7am “Deputy Sheriff” Albo’s Wartime Transformation
Mar 6, 2026
Bernard Keane, political editor at Crikey who critiques Australian politics and media, discusses Anthony Albanese’s shift toward reflexive support for US military action. Multiple short takes explore parallels with past governments. Conversation covers international law being sidelined, political calculations behind quick backing of US strikes, and domestic risks if conflict drags on.
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Albanese As A More Integrated US Deputy Sheriff
- Bernard Keane argues Anthony Albanese now mirrors John Howard as a 'deputy sheriff' to US military aims in the region.
- Keane cites deeper US-Australia military integration: supply dumps, submarine support, B-52 base upgrades and Marine training in NT.
Political Fear Drives Rapid Support For US Strikes
- Keane says Albanese quickly backed US strikes to avoid angering Donald Trump and US leadership.
- He points to a pro-US media environment (notably News Corp) and political cost for appearing insufficiently pro-American.
Did Albanese Ever Really Oppose Iraq War?
- Keane questions whether Albanese ever truly opposed the Iraq war or whether his 2003 stance was performative.
- He frames it as an epistemological issue: belief change versus political performance.