After last week’s Kerry-Kevin mini-clash, Tony Abbott should have expected a bit of a going over on 7:30 Report last night. He got it, and he wasn’t prepared. Ow.
Meanwhile, in yesterday’s Oz, Glenn Milne launched into Laurie Oakes for presumably being loaded with questions by Labor in his previous day’s interview with Abbott. (Shock horror!) By similar token, perhaps the next Labor minister to front Laurie should be extra prepared.
That Tanner is not a team player!
Still on last night’s TV, Lindsay Tanner on Q&A reminded everyone that he is the only senior Labor person who actually has a go at explaining stuff.
Kevinscript demands frontbenchers keep it simple, general and stupid, because swinging voters have short attention spans and don’t like anything complicated. Deflect questions, use slogans. Don’t be like Paul Keating, be like John Howard only moreso.
Heaven forebid ministers give the impression they have complex tasks to do and understand what they’re doing.
Wayne, Julia and Penny can stick to the rules, but not Lindsay.
He’s a loose cannon!
he’s a loose cannon! LOL
Yes Mr Tanner was impressive – had his portfolio well under control and absolutely knew what he was talking about. In contrast Mr Hockey loooked like the nodding dolls you see at the back of car windows…. he stuck to his script and did not have any thing new to say. Also saying loudly that Wayne Swan will not debate him in Parliament was ingenuous ,as most know that the government answers questions the oppositon asks them and there is no mechanism for individuals to debate.
About the Kevin/Julia leadership speculation- I suspect that this mischevous rumour began at Liberal HQ and has no basis in fact.
By the way I have never heard any of the Labor team in any way suggest that the electorate is stupid- I thnk that may be your interpretation…
Catalyst, I didn’t say they were stupid, I said the parties perceive them as having short attention spans and not liking complicated messages. The pollies’ messages and soundbites are stupid (and get stupider with every government).
Labor = good
Liberal = bad.
I think that sums it up Peter.
Tanner is a very impressive politition and minister. If our culture was not so fixated on media personalities and who looks good on Sunrise he would make an excellent Labor leader and PM.
Yes Tanner is a good egg. Was surprised at an article in the Australian on the weekend that looked at the economic academic credentials for the government front bench vs the opposition.
It amazes me given what they have on paper that the libs are communicating so poorly on the economy yet with no background at all in business or economics, Swan and Tanner seem to hold themselves well.
Catalyst, Labor mastered the art of “leaking” their own dirt and blaming the Libs at the last election. Strip clubs among other things come to mind. Therfore I wouldnt be surprised if the Gillard leadership thing is somthing along the same lines?
Tanner was great! Obviously across his portfolio and a lot more. Also gorgeous….. Gee it was refreshing to hear a labour pollie not just rehashing “the message” again. Joe Hockey seemed quite taken by surprise at Tanner’s reception. I’m sure Hockey thought he could ride on his charisma without saying much but it backfired. Loved it when the audience laughed uproariously at some reference to Abbott.
Have been thinking more about’ Gospel Tony’ and ‘Phoney Tony’ what sort of message does it send to children – its ok to lie as long as you own up to lying and then say you deserve credit for telling the truth?
Wiggo do you have any evidence for your assertion ‘that Labor leaked its own dirt’?
Sally I agree that the audience were not impressed with Mr Hockey and his evident lack of political substance.
Tanner was great… but then he always is, isn’t he? He was always going to mop the floor with Hockey and it is practically certain that he will continue to do so.
Hockey is not the right man for the Libs in Treasury.
Yes Tanner really cut through and captured the essential essence. His razor sharp intellect, keen wit leavened with his aussie humour and prodigious work ethic completely flummoxed all opposition.
Don’t be cross Pat. You’ll have a NSW Coalition government this time next year.
Catalyst, no evidence mate, nothing more than me being a bit suspicious. Maybe I’m being paranoid, after all, who is suspicous of politicians!
Thanks for the clarification Wiggo- I wondered if there was something I missed.