This is a nifty thread - such a variety of ideas and compelling argument. Lexi has made some very good points, and so, I think, has Katie - though I can't agree with all of Katie's conclusions, as I see many failings (both past and present) in a too heavily socialist agenda. I believe that balance is the key; and to hasten slowly. No effective government can live on debt indefinitely, or rely on the Blue Moon just around the corner. You either make opportunity for affordable growth, or you (or WE) live to bear the pain of crisis cutbacks in the future - usually by an incoming change of government, which unfortunately gets the blame. People have such short memories. (Doesn't everyone feel for Barack Obama?)

However, the most telling thing for me in the current situation is that I cannot recall since I began taking any interest in politics, in Ming Menzies' time, when we had such a poor choice of candidates in total on either side of Federal politics, let alone on BOTH sides! I truly despair.

Gough had some good ideas, but rushed in with both barrels blazing and went down in a screaming heap. (He can't really blame Kerr or Fraser.) On the other hand, Hawke was one of our very sanest federal leaders, and he pulled in the unions' and the socialists' 'horns'. Balance; though still leaving a substantial national debt.

The next federal term is not going to be pretty, but if Julia and Wayne still hold the reins we are going to slide into such a hole it will take a full generation to dig our way out. (My assessment.) Already Julia is pumping out more and more promises, most of which can't be kept, in a near manic thrust to retain government in September. Will Aus be fooled into believing. If it looks too good ....! But, Labor has one gleaming light - Bob Carr - who could just sway opinion.

Tough times ahead. (PS - so little comment Poirot?)

Just returning to the subject of the thread, Gillard's attack on Abbott was deliberate and crafted to proof her against criticism.

Her misogyny attack failed because it was simply not credible on so many levels. Julia Gillard herself is not credible to the electorate and especially women who see right through her.

Julia Gillard and her minders infantilise, patronise and abuse women, treating them as easily led automatons. Julia is not a sensitive, empathic person and it shows in her poor judgement concerning women.

Honestly, who was the brains trust who thought it was rather clever to launch a misogyny attack on the male opposition leader in a debate where Julia Gillard herself was defending Slipper for crudely comparing female genitalia to shell-less mussels? Did Julia Gillard's arrogance lead her to imagine that women were too stupid and forgetful to notice that?

Saltpetre,

".....such a poor choice of candidates...on BOTH sides..."

That about sums up my outlook on the current state of federal politics.

I can't get excited about the situation enough to comment at length.

Alas, they're at best "uninspiring" and at worst "repellent".

(good post from you as usual:)

".....such a poor choice of candidates...on BOTH sides..."

Is that intended to totally absolve the Greens from any accountability, while at the same time being the last resort in the defence of the indefensible? What a lark!

There is always Rudd for a fall-back whipping boy for Julia. In fact Julia's camp continues to blame Rudd as well, while demanding that he do his best to hold back the tide against this dreadful prime minister who has brought that very office into disrepute.

".....such a poor choice of candidates...on BOTH sides..."

This is our unfortunate reality. However, if Penny Wong and Bob Carr were both on the Liberal side, under Malcolm Turnbull as leader (Penny as Deputy and Treasurer, Bob in Foreign Affairs and Trade), now there would be a line-up one could place some faith and hope in! (My assessment.) Not that I'm all that keen on Malcolm - but possibly the best of a weird mob. Unfortunately Tony and Joe just don't cut the mustard, IMHO, except maybe as the 'Bobsy Twins' - and I'm a dyed in the wool Lib/Nat! I may be forever cursed for my outrageous opinion of MY chosen mob. Can politics be our new Religion perhaps?

How about we just line them all up, and, like picking sides for a friendly touch-footy or an amateur theatrical, we just say ok, we'll have you, you, and you - and the rest of you, well, thanks for coming and see you later.

Julia's 'misogyny' attack? Pure 'combative' personality to the fore. On whom can she be modelling her personality? Emmeline Pankhurst and the suffragettes, replete with makeover 'schoolmarm' overtures to conjure images of a modern day female Attila, a faux Boadicea or an enobled Jeanne d'Arc? I have a lot of respect for truly capable and inspirational women in high office, but, urgggh, a wolverine that dons the cloak of matronly ewe is nonetheless a serpent 'recumbent'. (Visions of Black Widow beckoning unsuspecting male suitor to the 'lunch' table?)

Hot/cold Julia, a spirit in torment? (And Wayne, faithful, ever-adoring pekinese?)

Katie,

If Labor did not spend like drunken sailors and leave nothing to show for it, the liberals would not have to sell the family silver to balance the budget.

Saltpetre,

Bob Carr from the party of NSW corruption and Penny Wong of Federal financial incompetence would not be welcome in the liberal party or any other reputable organisation.