http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3802247.stmUS 'meddling in Australian vote'
Labor president Carmen Lawrence said she believed the Bush administration was trying to help conservative Prime Minister John Howard win the election.
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President Bush has said an Australian withdrawal would be "disastrous".
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Mr Bush said such action, "would say that the Australian Government doesn't see the hope of a free and democratic society leading to a peaceful world."
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"I think the president was speaking candidly, he didn't intend to insert himself into your campaign," Mr Powell said.
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snake Powell tried smoothing things over with blather.
Labor president Carmen Lawrence also said: "Australians are a proud people and don't much like being told how to conduct themselves by other governments."
stand firm Carmen because if the criminal bushgang gains a toe hold in Australia you can forget democracy