I can see a bit of irony here - lately Howard, Costello, Abbott et al have all been attacking Rudd rather than the issues.

Can't help but feel most posts here are doing the same thing to Abbott.

I don't like the man one bit - but he does have a point that Rudd is playing both sides of the fence.

What do the other posters think?

Yes Keiran, Tony Abbott did set up the Australians for Honest Politics. How sad that it soon closed because of its fruitless search for an honest politician. We are expected to forget about these things on polling day.

Is it true that when Tony Abbott walks down the street Al Capone chooses to cross the road and use the other footpath lest his reputation be sullied by being seen with Tony?

Thank you, Tony, for your insightful and helpful article.

In this era of image politics, Rudd would be a fool not to take a leaf out of Howard et al's book and promote a pious image. Politics these days seems to have little to do with policy. To attack the man rather than the party or the policy is also par for the course unfortunately and is, I think, an unintended consequence of image politics.

It would also be foolish of Rudd not to promote his religious leanings as religion has raised its head as an issue since 9/11 and fundamentalists are securing increasing influence in politics.

It makes me uncomfortable, as religion I feel is used as a smokescreen for hardline policies that bear little resemblance to the teachings of Christ. Rudd, however, must play the game.

Yes Tony, it is true that Kevin is trying to be more rightous than thou,but "if you live by the sword you must be prepared to die by the sword."
Both you and kevin are self appointed moral judges.
May the best God win.

I think you're right Lizzie, seems it's in vogue for politicians to profess their religious alignment. Rudd is going with the trend.
Maybe by doing it he might negate Howard and Abbotts appeal to the emotional voters a little and get a little rationality back into politics. Wishful thinking i guess.