Absolutely correct P , and they were the same sex, i think.
A lot of people put foot in mouth after speaking.

Poirot,

I must have missed that. I was overseas during part of the Howard era, so won't dispute you on that
George w.Bush was an idiot- a damaging one too. Can't think why Howard would cosy up to such a man.

Hasbeen,

<why don't you call it as it is>. You cracked me up with that short observation. Still laughing!

What qualities give the inside running to be Labor leader? In order of importance (some suggestions),

1. Fabian
2. Union certified
3. Follows orders (see 2 above)
4. Superficially anti-capitalism and anti-American when at home

- Although some here would put lesbian (converted is OK) and membership of Emily's List first and second.

What qualities detract when a pollie is in the running to be Labor Leader?

"...Superficially anti-capitalism and anti-American when at home."

Pull the other one, onthebeach, the two majors are pretty well neck and neck in the decadent-democratic-consumer-tradition of pork barrelese. It's difficult for some of us to imagine who we're going to vote for because Labor in many respects is neo-liberal up to its armpits.

How can you be "anti-American when at home?

You know they invented the radio telegraph some time ago - it goes all the way to America (and there's a rumour that dem dere sattylites are pretty sharp for communicatin' too) - no secrets.

What's with the lesbian reference - or is that you being scintillatingly witty?

You have no helping or hindering qualities to list?

So be it. Next please!

Wait a bit! Sorry, you did list "neo-liberal" as a deal breaker.