I saw Bill Shorton on a repeat of Kitchen Cabinet last night. It was the hardest interview I’ve seen Crabb do. Awkward, stilted, forced smiles, and mostly, nothing to say.

The most obvious question from the interview in why is Shorton there? He was parachuted into a safe Labor seat, was given a minor portfolio -disabilities - and did, actually, make something of it. The NDIS is a big, transformational Labor policy for people with disabilities and their carers.

But Shorton struggled to define what he truly stands for beyond naked ambition. He struggled to articulate any passions or much of a sense of himself at all.

The big question is how did he get there? He must have some political skills. Shorton is clearly a fixer, not a maddie. He came across as privaledged, spoilt and dull. I doubt he’ll ever want to see footage of that interview again.

How could he possibly be Prime Minister? I actually think Tony Abbott has more skill and depth.

Karnal wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 8:35am:

How could he possibly be Prime Minister? I actually think Tony Abbott has more skill and depth.

Tony Abbott is PM - Have you seen some of the Abbott interviews, everything from admitted lies and absolute silence to literally running away - anything is possible.

Maybe someone with a bit of integrity who isn't a blabber mouth may be what we need.

Quote:

The most obvious question from the interview in why is Shorton there?

Installed by the ACTU....

I thought it crazy that Labor went with Shorten over Albanese.

Swagman wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 8:46am:

Quote: The most obvious question from the interview in why is Shorton there? Installed by the ACTU.... I thought it crazy that Labor went with Shorten over Albanese.

Yes I would have gone for Albo as well but Shorten seems ok.

Dnarever wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 8:50am:

Swagman wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 8:46am: Quote: The most obvious question from the interview in why is Shorton there? Installed by the ACTU.... I thought it crazy that Labor went with Shorten over Albanese. Yes I would have gone for Albo as well but Shorten seems ok.

It's a numbers game. Albo's from the left, Shorton's from the right. But I did think at the time of the vote that Shorton was more electable.

I believe Shorton also won the branch members's vote, who now get 50% of the say.

Since becoming leader, however, Shorton seems to have frozen up. This isn't just the minders telling him what to say or do, it's a visceral sense of fear.

Gillard had it when she became PM (the "real Juliar"), Howard had it when he became PM too. The difference with both these leaders is they were able to overcome this initial fear, based on their experience in parliamentary politics. They both went on to be formidable leaders. Gillard certainly came out fighting. Howard came out in his tentative, cautious way, always strategizing, but always by all accounts a fairly decent person.

The question of "judgement", for Keating, is about experience. People learn from their mistakes and their victories. This influences their decision making.

Shorton, however, has not had this political experience. This leads to his lack of confidence, which can be a good thing if you're in a job where you can delegate everything. The office of Prime Minister is not that job. The only experience Shorton has had is as a junior minister.

Abbott, on the other hand, has not learned from his experience. Essentially, he has had no great failures. This has shaped the hubris that could allow Abbott to promise so much, to brand himself as a politician who keeps his promises, and then break every one of those promises. Abbott never learned from his own criticism of Labor: that politics (and leadership) is essentially about trust. As a fighter, however, Abbott has learned to take the blows. Abbott is able to change his opponent at will. For Abbott, the enemy is no longer Labor, it's the voters.

Shorton is no fighter, he's a fixer, a numbers-man. I seriously doubt Shorton will ever bring Labor into office. He struggles to present an argument, and he can't, as yet, articulate an alternative vision. Australia needs this vision. We're in a period of economic transition. Transition to where?

This is no criticism of Shorton. Parties need fixers. Bill Shorton is simply the wrong man for the job of opposition leader, and especially PM. Leaders, of course,  grow into this role, but I don't get the sense from Shorton that he can. He has not, as yet, had enough challenges. He has not had the experience that shapes good judgement.

Dnarever wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 8:41am:

Karnal wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 8:35am: How could he possibly be Prime Minister? I actually think Tony Abbott has more skill and depth. Tony Abbott is PM - Have you seen some of the Abbott interviews, everything from admitted lies and absolute silence to literally running away - anything is possible. Maybe someone with a bit of integrity who isn't a blabber mouth may be what we need.

huhum you forget where he came from the UNION..

PLUS he also STABBED A PM IN THE BACK NOT ONCE BUT TWICE>

your idea of INTEGRITY is lost on me.

oops not forgetting what he did to his ex  WIFE...and what he did to Paul Howes...

he is a creep of the worst kind.. and you say he has INTEGRITY>>

your standards are so low.

Albos gone right off the radar....

