Australia - 7 September 2013

[Frodo]

In the unlikely -though not inconceivable- event that PM Julia Gillard pulls a narrow victory out of the jaws of almost certain defeat (or so Conventional Wisdom tells us), would that actually be a blessing-in-disguise for the Liberals?  Could it enable them to continue to make gains in future state elections like what they have accomplished in New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia up to now, beginning with South Australia early next year?  

[Frodo]

As much as Australians hate to admit it, their politics (judging by the personal attacks on PM Julia Gillard) is apparently more American than I realized.... 

[Frodo]

Do any of you think that a defeat of the magnitude we are seeing for the Labor Party at the federal level will translate into continuing Liberal victories in future state elections after this September, like in South Australia for instance?  

[Frodo]

So would everyone agree that we are looking at another 2010 in which the ALP pulls out a narrow win? 

[Frodo]

What a piece of s--t.  Never thought he'd sink this low.

What happened?

[Frodo]

Assuming Labor loses the election, who does everyone think will be the next leader?

I'm for Bill Shorten, so his chances will be killed off once he loses the unwinnable 2016 election.

My actual preference, and someone I'd like to see become Prime Minister, would be Albanese, and possibly Plibersek.

Why is 2016 unwinnable for Labor, assuming Tony Abbott becomes the next PM this year?

[Frodo]

With 83.6% of all votes counted, the Coalition now has 90 seats; Labor has 52.