Dan Andrews’ gushing message about his wife Cath, with which he announced his candidacy for a third term, has sparked debate in the wake of the weird falsehoods that were circulated on social media on election day in Victoria.
The Victorian premier tweeted a picture of himself with his wife of 24 years, who also shared a picture of the two of them on “the big red [campaign] bus.”
First day of the campaign: with my number one, Mr. Andrews said in his post.
At the outset of the campaign, it is predicted that Victorians would once again choose his Labor team over opposition leader Matthew Guy’s Coalition slate on November 26.
The electoral authorities tweeted a warning that “totally false” statements were being made concerning vote-counting as the Andrews were uploading synchronized husband-and-wife photos.
The Victorian Electoral Commission published a statement across a number of platforms saying, “We are aware of a message circulating online that implies we have teamed with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to supervise the counting of ballots.”
This is wholly untrue. Vote counting for the State election is not being done in conjunction with the WEF or any other organization.
The VEC refused commentators’ requests to see the postings that included the incorrect material, claiming that doing so would ‘amplify the disinformation’
It also urged people not to distribute it.
Additionally, Cath Andrews shared a snapshot of herself and her husband from their first day of campaigning.
But Andrews wasn’t the only one who tried to use his marriage as a political pawn. Liberal leader Matthew Guy shared a picture of himself and his wife Renae enjoying supper on Monday.
Because “anyone may post their thoughts on social media,” the VEC also wanted to warn the public that this included individuals or organizations attempting to disseminate misleading information.
A link to a “explainer on how to separate truth from fiction” was also provided.
The Andrews’ overly enthusiastic campaign launch images attracted both supporters and detractors.
One said, “It’s great to have your finest asset with you on the campaign road.”
One lady replied, “Good luck to both of you!” while another added, “Great shot Cath!”
However, there were a lot of jaded and unfavorable comments on the postings.
One someone with an anti-vax username pleaded, “Please spare us.”
Another person said, “Your number 1 will be the first to express their sympathy for your loss.”
Another person said, “On world record pace for the most pointless, “look at me” tweets.”
Another negative response said that Andrews’ social media accounts and persona were “so plainly phony and artificial.”
But Andrews wasn’t the only one who tried to use his marriage as a political pawn.
Mr. Guy shared a picture of himself and his wife Renae having dinner out on Monday.
With the image, Mr. Guy made the following pledge: “If elected, my administration would… abolish Daniel Andrews’ unjust charity tax, the Andrews Labor Government’s 43rd new or increased tax.”