Shorten will never be PM, in the charisma stakes he even falls short of Abbot and has none of the marketable "action image " which turns a certain section of the electorate on so much. He must be rolled before the next election or he will lose the un losable for the ALP.

cods wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 10:23am:

huhum you forget where he came from the UNION..

Are you under the impression that everything about Unions is bad, and that all officials are corrupt?  If so, why?



cods wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 10:23am:

... and you say he has INTEGRITY>>

When did he say that?

I've never liked Shorten & frankly I don't think it's fear, it's laziness.

Instead of just doing nothing he should be modelling himself on certain aspects of Tony Abbott Opposition leader.

Not the no policy part but the relentless attack dog on every stumble of the incumbent.(well maybe not EVERY, one party can only cover so many per day)

At this point his sitting back & watching Abbott self destruct, the problem with that is Tony could well turn himself around & seeing as all his gaffs so far have been let slide the general public is likely to have forgotten about the last shambolic 16 months.

Albo also won the members but lost the party vote re leadership, so the punters were ripped off again.


Quote:

Mr Shorten's support among his fellow MPs enabled him to overcome weaker support among the party membership. He won 55 of the 86 votes in caucus – amounting to the support of 63.95 per cent of his colleagues. Combined with the support of 40.08 per cent of the party membership, Mr Shorten prevailed with an overall vote of 52.02 per cent. A total of 30,426 party members voted in the election, representing about 74 per cent of the rank and file. Mr Albanese attracted 18,230 rank-and-file votes to Mr Shorten's 12,196.

Swagman wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 8:46am:

Quote: The most obvious question from the interview in why is Shorton there? Installed by the ACTU.... I thought it crazy that Labor went with Shorten over Albanese.

quiet swag, as lao Tzu says ," when thy enemy is making mistakes , say nothing".

labor need to win back the suburban battlers. Rudd, Gillard (a flying visit to Rooty Hill :D :D), Shorten,

these people have Zero street cred in the burbs.

elections are won in western Sydney.

Albo or the retired Martin Ferguson could have carried these areas for labor.
Shorten would just get into an argument with the pie lady ;)

aquascoot wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 10:39am:

labor need to win back the suburban battlers. Rudd, Gillard ... , Shorten, these people have Zero street cred in the burbs. elections are won in western Sydney.

The local Dymocks book shop, in the Perth CBD, has book signings every now and then.

John Howard had a reasonable queue of people lining up to meet him.

Matthew Reilly had an even bigger queue.

The queue to meet Julia Gillard, however, stretched for the entire length of the Hay St Mall, and stayed that way for at least 3 hours.

You underestimate the appeal and street cred of Ms Gillard.

greggerypeccary wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 10:51am:

aquascoot wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 10:39am: labor need to win back the suburban battlers. Rudd, Gillard ... , Shorten, these people have Zero street cred in the burbs. elections are won in western Sydney. The local Dymocks book shop, in the Perth CBD, has book signings every now and then. John Howard had a reasonable queue of people lining up to meet him. Matthew Reilly had an even bigger queue. The queue to meet Julia Gillard, however, stretched for the entire length of the Hay St Mall, and stayed that way for at least 3 hours. You underestimate the appeal and street cred of Ms Gillard.

could be some thought she might tell what went on behind the doors..... but I dont think she did.. Latham wrote a thriller when he lost his job....gillard we think wrote a poor me boo hoo book...

::) ::) ::)

greggerypeccary wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 10:32am:

cods wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 10:23am: huhum you forget where he came from the UNION.. Are you under the impression that everything about Unions is bad, and that all officials are corrupt?  If so, why? MOSTLY how many ROYAL COMMISSIONS INTO THEM??>> cods wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 10:23am: ... and you say he has INTEGRITY>> When did he say that?

dna was comparing shortarse to Tony ABbott.. that where...

you read it your way I will read it mine....

btw kruddy said he had too much INTEGRITY to ever challenge gillard again.. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

only about a month before he did.. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

cods wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 10:56am:

.gillard we think wrote a poor me boo hoo book...

So you haven't read it?

So much bile from an old dear, your ulcer must be causing you havoc.

Take an Aspro & go for walk in the garden, take time to smell the flowers.

Come on smithy. Less of that please.

I wonder if Juliar released her book as a drivetime "talking book" for the visually impaired.

The US military would be interested in her narration being played at Gauntanamo to the prisoners. that may be considered cruel and unusual punishment though ;)

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 11:13am:

Come on smithy. Less of that please.

What health non medical advice?

Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 11:03am:

cods wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 10:56am: .gillard we think wrote a poor me boo hoo book... So you haven't read it?

Yes, that seems obvious.

I read it last weekend, and was pleasantly surprised.

Not a bad read.  Not bad at all.

aquascoot wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 10:39am:

Swagman wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 8:46am: Quote: The most obvious question from the interview in why is Shorton there? Installed by the ACTU.... I thought it crazy that Labor went with Shorten over Albanese. quiet swag, as lao Tzu says ," when thy enemy is making mistakes , say nothing". labor need to win back the suburban battlers. Rudd, Gillard (a flying visit to Rooty Hill :D :D), Shorten, these people have Zero street cred in the burbs. elections are won in western Sydney. Albo or the retired Martin Ferguson could have carried these areas for labor. Shorten would just get into an argument with the pie lady ;)

Martin Ferguson has a speech impediment. Albo's just Albo - they'd be whinging about him in a few weeks too, believe it.

greggerypeccary wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 10:51am:

aquascoot wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 10:39am: labor need to win back the suburban battlers. Rudd, Gillard ... , Shorten, these people have Zero street cred in the burbs. elections are won in western Sydney. The local Dymocks book shop, in the Perth CBD, has book signings every now and then. John Howard had a reasonable queue of people lining up to meet him. Matthew Reilly had an even bigger queue. The queue to meet Julia Gillard, however, stretched for the entire length of the Hay St Mall, and stayed that way for at least 3 hours. You underestimate the appeal and street cred of Ms Gillard.

you measure appeal by book signings now????  Gillard took the Labor party to unprecedented levels of unpopularity with primary dropping as low as 26%, fully 8% lower than the Whitlam disaster.  She was then rolled and the labor party's vote immediately took a major increase which still had it lose in a landslide.

Gillard never won an election.  Howard won four.

longweekend58 wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 12:02pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 10:51am: aquascoot wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 10:39am: labor need to win back the suburban battlers. Rudd, Gillard ... , Shorten, these people have Zero street cred in the burbs. elections are won in western Sydney. The local Dymocks book shop, in the Perth CBD, has book signings every now and then. John Howard had a reasonable queue of people lining up to meet him. Matthew Reilly had an even bigger queue. The queue to meet Julia Gillard, however, stretched for the entire length of the Hay St Mall, and stayed that way for at least 3 hours. You underestimate the appeal and street cred of Ms Gillard. you measure appeal by book signings now????

Yes.

It's one way of measuring appeal, which was clearly demonstrated in my excellent post.

appeal: "The power of attracting or of arousing interest".

People wouldn't line up for hours, in the hot summer sun, if there was nothing of interest on offer.

Who's Bill Shorten ? is he the one honouring himself as the leader of the extinct Labor party ?

I'm no fan of shorten.  But no one is as stupid as tony.  A mute pidgeon makes a better  PM than tony.

longweekend58 wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 12:02pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 10:51am: aquascoot wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 10:39am: labor need to win back the suburban battlers. Rudd, Gillard ... , Shorten, these people have Zero street cred in the burbs. elections are won in western Sydney. The local Dymocks book shop, in the Perth CBD, has book signings every now and then. John Howard had a reasonable queue of people lining up to meet him. Matthew Reilly had an even bigger queue. The queue to meet Julia Gillard, however, stretched for the entire length of the Hay St Mall, and stayed that way for at least 3 hours. You underestimate the appeal and street cred of Ms Gillard. you measure appeal by book signings now????  Gillard took the Labor party to unprecedented levels of unpopularity with primary dropping as low as 26%, fully 8% lower than the Whitlam disaster.  She was then rolled and the labor party's vote immediately took a major increase which still had it lose in a landslide. Gillard never won an election.  Howard won four.

We if Gillard also sold out future generations in order to bribe the electorate than she's probably also win 4 elections.  12 years of throwing money at people and doing nothing else. Wonderful stuff.

sir prince duke alevine wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 12:20pm:

I'm no fan of shorten.  But no one is as stupid as tony.  A mute pidgeon makes a better  PM than tony.

So then, we have two leaders of no use to Australia ... confirms my belief that both parties are kaput and we'll all have to start thinking of a new way to govern the nation, something that's better than LibLab Mob Rule

Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 11:28am:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 11:13am: Come on smithy. Less of that please. What health non medical advice?

