Good lord what can they mean? It’s been one of those weeks in which the politics of politics resolutely becomes the story. But here, with this little effort, The Australian has gone to the head of the class. What they mean, of course, is that Malcolm Turnbull has reclaimed the natural ascendency that conservatives have when it comes to the discussion of serious things like Economics. Regular readers will recall the doggedness with which the paper held to the notion through last year that whatever the headline polling figures might say, John Howard’s edge as “preferred economic manager” would see the Liberals through.
Yup. This headline says some troubling things about the quality of our political discussion. The fact is that the only economic debate that seems to count in this country is the meta-chat about who said what in talking the whole thing down, about where inflation came from and under whose watch. There is no particular difference in actual economic approach between the two major parties. There is no discussion, other than the sort of cheap inward looking talk that follows an overlong examination of competing navels.
We’d be better served if the discussion got real. People are poor. Kids sleep on the streets. Houses are expensive. Hospitals struggle to cope. Teachers are paid a pittance. Rivers are running dry. The Australian economy bobs like a cork in a turbulent global pool. Regional communities are dysfunctional and in decline. Malcolm Turnbull has reclaimed nothing.
5 Comments
Ah Ha! Someone with the courage to say what I was thinking. I had to feel pleased there was someone with balls taking over the leadership of the Libs. Someone to keep Kevin Rudd from making an absolute fool of himself whenever a naked 12YO girl comes within shooting range of an art photographer. We-well most of us-welcome a bit of strength to give Rudd something positive to do. However at this stage the state of play seems to be . Rudd leads 3 sets to Love, and 5 games to 1 in the 4th set. It’s Deuce, with Turnbull to serve. And most of the crowd has disappeared. “Let calls the umpire!”, another rocket blasts off the racquet. “Footfault” screams the linesman………….
The test for Turnbull will be the flag (see my gavatar) and the republic. I am happy to support a non elected head of state. But would prefer to keep Charles then elect one.
A new`flag would be nice… Must have the southern cross in it. What is Turnbulls position and can he deliver the liberal party vote. or will the bull turn and oppose the flag even if it is not all red. Let the fight begin.
The Australian is of course really trying to say Vote 1 vote Liberal as it always does. A complete unknown could have taken over the leadership and the headline would be much the same. They know their story is nonsense, it is simply a confection to raise up the Liberal party in the polls. Wonder when the Liberal Party logo will appear on the front page.
Ahh The Australian and it’s bias – Well the preferred Prime Minister (or popularity) polls are in and Mr Turnbull has clearly been declared a good thing for the Liberals – Quite a jump in the ratings over Mr (Dr) Nelson and a sure sign that his removal was to this point a good thing for the Liberal Party. I note with some interest tinged with delight the rush by both Mr Turnbull and Mr Rudd to claim the higher ground on who had the poorest childhood. Time for a reality check here Mr Turnbull – You can’t expect us honest punters to buy the farm (Sorry Mr Rudd – No pun intended) on this one – How can you hope to measure your single parent private school education in a social elite neighbourhood and all it’s important connections against a poor farmers son evicted from the land. You are as far removed from knowing true hardship as you can be. So on this count Mr Rudd wins – Time to move on and show us what you bring to the table today (aside from the rhetoric). It should be interesting and of course welcome.