The author's observation about Howards electoral mobilisation of "a mainstream Australian identity that can feel good about itself.", pinpoints why he has been so successful. He has managed to counter-balance Keating, who pushed too fast and too aggressivly, in lots of areas.

This point underlies his belief that he can carry the latest debate, and bring middle Aust. with him. Not hubris, nor Ranier's assertion of insanity.

You've got to chuckle at the authors insistence on Howards hubris between all the "as I've stated elsewheres". Pot and kettle.

Howards first act as PM was to get the Army to truck water out to remote aborigine communities suffering thirst, to the howls of protest from the do nothing, soft cock wets. Some things never change.

Don't you love the way way that Howard is now the great hero of climate change, reconciliation and every other left issue that he has been fighting against for the last 11 years.

Next thing, he'll join a union and announce that he is gay.

Epilogue, by the look...
Up at Yuendumu a dozen penpushing parasites under army guard are parachuted in to tell the local community they are having the isolation component of their welfare rescinded ready for Jobstart conditions that ignore precisely their isolation and lack of familiarity with white city conditions. Conditions that send even white fellas hardened to them off on the grog or finally a suicide rope, one might add.
So Yuendemu people have to head off for the big smoke for, at best, an uncertain fate while Howard, Hockey, and genocidal Brough big-fella themselves as these people's friends for election purposes.
Consequently, there is a near riot.
Nothing makes me sick when it comes to this government.

Rainier

He'd enter into a gay union?

With thought, your earlier points are spot on and valid. I accept the criticism.