Now I have observed that Arthur Sinodinos will be playing an important role in regard to Coalition policy, one of the sharpest people I have observed in terms of awareness of politics and policy,
I am sure that the Coalition will have an effective campaign which combines reminding people of the past and new policy ideas that will make some appeal. After all, he helped Howard win three elections.

In any case, given that Abbott destroyed Gillard in the 2004 health debate and saw of two prime ministers, I feel he is being written off far too early.

Time will tell.

"Why Abbott is scared to debate the economy."

http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/4809588.html

Who, Who, WHOOOO?

A public debate between the two men would help.
Lexi,
I have asked quite a few intelligent people the same question & the unanimous answer was along the lines of Tony Abbott is the preferred candidate & they are intelligent enough to not need a debate because they have already seen the performance of Rudd & Co.

Goggle too has a good story on Abbott failing to debate.
However Chris get ready to feel your pain.
If it is Abbott that faces Rudd.
A host of good reasons exist to support the under dog being a sort after tag in this country.
I think premature gloating turns Australians off.

We need to wait.

Of course, there will be debate/s before the election, but Abbott is not going to beckon to Rudd's every call.

Abbott and his advisors will have some sort of strategy.

Again, give him some credit as a pretty successful Opposition leader.

And, given there has been a lack of policy detail so far, it may well be that policies by the Coalition later rather than sooner will make greater appeal.

More important to me, however, is what sort of policy mix will emerge from the upcoming political battle between the two major parties.

Chris,

I suppose I can't blame you or assuming that Mr Abbott has some sort of strategy...something of substance that will catch Rudd on the back foot and reveal the splendour that awaits us in the form of a Coalition masterstroke.

Can't see it myself.

The way it looks to me is that Mr Abbott seems to have hitched a ride on the coat tails of Ms Gillards odium.

In this recent interview he appears to be campaigning for Howard and Howard's policies.

http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2013/s3798648.htm

That's about the strength of it, I'm afraid.

He's a mediocre pollie who found himself in the top job in fortuitous times (for him).

Unfortunately, now that he really has to stump up and provide some substance, he's exposed for his lack of it.