Essential Research: 56-44 to Coalition
The latest weekly Essential Research survey shows no change on last week, bar a one point drop in the Greens vote to 10 per cent: the Coalition is on 49 per cent of the primary vote and Labor on 32 per cent, with the Coalition’s two-party lead at 56-44. Essential also found plenty of interesting questions to ask about the Labor leadership. Respondents were asked to evaluate the performance of various actors during the challenge, with Kevin Rudd coming out least badly (33 per cent good, 35 per cent poor), “Labor Party ministers” the worst (10 per cent and 52 per cent), the media also very poorly (14 per cent and 43 per cent), Julia Gillard not well at all (23 per cent and 49 per cent) and Tony Abbott hardly better even if it might be hard to recall what he did exactly (25 per cent and 40 per cent).
Sixty-two per cent of respondents said the leadership challenge was bad for the government and 47 per cent that it has made them less likely to vote Labor (64 per cent among Coalition supporters, obviously including many who wouldn’t vote Labor in a pink fit), against 13 per cent who said it was a good thing and another 13 per cent (or perhaps the same 13 per cent) who they were more likely to vote Labor. A question on Kevin Rudd’s future produces a miraculously even three-way split with 29 per cent saying he should stay in parliament and again challenge for the leadership, 28 per cent saying he should stay in parliament and not challenge for the leadership and 30 per cent saying he should resign from parliament.
Respondents were asked to indicate whether they supported the Australian system of leaders being elected by MPs (36 per cent), American-style presidential primaries (31 per cent) and British-style election by both MPs and party members (11 per cent). Fifty-six per cent believed MPs should be guided by public opinion in leadership contests against 30 per cent by who they believed was the best person. The poll also points to a slight increase in support for an early election since the end of January, up three to 44 per cent with support for a completed term down two to 46 per cent.
We have also had Newspoll publish results from last week’s polling on the most important political issues and the best party to handle them. Such figures are invariably very closely associated with voting intention, and since this was a 53-47 poll result, it finds Labor improving considerably since the question was last asked as part of the poll of October 7-9, which was a 57-43 result. Labor has recovered big leads on its traditional strong suits of health, education, industrial relations and climate change, and closed the gap on the economy, interest rates and national security. Full tables from GhostWhoVotes.
Categories: Federal Politics 2010-
Who for Gus? You or the animals?
by Darn on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:35 pm
From Fantasy Land
__________
A witty comment from the USA on the Mad Republican candidates and their taste for war(with others doing the bleeding and the dying !)
http://niqnaq.wordpress.com/2012/03/07/and-a-rousing-sieg-heil-to-you-too-rick-baby/
by deblonay on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:36 pm
darn
thanx
at this time of night, i really needed that
by gusface on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:37 pm
Has Pegasus ever confirmed his/her sex? I’ve never seen it.
Therefore it’s a rather large stretch (nonsensical even, but anyways), to assert that comments made about Pegasus can in any way be attributed to the Prime Minister.
And WTF with Pauline Hanson? Do I need to remind folk that it was daretoread who hypocritically demanded an end to fat jokes, while simultaneously posting sexist comments about childless women? Which, as it happened needlessly offended at least one commenter, for which DDT has yet to apologise for his/her comments?
by confessions on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:38 pm
fess
peg is female
by gusface on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:40 pm
DDT, Confessions? I thought that was toxic and should be banned.
by Fulvio Sammut on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:40 pm
William
Right from the time when Gillard became PM there have been quite a lot of quite patronizing comments, amusing in that the ageing males who made them did not even understand that they WERE sexist and in a way have contributed to Gillard’s lack of “gravitas”
“go girl” and endless references to rangas are the two that almost make me puke, since they are inherently sexist. I cannot imagine any one using the term ranga for a guy. Or indeed saying “go guy” (although to be fair I can imagine Doogie saying “c’mon laddie”).
PS the reason I am raising this NOW is that in the past it would just have got wrapped up in the Gillard/ Rudd issue.
by daretotread on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:42 pm
OMG
the pain, it reasonates across the webby
by gusface on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:44 pm
Gus:
I’m naturally hesitant to ask such questions of other comments. I prefer gender non-specific address unless people openly refer to being male or female.
