I agree that Rudd has been terrible, but the thought of allowing Abbott anywhere near the levers of government is distressing.

Everything is relative… Compared to the stench of Rudd, Abbott is a breath of fresh air.

That Keating quote Fleeced posted makes me miss Keating.

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In the end I would probably hold my nose and vote Liberal, but there hasn’t been an election in my lifetime where I was more horrified by the choices, at least as they stand at the moment.

That Keating quote Fleeced posted makes me miss Keating.

Funny thing is despite my strong pro-choice views I don’t think there’s much he’s said that I’d disagree too much with. Like I’m pro-choice, not pro-abortion. I think the fact that a lot of women has abortions is something of a tragedy- especially if those women do so without properly considering how it’ll effect them emotionally. It isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly and I’d advise most women NOT to terminate. But it is still their choice.

And he’s right to point out Rudd’s strong religious views. The internet filter. The gay marriage debate. Even some of his quotes don’t inspire a lot of confidence.

It seems amongst the many groups and blogs urging people to protest against the ETS, so too was “Catch the Fire Ministries” (the same mob who made those idiotic comments about the “Black Saturday” bushfires).

Naturally, this is evidence that the whole thing was orchestrated by hardline conservative Christians – and is further evidence that Tony is the mad monk.

It was expected they were going to brand Abbott in this way, much as they have done in the past, but putting the whole ETS thing under the same banner is a new low.

Speaking of the “mad monk” image, this was from a recent interview with Laurie Oakes – I thought Abbott did quite well:

LAURIE OAKES: I don’t want to turn this into a religious inquisition so to speak, but I’d like to ask you one question: do you believe in evolution?

TONY ABBOTT: Yes. But I don’t want to turn it into a religious inquisition either, Laurie.

LAURIE OAKES: No, that’s my only question, my only religious question.

TONY ABBOTT: Yeah, but Laurie look, you’re asking me religious questions – you’ve never asked Kevin Rudd that question, have you?

LAURIE OAKES: No, but it’s an idea.

TONY ABBOTT: But why not?

LAURIE OAKES: Well I will.

TONY ABBOTT: Because Kevin Rudd’s religious views are not so different from mine. You wouldn’t ask Kristina Keneally that question.

LAURIE OAKES: But those people haven’t been nicknamed by their critics things like Captain Catholic, so it is something people wonder about you. I think it’s important to clarify.

TONY ABBOTT: But the point I’m making, Laurie, is my religious views, they’re personal, they’re not there in the political market place, and they’re very similar…

LAURIE OAKES: Except to the extent you’ve put them there.

TONY ABBOTT: Well I don’t do doorstops in front of church, Laurie. I mean if there’s one person who has put religion front and centre in the public square, to use his phrase, it’s Kevin Rudd, so please, next time Kevin’s here, grill him on evolution and all these other subjects.

Another 11 coalition seats have a margin of 1.5% or less, and so are very vulnerable to a swing to Labor. On current polls, they would lose an extra 13 seats (on top of the five lost through redistribution).

To win government, the Liberals need a uniform swing of about 2.5%.

I can’t recall what I posted on the subject at the time, but I was certainly surprised how quickly it was all over on election night.

The Libs wouldn’t win an election tomorrow, but I think if they campaign effectively (a big ask right there) against ETS, as well as issues like boat people, and hammer Rudd for economic mismanagement, that they’ll have a chance. That’s a lot of qualifications – so I’m not exactly betting the house on a Lib win

That said, I do believe the polls are exaggerated. Firstly, they’re already outdated by the time they come out – there’s been a clear shift in public sentiment against the warm-earthers, and one that I don’t think is yet finished.

Secondly, there is a type of Bradley effect at play here. The climate change movement has become so religious in its intensity, with opponents decried as deniers, that support is likely lower than polls would indicate… so whilst ALP would still win an election tomorrow, I highly doubt they’d pick up 20 seats.

Thirdly, the shift in attitudes mentioned earlier has occurred without a political party championing the cause. Some leadership on this could certainly turn things around before the next election.

Honestly, I can’t remember if you were or not. But I know a few people around here didn’t believe the polls that had constantly been predicting very similar results to what actually happened in 2007.

If an election was tomorrow Labor and the polls for the last year have been accurate (likely) they would win cleanly with an increased majority and as Kev says potentially with 20 more MPs.

I don’t think Abbott has what it takes to take down Rudd. Hockey might. Abbott can be an effective opposition leader until 2013, though. I still miss Costello, though. He was alright.