidacy for the 2012 presidential elections, but the tour is regarded as the unofficial start to her campaign.

The tour bus is plastered with the slogan "under God, indivisible with freedom and justice for all" and a map of the US.

"Through visits to historical sites and patriotic events, we'll share the importance of America's foundation," Ms Palin announced on her website.

Both politicians have stirred controversy with their far-right politics, while claiming to represent mainstream views.

Northern Territory One Nation member John Kearney said he was introduced to Ms Palin by radio presenter Betty Jean Kling earlier this year.

Mr Kearney said he spoke with Ms Palin for about 30 minutes at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia.

‘‘Her attitude was very welcoming towards me and One Nation,’’ he said.

‘‘She was very interested in the party itself and what the party does here in Australia.’’

Mr Putral said he was delighted by the name of Ms Palin's tour.

Mr Putral said his party held similar views to Ms Palin and he hoped to build on the relationship.

"We care for our people and that's the bottom line. We both believe that the government has lost its way and lost the interest of the people."

http://www.smh.com.au/national/a-palin-imitation-hanson-inspires-sarahs-one-nation-bus-tour-20110603-1fk9w.html