Andrei gets protective of Cods ... she can get as hysterical as she likes, but tell her she's doing so and Andrei gets his knickers all tangled up  :D :D :D

John Smith wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 12:39pm:

Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 11:28am: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 11:13am: Come on smithy. Less of that please. What health non medical advice? Andrei gets protective of Cods ... she can get as hysterical as she likes, but tell her she's doing so and Andrei gets his knickers all tangled up  :D :D :D

Cods & I have a love/hate relationship

I look upon her as a crotchety old Aunt who I argue with & have done so for well over a decade now.

I like to give her a prod every now & then, it usually results in a hysterical rant which is comedy gold to read ;)

However she seems to have hit the ignore feature on me lately.

Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 12:46pm:

However she seems to have hit the ignore feature on me lately.

don't take it personnally, she's just going through a 'Skippy' phase  ;D ;D

Bias_2012 wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 12:36pm:

sir prince duke alevine wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 12:20pm: I'm no fan of shorten.  But no one is as stupid as tony.  A mute pidgeon makes a better  PM than tony. So then, we have two leaders of no use to Australia ... confirms my belief that both parties are kaput and we'll all have to start thinking of a new way to govern the nation, something that's better than LibLab Mob Rule

Benevolent Diktator Emperor Grappler I of Greater Austrasia?

Sounds good  - when do I start?

cods is actually a nice old biddy.

Longy is abusive.

Quote:

Abbott faces Bill Shorten, at this stage still an essentially colourless politician without charisma, identification with values or principles or capacity to articulate ideals or to stir the public passions. Abbott has tried to portray him as weak, spineless and disloyal, a creature of the Labor machine, and a creature of the union hierarchies. Voters may agree, but, it seems, would rather him than Abbott.

http://www.smh.com.au/comment/prime-minister-tony-abbott-needs-an-issue-or-an-idea-20150106-12iu2d.html

Karnal wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 10:11am:

Shorton is no fighter, he's a fixer, a numbers-man. I seriously doubt Shorton will ever bring Labor into office. He struggles to present an argument, and he can't, as yet, articulate an alternative vision. Australia needs this vision. We're in a period of economic transition. Transition to where?

Shorten is in Opposition and we're nearly two years away from the next election. Plenty of time for Shorten to put forth his vision.

Abbott hasn't put forth his vision either and he's been PM for 16 months.

cods wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 10:24am:

Albos gone right off the radar....

So have a lot of politicians from all parties. Wonder why Truss is acting PM? Here's why - it's January and they're all on a break.

Karnal wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 8:35am:

I saw Bill Shorton on a repeat of Kitchen Cabinet last night. It was the hardest interview I’ve seen Crabb do. Awkward, stilted, forced smiles, and mostly, nothing to say. The most obvious question from the interview in why is Shorton there? He was parachuted into a safe Labor seat, was given a minor portfolio -disabilities - and did, actually, make something of it. The NDIS is a big, transformational Labor policy for people with disabilities and their carers. But Shorton struggled to define what he truly stands for beyond naked ambition. He struggled to articulate any passions or much of a sense of himself at all. The big question is how did he get there? He must have some political skills. Shorton is clearly a fixer, not a maddie. He came across as privaledged, spoilt and dull. I doubt he’ll ever want to see footage of that interview again. How could he possibly be Prime Minister? I actually think Tony Abbott has more skill and depth.

Shorten is clearly out of his depth. A cardboard box has more personality than Shorten.

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 20^th, 2015 at 6:02am:

Karnal wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 8:35am: I saw Bill Shorton on a repeat of Kitchen Cabinet last night. It was the hardest interview I’ve seen Crabb do. Awkward, stilted, forced smiles, and mostly, nothing to say. The most obvious question from the interview in why is Shorton there? He was parachuted into a safe Labor seat, was given a minor portfolio -disabilities - and did, actually, make something of it. The NDIS is a big, transformational Labor policy for people with disabilities and their carers. But Shorton struggled to define what he truly stands for beyond naked ambition. He struggled to articulate any passions or much of a sense of himself at all. The big question is how did he get there? He must have some political skills. Shorton is clearly a fixer, not a maddie. He came across as privaledged, spoilt and dull. I doubt he’ll ever want to see footage of that interview again. How could he possibly be Prime Minister? I actually think Tony Abbott has more skill and depth. Shorten is clearly out of his depth. A cardboard box has more personality than Shorten.

