An incomplete revolution: Liberal edition

Tuesday, 15 September 2015   Political figures, State of the parties   12 comments 

In the spirit of inclusiveness Turnbull looks ready to accommodate all positions except his own.

Leadership watch: Morrison on 730

Friday, 14 August 2015   Political figures   24 comments 

Having someone who can telegraph that he is with them in sprit, and maybe notch up at least a few policy successes in practice, might just have to do.

Fraser

Monday, 23 March 2015   Political figures   12 comments 

It’s been said that history shouldn’t be read backwards, but that’s the only way it can be done, and the furious re-writing of Fraser’s government, not least by the man himself, naturally says more about the preoccupations and defensiveness of the political scene today than what happened then.

Whitlam

Wednesday, 22 October 2014   Political figures, The Australian state   18 comments 

It’s perhaps for the best that Gough’s not around to see the hash they’ll make of it.

Rudd

Thursday, 14 November 2013   Political figures   32 comments 

Rudd’s departure does not mean the Australian political system will be any less vulnerable to an anti-political attack either from within or without. It’s just that it is unlikely next time it will be done with such panache.

Unity – an update

Monday, 14 October 2013   Political figures, State of the parties   15 comments 

Into a vacuum could step somebody that has never made a point of standing for anything (or behind anyone) in particular. From that angle, Labor might have just found its best candidate.

The Rudd effect

Monday, 1 July 2013   Media analysis, Political figures, Tactics   53 comments 

The lack of a convincing reason on the source of Rudd’s popularity, is not because political commentators are thick, but because the answer is uncomfortable.

No solution without revolution

Monday, 18 February 2013   Political figures, State of the parties   42 comments 

It will be the breakdown of the factional system that will be the necessary precondition for the return of Rudd, but not sufficient.

Degeneration

Wednesday, 10 October 2012   Political figures   21 comments 

It is wonderful to see such bipartisanship at work in our Parliament behind the personal attacks.

There is no third candidate

Monday, 27 February 2012   Political figures, State of the parties, Tactics   14 comments 

Whether they like it or not Rudd is the only one in Labor with enough popular support to be a battering ram against those holding power and who are the ultimate target of reform.

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