Tony Abbott Takes to Twitter in Defence of Donald Trump

Just when you thought you'd never have to see an elected politician use the term "haters," former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has come to the defence of Donald Trump on Twitter.

"Before the Trump haters get too excited," Abbott tweeted after a controversial interview with Sky News' Paul Murray Live on Thursday night, labelling Trump's economic and national defence policies as "classic conservatism." While the former PM acknowledged some of Trump's views are "OTT" he was firm that boosting defence spending and lowering taxes were central tenets to conservative politics.

Abbott was hugely critical of a motion that passed through New South Wales' state Senate, which labelled Trump a "revolting slug." The former PM told Sky that "many of the Trump positions are reasonable enough."

Before the Trump haters get too excited, some of his views are OTT but cutting tax and boosting defence are classic conservatism

— Tony Abbott (@TonyAbbottMHR)October 14, 2016

However, Abbott's tweet comes after a slew of moderate Republicans have deserted Trump, largely over his comments about grabbing women "by the pussy." Earlier this week, it emerged House Speaker Paul Ryan—undoubtedly the most powerful Republican in the US government—would stop campaigning for Trump or defending him. Although Ryan didn't go so far as to formally unendorse his party's nominee.

Despite winning the second debate in a landslide (every poll), it is hard to do well when Paul Ryan and others give zero support!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump)October 11, 2016

Veteran Senator John McCain also turned his back on Trump over the weekend, telling a local TV show in his state of Arizona that "when Mr. Trump attacks women and demeans the women in our nation and in our society, that is a point where I just have to part company." The two previously clashed during this campaign, when Trump said McCain wasn't a war hero, although before these comments it appeared they were on good terms.

Ever the optimist though, Trump was able to find the silver lining in what appears to be a broad desertion by his party's leadership.

It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump)October 11, 2016