It's not a personality contest.

greggerypeccary wrote on Jan 20^th, 2015 at 6:54am:

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 20th, 2015 at 6:02am: Karnal wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 8:35am: I saw Bill Shorton on a repeat of Kitchen Cabinet last night. It was the hardest interview I’ve seen Crabb do. Awkward, stilted, forced smiles, and mostly, nothing to say. The most obvious question from the interview in why is Shorton there? He was parachuted into a safe Labor seat, was given a minor portfolio -disabilities - and did, actually, make something of it. The NDIS is a big, transformational Labor policy for people with disabilities and their carers. But Shorton struggled to define what he truly stands for beyond naked ambition. He struggled to articulate any passions or much of a sense of himself at all. The big question is how did he get there? He must have some political skills. Shorton is clearly a fixer, not a maddie. He came across as privaledged, spoilt and dull. I doubt he’ll ever want to see footage of that interview again. How could he possibly be Prime Minister? I actually think Tony Abbott has more skill and depth. Shorten is clearly out of his depth. A cardboard box has more personality than Shorten. It's not a personality contest.

Never said it was, but it would be preferable for political leaders to you know, have a pulse. That's one of the many areas in which Shorten fails miserably. He's even more excruciating to listen to than Gillard was.

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 20^th, 2015 at 7:05am:

but it would be preferable for political leaders to you know, have a pulse

so you admit that the public currently prefers someone without a pulse to Abbott?

Geez, how bad must Abbott be to rank that low  ;D ;D ;D ;D

John Smith wrote on Jan 20^th, 2015 at 9:50am:

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 20th, 2015 at 7:05am: but it would be preferable for political leaders to you know, have a pulse so you admit that the public currently prefers someone without a pulse to Abbott? Geez, how bad must Abbott be to rank that low  ;D ;D ;D ;D

You enjoy being seen as stupid, don't you? It's the only logical explanation. ::)

In the unlikely event that I would dedicate a thread to Bill Shorten, I'd get his name wrong too.

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 20^th, 2015 at 10:26am:

John Smith wrote on Jan 20th, 2015 at 9:50am: Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 20th, 2015 at 7:05am: but it would be preferable for political leaders to you know, have a pulse so you admit that the public currently prefers someone without a pulse to Abbott? Geez, how bad must Abbott be to rank that low  ;D ;D ;D ;D You enjoy being seen as stupid, don't you? It's the only logical explanation. ::)

whats up? you don't like it when people highlight your stupidity  ;D ;D ;D ;D

i think your village is calling for you

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 20^th, 2015 at 6:02am:

Karnal wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 8:35am: I saw Bill Shorton on a repeat of Kitchen Cabinet last night. It was the hardest interview I’ve seen Crabb do. Awkward, stilted, forced smiles, and mostly, nothing to say. The most obvious question from the interview in why is Shorton there? He was parachuted into a safe Labor seat, was given a minor portfolio -disabilities - and did, actually, make something of it. The NDIS is a big, transformational Labor policy for people with disabilities and their carers. But Shorton struggled to define what he truly stands for beyond naked ambition. He struggled to articulate any passions or much of a sense of himself at all. The big question is how did he get there? He must have some political skills. Shorton is clearly a fixer, not a maddie. He came across as privaledged, spoilt and dull. I doubt he’ll ever want to see footage of that interview again. How could he possibly be Prime Minister? I actually think Tony Abbott has more skill and depth. Shorten is clearly out of his depth. A cardboard box has more personality than Shorten.

I'd suggest that brains are more important. And it's quite sad that a cardboard box has more brains than Abbott. And perhaps Shorten. but we'll find that out once the current idiot is booted out of the PM hot seat.

bogarde73 wrote on Jan 20^th, 2015 at 10:29am:

In the unlikely event that I would dedicate a thread to Bill Shorten, I'd get his name wrong too.

Good point.

Karnal wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 8:35am:

I saw Bill Shorton on a repeat of Kitchen Cabinet last night. It was the hardest interview I’ve seen Crabb do. Awkward, stilted, forced smiles, and mostly, nothing to say. The most obvious question from the interview in why is Shorton there? He was parachuted into a safe Labor seat, was given a minor portfolio -disabilities - and did, actually, make something of it. The NDIS is a big, transformational Labor policy for people with disabilities and their carers. But Shorton struggled to define what he truly stands for beyond naked ambition. He struggled to articulate any passions or much of a sense of himself at all. The big question is how did he get there? He must have some political skills. Shorton is clearly a fixer, not a maddie. He came across as privaledged, spoilt and dull. I doubt he’ll ever want to see footage of that interview again. How could he possibly be Prime Minister? I actually think Tony Abbott has more skill and depth.