From my observation, Pegasus hasn’t done this, hence my referral to him/her as…well, him/her.
by confessions on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:48 pm
Fulvio:
I’m sorry, I don’t understand?
by confessions on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:49 pm
fess
alonga time ago
anyways, its not the issue
Dare Tot is just launching herrings
by gusface on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:50 pm
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/i-dont-object-to-man-love-shadow-treasurer-joe-hockey/story-fn7x8me2-1226292609899
by Leroy on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:50 pm
Confessions
Once again you confirm your inability to read and comprehend. I made and never have or would make any adverse comment about a childless women or man. However I can and will say that lack of children narrows or at least radically changes) social networks. This matters not one tiny drop for any average man or woman. It may matter to any one who wishes to be a politician.
However while subtlety and nuance is not your strong suit, please note that saying something narrows social networks does not make it impossible or in appropriate or any other thing. BUT it is a disadvantage.
Confessions your inability or unwillingness to comprehend such subtleties is the reason that you are pack leader for a group of people with totalitarian thought patterns. My way or the high way, black and white, no shades of grey.
Oh and if you mean MySay I clearly pointed out that as her daughter is not a politician my comments in no way applied to her.
by daretotread on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:50 pm
When I was a kid I used to enjoy a sweet called a humbug.
PB somehow tonight reawakens memories of humbugs I have known.
by Fulvio Sammut on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:52 pm
Not politics, but for all the arachnophobes out there:
http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/top-stories/spiders-spin-wet-blanket-over-wagga-wagga/story-e6frg12l-1226291629680
Seriously weird universe we live in.
by imacca on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:53 pm
fulvio
bullseyes for me
the pommy ones, not the ersatz Oz ones
by gusface on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:53 pm
gusface,
Not to my knowledge. I have never divulged my gender on PB. At one time, you just made an assumption.
by Pegasus on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:54 pm
‘Fess, your post #2103. Did you intend to refer to the person or the chemical? (last line)
by Fulvio Sammut on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:55 pm
peg
OK
status updated
by gusface on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:55 pm
For those interested in the Assange case:
http://newmatilda.com/2012/03/07/assange-counts-down-sweden
by Pegasus on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:56 pm
DTT
Not questioning your sincerity but I beg to differ about “go girl” being “inherently sexist” at least when said by women, as I think mostly it has been here. Pride by a woman in another woman’s achievements certainly ain’t sexist in a society where women have been and remain the ones on the wrong end of inequality.
And for that matter I’d allow a certain vicarious pride from myself and other male supporters of women achieving things hitherto denied to them.
Of course, I would not dare to say “go girl” to the PM’s face myself …
by Marrickville Mauler on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:57 pm
Peg
I think you did. Genuinely very sorry if I have “outed” you – I am pretty sure that you did indicate you were female – I remembered because I was surprised.
by daretotread on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:58 pm
DDT
Without wanting to become embroiled in a war of words on sexism (which I deplore, whatever the gender of the person doing it) Julia Gillard has often good naturedly referred to herself as a “ranga” and I remember her sharing a good laugh with Kerry O’Brien one night with a comment to the effect that it had been a good day for rangas. Also, the term “you go girl” is more often than not used by women to encourage other women. I have seen it used many times on shows like Oprah Winfrey and The View.
by Darn on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:59 pm
MM
Obviously it is less sexist when said by a woman to or about another although I must admit I loathe it when grown women refer to each other as girls but that is just me.
However when an older man says it about a younger woman it really is not so much sexist as patriarchal and should be avoided.
by daretotread on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:01 am
imacca#2114 – yes but they didnt have a photo of spiders on railway tracks or a discussion of impact of spiders on freight rail vs very fast passenger train! Is that too much to ask?
by Marrickville Mauler on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:01 am
DDT,
I am scrupulous in my communication here not to reveal my gender and always use non-gender specific language.
I have never stated that “I am a male” or “I am a female”. I just let people run with their assumption without correcting them, as I believe what gender I am is totally irrelevant.
by Pegasus on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:03 am
W.
T.
F.
it is the full moon,a day early
by gusface on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:03 am
fair point DTT #2123, I would only say “go girl” about women who are older than me and who I know well enough to know they wouldnt mind, and the PM is not in either of those categories
by Marrickville Mauler on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:04 am
Well, it’s way past my bed time.
Good night all
by Pegasus on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:05 am
DDT:
How amusement that you should preach to others about reading and comprehension and subtlety and nuance!
Your comments about childless women were that they can’t connect with other people, which in your eyes (and words, as it happens) makes them unsuitable for public office. As far as I know your comment is still there (couched in terms of setting the cat amongst the pigeons IIRC – how trollment), so others can find it if they so choose.
