Entries tagged as ‘Julia Gillard’
There has been, as of 8pm tonight, a move on the leadership of the Federal Labor Party. While Julia Gillard hasn’t formally challenged Rudd, the right wing faction are supporting her. As I write this, there is turmoil, not only within the Labor camp, but also the Liberal Party. This challenge will, in an instant, change the landscape of the upcoming election.
In one fell swoop, by installing Gillard as PM, Labor can erase its past mistakes, blaming them, perhaps unfairly, on Kevin Rudd. Equally, in one fell swoop, Tony Abbott has lost most of the ground he has recently gained. Labor will have cleaned the slate, and gained another chance. Gillard is undoubtedly a more convincing leader than Rudd ever was. Rudd’s job was to oust Howard. He did that with alacrity and aplomb. However his subsequent performance has been lacklustre to say the least.
On the other hand, by installing Tony Abbott as leader, the Libs have put all their money on returning a government along the lines of the Howard government. This has been a mistake of massive proportions. There will never be another long-serving conservative government along the lines of the Howard regime. He was a fitting end to an era.
Like Obama, Rudd was a herald of the new century, yet, unlike Obama, perhaps Rudd is merely a seat-warmer. The hours will decide.
The leadership challenge has been posted. Rudd has given a press conference.
Soon after 9am, we’ll all know who is going head to head with Tony Abbott.
Categories: bastards & champions
Tagged: #spill, Julia Gillard, Kevin Rudd, Labor, Liberals, Tony Abbott
I don’t mean it that way, I meant politically. Yes, Julia Gillard and Kristina Keneally are my pin-up girls of politics. I’ve loved Julia ever since she gave that speech about the bushfires in Victoria. Rudd’s speech at the time was more like an auditor’s report.
So having changed my federal allegiance, if I am to do the same on the state level I need to know what NSW Labor are doing. Apart from installing Kristina as Premier it would seem to be very little. While we’ve stopped hearing tales about privatising assets will-nilly, and no further traffic tunnels being approved, all we’ve had are lots of press conferences and appearances by Sussex Street’s poster girl.
Ask any bloke in the pub these days how NSW Labor is doing and he’ll reply, ‘I don’t know, mate, but we’ve got the best looking Premier.’
Is that enough to ensure Labor scrapes into another torturous four year term? Much as I love Kristina, she really needs to get rid of most of her fellow party members. They did no favours to Iemma, or to my mate from Toongabbie, Nathan Rees, and seem only interested in furthering their tenancy in Macquarie Street.
If Labor makes it for another term it will only because of Kristina’s presence. That being the case I would hope to see considerable spring-cleaning next Autumn, because the credit for the win will be all hers.
Categories: champions
Tagged: Julia Gillard, Kristina Keneally, Labor Party, NSW Labor
I found it impossible to listen to Deputy Prime Minister Gillard’s speech to the House earlier today without tears. Her delivery of a powerful and compelling speech was, in my life, the most magnificent Australian political speech I have ever heard.
Having listened back when Gough 
Whitlam gave his ‘well may we say’ speech, and Bob Hawke’s, ‘no child will live in poverty by 1990’ speeches, I was prepared for an underwhelming speech of overstatement.
Expressing this unimaginable loss and tragedy for all Australians, Gillard has realised the importance of the reigns of deputy prime minister, if not leader, and done what few speakers could have executed today, as she addressed the nation.
While her delivery faltered, we listeners faltered many times more, as we were carried along by her emotional words of compassion and strength.
In this time of horrendous upheaval and tragedy, she has shown leadership, direction and outlined a hope for Victoria’s salvation and our nation’s future. The nation will aid the fallen, the stricken and comfort the bereaved.
Julia Gillard can take no small part in that huge achievement.
Categories: champions
Tagged: Australian politics, Julia Gillard, oratory
