Western Australian Premier Apologizes for Calling U.S. Vice President JD Vance a 'Knob'

Roger Cook's comment, made during a public forum days before a state election, drew laughter but prompted an apology for its unprofessional nature.

Western Australia Premier Roger Cook referred to U.S. Vice President JD Vance as a 'knob' during a rapid-fire Q&A session at a leadership event in Perth.
The term, considered slang for 'idiot' or 'obnoxious' in Australian and British English, received applause from the audience but was later described by Cook as a light-hearted and unprofessional remark.
Cook apologized for the comment, stating it was not intended to offend and extended his apology to Vice President Vance and anyone else who might have been offended.
The incident comes as Cook campaigns for re-election in Western Australia, where his Labor Party is expected to secure a comfortable victory in the upcoming state election.
The remarks have drawn attention due to Western Australia's key role in the AUKUS security partnership, which involves significant collaboration with the United States.