Shorten will be the second worst PM ever voted into office. Ironically he follows the worst.

sir prince duke alevine wrote on Jan 20^th, 2015 at 11:32am:

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 20th, 2015 at 6:02am: Karnal wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 8:35am: I saw Bill Shorton on a repeat of Kitchen Cabinet last night. It was the hardest interview I’ve seen Crabb do. Awkward, stilted, forced smiles, and mostly, nothing to say. The most obvious question from the interview in why is Shorton there? He was parachuted into a safe Labor seat, was given a minor portfolio -disabilities - and did, actually, make something of it. The NDIS is a big, transformational Labor policy for people with disabilities and their carers. But Shorton struggled to define what he truly stands for beyond naked ambition. He struggled to articulate any passions or much of a sense of himself at all. The big question is how did he get there? He must have some political skills. Shorton is clearly a fixer, not a maddie. He came across as privaledged, spoilt and dull. I doubt he’ll ever want to see footage of that interview again. How could he possibly be Prime Minister? I actually think Tony Abbott has more skill and depth. Shorten is clearly out of his depth. A cardboard box has more personality than Shorten. I'd suggest that brains are more important. And it's quite sad that a cardboard box has more brains than Abbott. And perhaps Shorten. but we'll find that out once the current idiot is booted out of the PM hot seat.

I don't know of any cardboard boxes that are Rhodes Scholars. As for Shorten, his disastrous interview on TV has destroyed his political ambitions of ever being PM. No one anywhere in the country, much less the world, would take him seriously after that!

skippy. wrote on Jan 20^th, 2015 at 11:42am:

Karnal wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 8:35am: I saw Bill Shorton on a repeat of Kitchen Cabinet last night. It was the hardest interview I’ve seen Crabb do. Awkward, stilted, forced smiles, and mostly, nothing to say. The most obvious question from the interview in why is Shorton there? He was parachuted into a safe Labor seat, was given a minor portfolio -disabilities - and did, actually, make something of it. The NDIS is a big, transformational Labor policy for people with disabilities and their carers. But Shorton struggled to define what he truly stands for beyond naked ambition. He struggled to articulate any passions or much of a sense of himself at all. The big question is how did he get there? He must have some political skills. Shorton is clearly a fixer, not a maddie. He came across as privaledged, spoilt and dull. I doubt he’ll ever want to see footage of that interview again. How could he possibly be Prime Minister? I actually think Tony Abbott has more skill and depth. Shorten will be the second worst PM ever voted into office. Ironically he follows the worst.

I don't think he'll ever be PM. If he was, you're right. He'd follow Rudd and Gillard, who are tied as the worst PM's in our history.

Still clinging on that Rhodes Scholarship? Abbott didn’t get it on academic merit, nor is that the main criterion for that scholarship. Look at his so–called policies to see he is a brain damaged idiot!

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 20^th, 2015 at 12:05pm:

sir prince duke alevine wrote on Jan 20th, 2015 at 11:32am: Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 20th, 2015 at 6:02am: Karnal wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 8:35am: I saw Bill Shorton on a repeat of Kitchen Cabinet last night. It was the hardest interview I’ve seen Crabb do. Awkward, stilted, forced smiles, and mostly, nothing to say. The most obvious question from the interview in why is Shorton there? He was parachuted into a safe Labor seat, was given a minor portfolio -disabilities - and did, actually, make something of it. The NDIS is a big, transformational Labor policy for people with disabilities and their carers. But Shorton struggled to define what he truly stands for beyond naked ambition. He struggled to articulate any passions or much of a sense of himself at all. The big question is how did he get there? He must have some political skills. Shorton is clearly a fixer, not a maddie. He came across as privaledged, spoilt and dull. I doubt he’ll ever want to see footage of that interview again. How could he possibly be Prime Minister? I actually think Tony Abbott has more skill and depth. Shorten is clearly out of his depth. A cardboard box has more personality than Shorten. I'd suggest that brains are more important. And it's quite sad that a cardboard box has more brains than Abbott. And perhaps Shorten. but we'll find that out once the current idiot is booted out of the PM hot seat. I don't know of any cardboard boxes that are Rhodes Scholars. As for Shorten, his disastrous interview on TV has destroyed his political ambitions of ever being PM. No one anywhere in the country, much less the world, would take him seriously after that!

We take the cardboard box"seriously" and he's had many more disasters.

skippy. wrote on Jan 20^th, 2015 at 11:42am:

Shorten will be the second worst PM ever voted into office. Ironically he follows the worst.

