Australia General Discussion

[Phony Moderate]

I think Rudd's biggest mistake was not going for a double-dissolution in February 2010. He had the opportunity before Abbott got his footing to basically take the moral high-ground on climate change... but he, like many if I'm honest, expected Abbott to implode and would be an easy win later in the year.

So it was kind of Rudd's Jim Callaghan/Gordon Brown moment?

[Phony Moderate]

And looks like Craig Thompson is going to "quit" the caucus and sit as an independent, so reports the Daily Telegraph.

Has Tony Abbott demanded a General Election over this yet?

I remember when Cameron demanded a general election every other week during the Brown Government. Of course, Miliband can't do that because of the fixed terms bill.

[Phony Moderate]

The guy with glasses who hosts the election coverage on ABC....(his name?)....didn't he used to work for Gough Whitlam?

[Phony Moderate]

Abbott could be in trouble soon, no?

[Phony Moderate]

Has any leader as unpopular as Abbott ever managed to win a federal election? Keating was in the 30s in 1993 and Peacock won the popular vote in 1990 while in the 20s IIRC.

[Phony Moderate]

This was discussed in a thread on the IE board, but who is most likely to become the next leader of the ALP after the probable defeat in September?

[Phony Moderate]

My question is who becomes opposition leader?

I think it'll be someone incredibly dull, such as Stephen Smith perhaps (if he keeps his seat).

[Phony Moderate]

RIP, FF.

[Phony Moderate]

Urgh, I get a Thatcher vibe from Bishop.

[Phony Moderate]

You have to love the claim (currently being made by some Liberal politicians) that leadership challenges are an 'ALP thing'; no friends, they are an Australian thing.

[Phony Moderate]

Pyne was asked on the Today show if Abbott had the numbers. He stumbled and refused to say.

This is very telling, IMO.

Also, Shorten has already begun to attack Turnbull.

[Phony Moderate]

Abbott has moved the spill forward to 9:00 am Monday.

Just prior to that announcement, Turnbull praised Abbott for not bringing it forward to Monday...

[Phony Moderate]

Yeah, it was said that Thatcher was doomed after 20% failed to support her in late 1989.

[Phony Moderate]

If you want a new way you've to choose...a new government.

[Phony Moderate]

Renewed rumours about the leadership, reports coming out that Turnbull now has the numbers for a spill. Suggestions that the treatment of the Human Rights Commissioner has further damaged Abbott's position internally.

If true, when could a vote take place?

[Phony Moderate]

So, Richie Benaud. Surely a bigger legend and icon than any politician down there (ever, that is)?

[Phony Moderate]

It says a lot about Abbott that more would prefer Shorten as PM than are satisfied with him (Shorten, that is).

[Phony Moderate]

The Greens are such a joke of a political party, I can't even with them.

Far more electorally successful than most Greens, though.

[Phony Moderate]

Bandt overall against Labor had a swing against him last election, which is odd considering his 7% personal swing. He'll be safe though.

Not that odd given that the Liberals switched preferences.

[Phony Moderate]

WTF: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-33358009