What A Dumped PM Does In His Spare Time

[icyfroth]

Abbott meets Obama and spy chief in US

TONY Abbott privately met Barack Obama at an exclusive banquet in Washington on a US trip already mired in controversy.

The former prime minister also held secret talks with the president’s spy chief, TheDaily Telegraph reported, and was urged to maintain a global voice on critical issues such as terrorism.

Mr Abbott and Mr Obama had a warm, intimate chat on Saturday night, sources said, showing the ex-PM is by no means ready to let go of his powerful connections.

He also met with Senator John McCain, who described him on Twitter as a “great leader & strong supporter of the US-Australia alliance”.

The day before, Mr Abbott reportedly held secret talks with the US director of National Intelligence James Clapper, where it’s believed they discussed the fight against Islamic State as well as other global threats.

Mr Abbott met a series of political heavyweights during his trip to the US, telling theDaily Telegraph Australia’s contribution to world affairs, especially in the Middle East, was highly valued by the nation.

The meeting may rile Australia’s current leader, coming just weeks after Malcolm Turnbull’s visit to Washington, where he also met Mr Obama and Mr Clapper.

Mr Abbott has already caused controversy with this trip with his plans to address an anti-gay group in the US.

The former Liberal leader revealed he intended to speak at a function in New York run by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian lobby group that opposes homosexuality and abortion.

Entire Article Here

Not letting any grass grow under his feet is he? 

[moonflyte]

He still has plenty to offer and he has plenty of experience.  Of course that doesn't matter out here though does it? heis still being hounded.

[bluecat*dancing]

[esayaf]

One can't maintain the media spotlight and expect not to be critiqued. Especially one so vocal on what he believes

[esayaf]

Is this trip at our expense?

[fiestas*girl]

Abbot has no relevance now

former PM's should be dignified and keep shtum like Gillard and Kev - even Howard was dignified in his defeat, Keating Hawke

Abbot could take a leaf out of the books of those above and learn some dignity

[the_great_she_elephant]

The former prime minister also held secret talks with the president’s spy chief,  The Daily Telegraph reported, and was urged to maintain a global voice on critical issues such as terrorism.

If they were secret talks, how does the Daily Telegraph know what was said to him and what he was urged to do?

[esayaf]

He (Abbott) probably told them.

[lurker172602]

Any and every backbencher, of whatever political flavour, should not be going off having meetings, secret or not, at a level not commensurate with their current level of influence.  He is overstepping the mark, I suspect for his own benefit, and not the advancement of the country.  Shame.

[the_great_she_elephant]

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@djilukjilly wrote:

He still has plenty to offer and he has plenty of experience.  Of course that doesn't matter out here though does it? heis still being hounded.

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Frankly, I think the best thing he could offer right now would be  his resignation. Hiis electorate doesn't need him (and will probably tell him so come election time) The LNP doesn't need him (and has already told him so) and Malcolm Turnbull certainly doesn't need him.