You're greatly underestimating Shorten, as are a lot of people. He has shown himself to be capable of taking charge in a crisis at short notice. Shorten led the rescue effort to rescue the Beaconsfield miners in 2006 before he entered politics. If he can apply the same leadership skills to running the country as he showed then, he will do well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ1ZwtswaZo

Shorten has demonstrated LEADERSHIP. Anyone who doubts his qualities should consider this.

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 20^th, 2015 at 12:05pm:

I don't know of any cardboard boxes that are Rhodes Scholars

do you know of any that tried and failed?  :D :D :D :D

greggerypeccary wrote on Jan 20^th, 2015 at 6:54am:

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 20th, 2015 at 6:02am: Karnal wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 8:35am: I saw Bill Shorton on a repeat of Kitchen Cabinet last night. It was the hardest interview I’ve seen Crabb do. Awkward, stilted, forced smiles, and mostly, nothing to say. The most obvious question from the interview in why is Shorton there? He was parachuted into a safe Labor seat, was given a minor portfolio -disabilities - and did, actually, make something of it. The NDIS is a big, transformational Labor policy for people with disabilities and their carers. But Shorton struggled to define what he truly stands for beyond naked ambition. He struggled to articulate any passions or much of a sense of himself at all. The big question is how did he get there? He must have some political skills. Shorton is clearly a fixer, not a maddie. He came across as privaledged, spoilt and dull. I doubt he’ll ever want to see footage of that interview again. How could he possibly be Prime Minister? I actually think Tony Abbott has more skill and depth. Shorten is clearly out of his depth. A cardboard box has more personality than Shorten. It's not a personality contest.

Um, yes it is

aquascoot wrote on Jan 21^st, 2015 at 5:09pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Jan 20th, 2015 at 6:54am: Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 20th, 2015 at 6:02am: Karnal wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 8:35am: I saw Bill Shorton on a repeat of Kitchen Cabinet last night. It was the hardest interview I’ve seen Crabb do. Awkward, stilted, forced smiles, and mostly, nothing to say. The most obvious question from the interview in why is Shorton there? He was parachuted into a safe Labor seat, was given a minor portfolio -disabilities - and did, actually, make something of it. The NDIS is a big, transformational Labor policy for people with disabilities and their carers. But Shorton struggled to define what he truly stands for beyond naked ambition. He struggled to articulate any passions or much of a sense of himself at all. The big question is how did he get there? He must have some political skills. Shorton is clearly a fixer, not a maddie. He came across as privaledged, spoilt and dull. I doubt he’ll ever want to see footage of that interview again. How could he possibly be Prime Minister? I actually think Tony Abbott has more skill and depth. Shorten is clearly out of his depth. A cardboard box has more personality than Shorten. It's not a personality contest. Um, yes it is

How could it be: Abbott is PM.

greggerypeccary wrote on Jan 21^st, 2015 at 5:14pm:

aquascoot wrote on Jan 21st, 2015 at 5:09pm: greggerypeccary wrote on Jan 20th, 2015 at 6:54am: Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 20th, 2015 at 6:02am: Karnal wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 8:35am: I saw Bill Shorton on a repeat of Kitchen Cabinet last night. It was the hardest interview I’ve seen Crabb do. Awkward, stilted, forced smiles, and mostly, nothing to say. The most obvious question from the interview in why is Shorton there? He was parachuted into a safe Labor seat, was given a minor portfolio -disabilities - and did, actually, make something of it. The NDIS is a big, transformational Labor policy for people with disabilities and their carers. But Shorton struggled to define what he truly stands for beyond naked ambition. He struggled to articulate any passions or much of a sense of himself at all. The big question is how did he get there? He must have some political skills. Shorton is clearly a fixer, not a maddie. He came across as privaledged, spoilt and dull. I doubt he’ll ever want to see footage of that interview again. How could he possibly be Prime Minister? I actually think Tony Abbott has more skill and depth. Shorten is clearly out of his depth. A cardboard box has more personality than Shorten. It's not a personality contest. Um, yes it is How could it be: Abbott is PM.

shows YOU are out of touch with the voting public who prefer a bike riding lifesaver with a uni blue in boxing to a chardonnay sipping pedant like yourself ;)

Bam wrote on Jan 21^st, 2015 at 12:26pm:

skippy. wrote on Jan 20th, 2015 at 11:42am: Shorten will be the second worst PM ever voted into office. Ironically he follows the worst. You're greatly underestimating Shorten, as are a lot of people. He has shown himself to be capable of taking charge in a crisis at short notice. Shorten led the rescue effort to rescue the Beaconsfield miners in 2006 before he entered politics.

Led the rescue effort?!

