I've been trying to limit my exposure to most of the campaign, however, I've watched a small amount mainly through Sky News which, in my opinion, offers a superior political commentary - even so, I caught Laurie Oakes on several occasions triumphantly announcing his "scoops".
I agree, Squeers, that the populist media drives the tone, and often the content of the election campaign. The politicians themselves are really a secondary entity, almost like animated puppets in a Punch and Judy show.

Severin

There was a thread about John Della-Bosca. There was alot more news coverage of allegations about Mike Rann, Troy Buswell and Bill Clinton having affairs. Given the amount of anger that you have shown at various times while posting here, I could only imagine how you would react if your man strayed and it wouldn't be with the philosophical attitude that you are showing at the moment.

Suze

Check your facts. Tony only ever said that he would advise his daughters not to give away "it" too lightly. It is unclear whether "it" means their virginity or just choosing to have sex, but his actual comments bear no relation to your interpretation of them. There is no difference between what he has done and what he suggests his daughters do. While he didn't remain celebate until marriage, having sex was certainly a step that he didn't take too lightly.

How many times do you two need to shown to be wrong before you stop crapping on about double-standards?

Graham

I probably wasn't clear enough with my last post. I do not believe that a person's sex life has anything to do with their work.

I was merely pointing out that I very much doubt you would've approved an identical topic, where it was claimed that Abbott slept his way to the top.

Benk

I don't care about Della-Bosca, Clinton et al - what these men do in their private lives should remain just that as long as no-one is harmed.

This remains a disgusting excuse for a topic.

I second that, Severin. The topic could only have been conceived by a rabid moralist like runner!

Squeers makes me laugh so much

'The topic could only have been conceived by a rabid moralist like runner!'

Most can't see that just about everyone who has posted is a moralist. Give us a break.

Severin, Squeers, et al,

A person's sex life is irrelevant, however, this is not about her sex life, and to try and trivialise the issue is notably by the labor supporters.

This is about her ability to do the right thing in the face of temptation, especially when the results of the decision can hurt other people.