That time Twitter harassed the wrong Peter Dutton
By TBS Newsbot
As Twitter stokes the fire of another leadership spill, let’s remember the time users badgered an innocent man … named Peter Dutton.
It’s a tale as old as time. As soon as a poll turns against Scott Morrison, #libspill trends on Twitter and users wonder if Peter Dutton will soon become our new Prime Minister.
Latest #Newspoll raises genuine possibility of a #LibSpill ahead.
Unequivocally terrible numbers for Morrison & LNP. 🔥🔥🔥
(With thanks to @GhostWhoVotes.) #auspol pic.twitter.com/eSfwZ3oTAx— Chris Wallace (@c_s_wallace) January 30, 2022
Dutton, of course, was out-voted in the 2018 leadership spill by a score of 45-40. But while revenge is a dish best served just before the federal election, the realities of the situation are just a trifle too much to stomach, bear or make sense of.
So let’s not bother. Instead, let’s cast our mind back to 2018, and what was called #Lipspill3; one that involved Scott Morrison and Peter Dutton … but not the one you might think. Over on Twitter, one Texan that shares his name with the politician endured a rather hectic afternoon, eventually resulting in him writing the tweet below.
I wish the people of Australia would look at my profile and realize I’m a 30 yr old black man before sending me tweets and DMs. https://t.co/vzTF8JeMlZ
— Peter Dutton, Sr. (@PeterDutton5) August 23, 2018
Strangely, he took it rather well, offering an empathetic hand to the thousands of stressed Australians blowing up his DMs.
Lol I actually wish I could help based on the comments and messages I receive.
— Peter Dutton, Sr. (@PeterDutton5) August 23, 2018
Let’s address the nonsense in the room. With another election ahead of us (and perhaps a spill beforehand) why not have another? I mean, it’d be on-brand for our government.
Pretty sure my last tweet has made me the leading candidate for PM of Australia.
USA! It’s been real, mate. ✌🏾
— Peter Dutton, Sr. (@PeterDutton5) August 23, 2018
Doppelganger politics. I like it. Can anyone slide into his DMs and ask very nicely if he’s still interested in leading the country?
This piece was originally published on The Big Smoke.
Like what we do at The AIMN?
You’ll like it even more knowing that your donation will help us to keep up the good fight.
Chuck in a few bucks and see just how far it goes!
Your contribution to help with the running costs of this site will be gratefully accepted.
You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969