Your insensitive and ignorant comment brought back memories for crikey whitey, who braved the online world to report a highly personal account of hers to counter your ignorance and intolerance. Not that you care, as you’ve not had the common decency to even apologise to her for your remarks – which were clearly designed to take pot shots at Gillard, despite the unintended consequences they may have had.
by confessions on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:06 am
Pegasus
I ABSOLUTELY understand and do not myself reveal my gender. I really do apologise for my assumption. Finns was irritating me with his silly put downs of you and I felt like weighing in. Sorry if I have stirred the pot.
by daretotread on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:06 am
“go girl”
is used by my daughter a lot
in fact whenever she sees or reads of a woman kicking down the barriers
that is her response
of course oprah is to blame
by gusface on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:08 am
Fulvio:
Oh, I see. I’m sure there’s a line there somewhere…..
by confessions on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:10 am
Pegasus @ 2116
I recall you identifying as female.
Maybe you did not make a declaration but you certainly said something to imply that you were.
by bemused on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:13 am
Dichlodiphenltrichloroethane is not a poster on PB.
by Fulvio Sammut on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:13 am
Fulvio
how certain are u?
by gusface on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:14 am
thanks gus #2131, note I did out myself as a boy and as being further over 50 than the PM there, also earlier I outed myself as a railfan, oh dear it really must be the full moon , goodnight all
by Marrickville Mauler on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:14 am
Whereas staying at home where one belongs with children really really broadens ones horizons … lolz
by WeWantPaul on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:15 am
spoken like a true 6.5 stars
10/10 fess
by gusface on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:15 am
The discussion has gotten rather too personal. Can we please reset and find things to talk about other than each other.
by William Bowe on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:16 am
bilbo
ok
lets talk about 9/11
by gusface on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:17 am
Apropos of not much, “you go girl” was used affectionately between my cohort of gay male friends back in the day, and I think is still something used as a camp/humourous comment to or from slightly camp gay men to each other or to women, and not meant or (generally) taken as offensive.
Probably another one of those things where context is everything…
by Jackol on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:17 am
jackol
i first heard it when swmbo was watching oprah yonks ago
when i say it, my daughter goes all embarassment
by gusface on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:20 am
Obsessions
I suggest you read yes READ what I wrote. No where does the term Cannot appear any where. NO WHERE. I was simply stating the bleeding obvious.
Once again Crikey Whitey CHOSE to raise here very moving and deeply disturbing story. I have advised he how moving her story was. However my comments were about politicians NOT women and would stand whatever I said
Oh and just to help you grasp the point – 22 year old graduates who have never been in a long term relationship make pretty lousy marriage guidance counselors, and people who cannot drive a re pain when they tell you how to drive. Devotees of classical music who have never listed to a popular record are probably NOT ideal to be asked to organise the rock concert for the council. Now each of these people POSSIBLY could do these jobs fantastically but they start with a disadvantage. Can you understand my point?
I think that every spin maestro and politician actually understand this point hence the reason family and kids are dragged out on campaigns.
However Obsessions my friend saying it matters (A BIT) does not mean it should not be tried. Helen Clarke managed it and very successfully. However if you are seriously interested in elections it DOES matter. May be not a lot but A BIT
This is what I actually said. Any yes perhaps I was stirring a bit because I predicted the rather inane reaction that I got. You never cease to disappoint me.
by daretotread on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:21 am
DDT
It is very common for grown men to refer to each other as “boys” just as women will often refer to each other as girls. I have always regarded it as a term of affection or endearment.
I also remember former Victorian Premier Joan Kirner regularly referring to her male counterparts as “boys” but complaining whenever they used the term “girls” when referring to women. That inconsistency struck me at the time as being a form of sexism.
by Darn on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:21 am
fess
u seem to be the target for tonight
why?
by gusface on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:23 am
Ummm
what is ur point
??????????????????
by gusface on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:25 am
Time for some shut eye. Nite all.
by Darn on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:26 am
IS someone here also Ann of WA?
by Fulvio Sammut on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:26 am
Pegasus quite a few years ago when I started posting on blogs most people thought I was a female, I didn’t use the same nic then, and it was a bit of fun for a while. There were a few surprised people when they found out I was a male. Obviously my feminine side dominates when I write. I’m not sure gender is all that relevant when you are engaging in highly intelligent in depth discussions about the major issues confronting society such as we engage in on PB.
by DavidWH on Mar 8, 2012 at 12:26 am