Nine thousand votes over twelve electorates decided that the ALP would win the last election. Although there are no significant elections slated for 2008, the parties have to position themselves now. That means the media has to weigh in too, otherwise past failures may be exposed.
So rather than admit that endorsing Rudd over the conservatives was a mistake, it is easier to attack the conservatives on past misconceptions.
To quote Bolt on Nelson, who had said something Bolt agreed with,
"A bit unctious, really. Fewer sentimental tears and more more fire and ire would suit far Nelson better, before he gets permanently typecast as the Uriah Heep of Australian politics."
Mr Abbot replies in unison with Dr Nelson, and Bolt remarks "This is much better"
===
Dr Nelson's popularity is not an issue, and it is an issue. Rudd's popularity is directly a result of media support, as is Dr Nelson's. In time to come, analysis of positions will show Dr Nelson has maintained sound policy, while Rudd has flip flopped. But the public examination may never come.
It is natural for party individuals within the broad church of conservative politics to question the leadership. The media are inflating the conservative position, and ignoring the ALP's concerns. Such barracking should worry those who believe in a strong, democratic Australia.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Media Feeding Frenzy
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3 comments:
Rudd leaves Ministers guessing
Andrew Bolt
This is another way of saying his own Ministers have no idea what Kevin Rudd - off overseas - thinks, and aren’t game to guess:
The Federal Government is refusing to reveal whether it plans to scrap bonus payments to seniors.
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith would not confirm or deny reports that Labor planned to axe bonus payments of up to $500 for pensioners, saying the issue would be dealt with in the budget.
But I don’t think Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson hits the right spot with this:
The seniors in this country, the men and women over the age of 65 - this is the generation that ... gave us what we have.
Or with this, in response to the cut in the carers’ bonus:
For God’s sake Mr Rudd, please rule out an attack on Australia’s carers. These are the saints in Australian society.
A bit unctious, really. Fewer sentimental tears and more more fire and ire would suit far Nelson better, before he gets permanently typecast as the Uriah Heep of Australian politics.
This is much better:
This idea that someone has to suffer in the fight against inflation - ‘who should it be? Oh let’s make it carers and old age pensioners’- is just frankly disgusting.
But that was Tony Abbott.
Poll: Costello vs Turnbull for leader
Andrew Bolt
It’s over for Brendan Nelson, although it may be wise to let him lead the Liberal Party for a while yet to mop up the blood and give his successor a clean start:
BRENDAN Nelson’s short leadership of the Liberal Party appears headed to oblivion with a majority of voters already believing he should make way for Malcolm Turnbull.
In a stunning repudiation of the Opposition Leader, more voters want former treasurer Peter Costello to lead the Liberals than Dr Nelson - even though Mr Costello is apparently leaving Parliament.
Even Dr Nelson’s deputy, Julie Bishop, who is relatively unknown to the public, is better regarded as leadership material than her boss.
The figures, contained in a Galaxy Poll conducted exclusively for The Sunday Telegraph, show that after only three months as leader, 51 per cent of voters have already decided that it’s time for the Liberal Party to replace Dr Nelson.
It's time for Nelson to step aside, says poll
news.com.au
BRENDAN Nelson's short leadership of the Liberal Party appears headed to oblivion, with a majority of voters already believing he should make way for Malcolm Turnbull.
In a stunning repudiation of the Opposition Leader, more voters want former treasurer Peter Costello to lead the Liberals than Dr Nelson – even though Mr Costello is leaving the Parliament.
Even Julie Bishop, Dr Nelson's deputy who is relatively unknown to the public, is better regarded as leadership material than her boss.
The figures, contained in a Galaxy Poll conducted exclusively for The Sunday Mail, show that after only three months as leader, 51 per cent of voters have decided it's time for the Liberal Party to replace Dr Nelson. Only 33 per cent believe the party should stick with him and a further 16 per cent are undecided.
The poll of 400 voters Australia-wide conducted on Thursday and Friday of last week shows Shadow Treasurer Mr Turnbull is the first pick for Liberal leader, attracting the support of 24 per cent of voters, ahead of Mr Costello on 19 per cent and Ms Bishop on 11 per cent.
Dr Nelson registers just nine per cent support, equal with health spokesman Joe Hockey and just ahead of families spokesman Tony Abbott on 6 per cent.
Among Coalition voters the results are even worse for Dr Nelson. Sixty-one per cent believe it's time for Dr Nelson to make way for someone else. Thirty-one per cent would like to see Mr Turnbull take over and 26 per cent want Mr Costello to stay in Parliament and lead the party.
A devastatingly low seven per cent of Coalition voters want Dr Nelson to stay on. The poll confirms Dr Nelson is being soundly thrashed by Kevin Rudd on the basis of preferred prime minister. On this question, the Labor leader is ahead a whopping 69 per cent to 15 per cent.
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