Former PM Scott Morrison Peppers Farewell Speech With Taylor Swift Titles
Former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison used his valedictory address to parliament to play a game of “Taylor Swift bingo,” when he, inspired by his daughters, peppered his speech with the singer’s album titles.
Addressing parliament before he retired from politics, Morrison said, “preparing for this day, Abbey and Lily [his daughters] suggested that I should play a type of Taylor Swift bingo, and I’m wearing the bracelet, by the way—it has ‘ScoMo’ on it. They said to try to work the names of every single Taylor Swift album into my remarks. Well, what’s a dad to do? Here I go!”
Morrison went to list a number of Swiftian album and single titles.
“It is true that my political opponents have often made me see red,” Morrison said.
“When subjected to the tortured poets who would rise to attack my reputation, in response I have always thought it important to be fearless and speak now or forever hold my silence and allow those attacks to become folklore.
“Ever since leaving university—in 1989!—this has always been my approach. My great consolation has always been my lover Jen, who has always been there for me whenever I need her, from dawn and beyond the many midnights we have shared together.
“See, I’m actually a true new romantic after all. I can assure you there is no bad blood, as I’ve always been someone who’s been able to shake it off!”
He concluded that portion of his remarks by saying: “Anything for my daughters.” Credit: Parliament of Australia via Storyful
Video transcript
SCOTT MORRISON: In preparing for this day, Abbey and Lily suggested that I should play a type of Taylor Swift bingo. And I'm wearing the bracelet, by the way.
[LAUGHTER]
It has ScoMo on it. And they said, by trying to work the names of every single Taylor Swift album into my remarks. Well, what's a dad to do? Here I go.
[LAUGHTER]
It is true that my political opponents have often made me see red. Often when subjected to the tortured poets who would rise to attack my reputation. In response, I always thought it important to be fearless and speak now or forever hold my silence and allow those attacks to become folklore. Ever since leaving university in 1989--
[LAUGHTER]
--this has always been my approach. My great consolation has always been my lover, Jen, who has always been there for me whenever I needed her from dawn and beyond the many midnights we have shared together. See, I'm actually a true new romantic after all. And I can assure you, there is no bad blood, as I've always been someone who's been able to shake it off.
[LAUGHTER]
Anything for my daughters.