Bill Shorten led the PR campaign.

It might be good publicity for the unions to get a face on Today and Sunrise, but it's hardly leading a rescue effort.

I guess Shorten has one thing going for him.

ANYBODY has to be better than the simian!

What will be his next brain snap after the medicare debacle!

aquascoot wrote on Jan 21^st, 2015 at 5:20pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Jan 21st, 2015 at 5:14pm: aquascoot wrote on Jan 21st, 2015 at 5:09pm: greggerypeccary wrote on Jan 20th, 2015 at 6:54am: Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 20th, 2015 at 6:02am: Karnal wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 8:35am: I saw Bill Shorton on a repeat of Kitchen Cabinet last night. It was the hardest interview I’ve seen Crabb do. Awkward, stilted, forced smiles, and mostly, nothing to say. The most obvious question from the interview in why is Shorton there? He was parachuted into a safe Labor seat, was given a minor portfolio -disabilities - and did, actually, make something of it. The NDIS is a big, transformational Labor policy for people with disabilities and their carers. But Shorton struggled to define what he truly stands for beyond naked ambition. He struggled to articulate any passions or much of a sense of himself at all. The big question is how did he get there? He must have some political skills. Shorton is clearly a fixer, not a maddie. He came across as privaledged, spoilt and dull. I doubt he’ll ever want to see footage of that interview again. How could he possibly be Prime Minister? I actually think Tony Abbott has more skill and depth. Shorten is clearly out of his depth. A cardboard box has more personality than Shorten. It's not a personality contest. Um, yes it is How could it be: Abbott is PM. shows YOU are out of touch with the voting public who prefer a bike riding lifesaver with a uni blue in boxing to a chardonnay sipping pedant like yourself ;)

I'm not running for any political office.

Moreover, Abbott has as much personality as a wet dish rag.

..    

cods wrote on Jan 19^th, 2015 at 10:23am:

Dnarever wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 8:41am: Karnal wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 8:35am: How could he possibly be Prime Minister? I actually think Tony Abbott has more skill and depth. Tony Abbott is PM - Have you seen some of the Abbott interviews, everything from admitted lies and absolute silence to literally running away - anything is possible. Maybe someone with a bit of integrity who isn't a blabber mouth may be what we need. huhum you forget where he came from the UNION.. PLUS he also STABBED A PM IN THE BACK NOT ONCE BUT TWICE> your idea of INTEGRITY is lost on me. oops not forgetting what he did to his ex  WIFE...and what he did to Paul Howes... he is a creep of the worst kind.. and you say he has INTEGRITY>> your standards are so low.

Dnarever, please note the highlighted bit which is relevant to our discussion re the difficulty confronting anyone wanting to knife abbort.    

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 20^th, 2015 at 12:05pm:

I don't know of any cardboard boxes that are Rhodes Scholars.

Tony Abbott must go close only doubtt would be if he is a Rhodes scholar.

ImSpartacus2 wrote on Jan 21^st, 2015 at 5:43pm:

cods wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 10:23am: Dnarever wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 8:41am: Karnal wrote on Jan 19th, 2015 at 8:35am: How could he possibly be Prime Minister? I actually think Tony Abbott has more skill and depth. Tony Abbott is PM - Have you seen some of the Abbott interviews, everything from admitted lies and absolute silence to literally running away - anything is possible. Maybe someone with a bit of integrity who isn't a blabber mouth may be what we need. huhum you forget where he came from the UNION.. PLUS he also STABBED A PM IN THE BACK NOT ONCE BUT TWICE> your idea of INTEGRITY is lost on me. oops not forgetting what he did to his ex  WIFE...and what he did to Paul Howes... he is a creep of the worst kind.. and you say he has INTEGRITY>> your standards are so low. Dnarever, please note the highlighted bit which is relevant to our discussion re the difficulty confronting anyone wanting to knife abbort.

Noted: not sure what you think it means.

People asked who in their right mind could vote in Tony Abbott - the consensus was that they wouldn't they would vote out Labor.

We now have the same story in reverse - people may not vote for Bill Shorten but they sure will vote against Tony Abbott.

The end result is the same.

Redmond Neck wrote on Jan 21^st, 2015 at 5:24pm:

I guess Shorten has one thing going for him. ANYBODY has to be better than the simian! What will be his next brain snap after the medicare debacle!

Maybe, but his party won’t get a majority vote unless he shows us something worth voting for.

Mr Abbott excepted. He got in on the boat-stopping/tax-axing/witch-ditching, grown-up vote.