If the cap fits, let Muller wear it

Much has been made of new National Party leader Todd Muller’s choice of office decor — particularly a souvenir red cap from his trip to witness the US elections.

Whether the MAGA cap represents a skewed and dangerous world view, or is simply a harmless keepsake from a memorable time abroad is up to the eye of the beholder. Such an item can, however, shape opinions in some people.

Muller clearly realised this and sought to head off any possible criticism by saying he found US President Donald Trump’s style of politics “appalling”.

Politics is the art of creating an impression and Muller will have learned much from this early foray into the netherworld of social media criticism.

However, it’s already clear he is not planning to mince words.

By claiming the Government has “17 empty chairs” in Cabinet and then naming a mere handful of Labour ministers as having any merit was a broadside fired into the heart of his quarries’ encampment.

Any Labour MP at the table not insulted is clearly not paying attention, and perhaps deserving the sobriquet. Muller doubled down by singling out Phil Twyford, Kelvin Davis and Willie Jackson.

Muller has also set himself apart from the air of graciousness pervading the Beehive under the watch of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, whose apparent forgiveness for errant ministers has, at times, been astonishing. His blank response to predecessor Simon Bridges’ request for the foreign affairs portfolio may demonstrate a harder line. There are other indications, too. Clearly enjoying the attention, having shaken free of life as a party underling, Muller wasted little time before poking a stick at his rival. Speaking about his small business portfolio, he said: “We are at a time when high ambition and lofty rhetoric, whilst nice, does not actually help secure a job.”

There are suggestions of pragmatism in his reshuffle of party responsibilities. Those who remained loyal to Bridges weren’t entirely banished and this is where Muller exhibited more strings to his bow than all-out attack.

Taking the helm of a party that last week had just 30.6 per cent approval among voters, Muller now has 115 days to convince NZ he has the plan to lead the country out of the carnage of Covid-19.

After all, it’s not so much the hat that matters, much more so what is under it.