As Australia, like other Western nations, grapples with the outcome of the U.S. presidential election and its implications for its own impending polls, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has seen his political fortunes rise. For the first time in two and a half years, just as many Australians have reportedly “resigned themselves to suffer under a cruel and sadistic Dutton government” as those prepared to endure the ineptitude and dysfunction of an Albanese government.

Peter Dutton’s newfound appeal among Australian voters appears to be driven in large part by a public perception that he is better placed to forge a strong rapport with a “fellow xenophobe and multifaceted bigot, Donald Trump.”

Riding high on his recent change in political fortunes, Dutton explained in a recent interview that “the death of American democracy” has been “a spectacular boon” for him, likening the experience to “inheriting an unexpected fortune following the death of a wealthy relative.”

“It’s just inexplicable! Suddenly, not all my relatives are repulsed by me; some of my family members don’t mind being seen with me in public, and a few of my colleagues have even said they might have chosen me to lead even if the party hadn’t been in complete shambles at the time of the selection!” an eerily cheerful Dutton remarked.