John Howard stumbles in Australian election debate
James Campbell 11:30pm
John Howard and Kevin Rudd went head-to-head tonight in the only leader's debate of the Australian election. Most commentators are giving it to Rudd. His opening was upbeat, talking about the future and the need for new leadership. Howard's opening was strange: instead of outlining what he is going to do if he is re-elected or frightening people with the prospect of a Labor government, he spoke about the achievements of the past twenty years (for nine of which Labor was in power), and how he is an optimist while Rudd is a pessimist. His bizarre message to voters who hate his new industrial relations laws was that they should relax as "Australia has the second highest minimum wages of any country in the developed world". Not what you want to hear if you are worried about having your overtime rates cut. His worst moment came when he was asked how voters could be sure he wasn't planning any more changes to the industrial relations laws, given that he had failed to mention the current laws during the last election. Howard’s line was 'trust me'. Rudd responded with quotes from two of Howard's ministers to the effect that the laws do not go far enough. Ouch.
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Ian Johnson, Out Now
October 22nd, 2007 12:44amAt Out Now we have been watching this election for a while over at http://www.gaymarketnews.com -- and we remain disappointed that gay equality is not an agenda item in this election. That is despite recent Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission findings that gay and lesbian Australians are currently discriminated against in more than 50 key legal areas. You can read more on that in the article at http://www.gaymarketnews.com/2007/10/gay-marketing-australian-elections.html
C.Gatenby
October 23rd, 2007 7:19amHoward has never been a great at these debates - he is, however one of the better Parliamentary performers in Australia's History, where it matters most. I find it absurd that Rudd can insult Australians with his slogans, no wonder Howard was frustrated, it was like it was just like trying to argue against an automated default customer phone management system. Here is Rudd, a hamster that cannot divert from his standard lines like 'when it comes to' and 'in due season' 'i'm going to need a brief on that' and continually asking himself questions. Hardly inspiring. Howard is a proven leader - Rudd says that your call is important to him. On another point - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aQ8YiIV1AI In response to Comment 1: Out of the closet and into the Cabinet?