Do politicians lack the courage to turn the temperature down? - podcast
News Source
β’Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:00:29 GMT
π° What Happened
The Back to Back Barries podcast looks at how Australia responded to the alleged attack on MP Helen Haines. The prime minister asked everyone to turn the temperature down. Within hours, many people online turned it up instead.
The hosts ask whether politicians from all sides can tell their own supporters to calm down. They also ask what history can teach a country stuck in angry, personal debate.
π The Backstory
The show is hosted by Tony Barry, with George Megalogenis filling in for Barrie Cassidy. Both have watched Australian politics for decades, through elections, leadership spills and bitter referendums.
Their point is that harsh language rarely stays online. It shapes how supporters treat opponents in real life. The episode is part of Guardian Australia's podcast line-up.
π― Why It Matters
Angry online talk can turn into real violence. The episode asks a simple question: who is responsible for fixing it?
The Back to Back Barries podcast looks at how Australia responded to the alleged attack on MP Helen Haines. The prime minister asked everyone to turn the temperature down. Within hours, many people online turned it up instead.
The hosts ask whether politicians from all sides can tell their own supporters to calm down. They also ask what history can teach a country stuck in angry, personal debate.
The show is hosted by Tony Barry, with George Megalogenis filling in for Barrie Cassidy. Both have watched Australian politics for decades, through elections, leadership spills and bitter referendums.
Their point is that harsh language rarely stays online. It shapes how supporters treat opponents in real life. The episode is part of Guardian Australia's podcast line-up.
Angry online talk can turn into real violence. The episode asks a simple question: who is responsible for fixing it?