The coming Oz election thread ...

Yes!

Hi Olga and Deb

I must admit i thought the Jamie Packer outburst would actually boost ALP votes.

Have you guys got election night parties to go to?

I've got two, but I think I might weight till 8pm to get social - depending how it looks. Too many depressed lefties in one place is very sad. And I live within walking distance of the National Tally Room. If labour win keep an eye out for a long haired gentleman jumping up and down in the background behind Kerry and Antony!

Oh, I did I mention that in dark moments I think about voting liberal because Howard will resign in the first ten months, the Nationals will have no seats (therefore no coalition) and Tony Abbot becomes Dep PM.

Won't the americans laugh about a country run by Abbott & Costello. God knows I will.

No, no party, hingehead. Just watching Kerry O'B & Jonathon G in a good friend's loungeroom. I won't believe the outcome till Jonathon says so. I'll keep an eye out for you!

Sigh - I will be with Steve Georganas' mob - he's a friend who is standing for Hindmarsh.

Before that I have two shifts standing outside polling booths handing out how to vote stuff.

Sigh.

In fact, I start at 8.30.

I musta been insane.

Did you know the ABC is not allowed to say "Abbott and Costello"?

That would be biased.

They have to say, if the two esteemed luminaries are mentioned in tandem, "Costello and Abbott".

They receive constant allegations of bias from the turds in power - so much so that they are now feverishly counting seconds when they broadcast political stuff, as the Libs must have at least as much time, down to the second, as Labor. A senior presenter was disciplined - after hysterical fulminations from our esteemed leaders - for raising an eyebrow after broadcasting one of Howard's "I didn't know" whines about Children Overboard.

You know, I consider political hatred stupid - but I am beginning to run the risk of hating these people.

As for Packer - in 1975 Murdoch flew in a while prior to the election. In a TV interview he said, with no shame or hesitation, or sense that they gave away anything in relation to the putative "editorial independence" he says he gives his editors, words to the effect of: "I am here to make sure Labor don't get back in. I gave them a chance in 1972, but never again."

Actually, I'd almost rather be alone tonight.

Poor ABC!

Abbott & Costello!

Abbott & Costello!

Abbott & Costello!

Abbott & Costello!

So there! <poking out tongue>

But you MIGHT be celebrating, Deb! :wink:

This is the screaming headline of my just opened morning paper:

Poll tips fourth term for PM
[Michelle Grattan, Political Editor]

John Howard is favourite to win a fourth term and become Australia's second longest-serving Prime Minister, according to an AgePoll giving the Coalition a 54-46 per cent lead on a two-party basis.

http://www.theage.com.au/

<sigh> And now for a cup of tea .....

..and the Australian's front page. (Murdoch):

Latham within striking distance

LABOR can still snatch the election on preferences with a late shift among wavering voters today, but John Howard has the edge to win his fourth term in office.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/

... and the Sydney morning Herald:

Howard: the fourth is with him
[Louise Dodson, Chief Political Correspondent]

John Howard is poised to win a historic fourth term, with the latest Herald Poll showing a surge in support for the Coalition and the highest approval rating for the Prime Minister all year.

http://www.smh.com.au/

Hmmmmmmmm ... NOT a good way to start the day!
Oh well, time to get dressed & go out to vote ....

Face it, we're obviously a nation of f***wits.

Yep Wilso, it's hard not to come to that conclusion, or that at least the majority of us are...

Then again the ALP did get the most votes in 2001 - just not in the right seats.

Believe it or not I went to school with Mark Latham. John Howard was treasurer under Fraser. I lived in Liverpool and the bus passed the dole queues. Youth unemployment was running at 45%. And Howard was screaming about an Asian invasion and dole bludgers.

It amazes me that people older than me choose not to remember those times. Vote Mal Eat Pal.

Finally the Australian elections opened.

What's you all opinion about, that your election is at the same time as on Afghanistan?

Hi Thok - Afghanistan is a non-issue for most people. Sadly, it seems the average citizen has a very narrow world view and the chief election issue seems to be keeping mortgage interest rates low.

Even blatant lying by a prime minister is tolerated - largely because the major media conglomerates are on his side (for their own benefit). Not that different to the US in that I guess. What was that line? 'Clinton was crucified in the media for screwing and intern, Bush screws entire countries and gets bouquets from them.'

Hello hingehead

A pity you took so long to find this thread. It's been going for months & you could have contributed some interesting stuff along the way ... Yes, I remember those conveniently forgotten days under Treasurer Howard. Interesting that noone mentions it whenever he crows about the glorious Liberal history of fiscal management. The media has let him get away with a lot!

An hour & a half to go, then I'm heading over to my friend's place to watch Kerry, Anthony & co. at 6 pm. (I'm taking a video with me, just in case things turn nasty. :wink: ) Call me foolish, but I haven't entirely given up hope that all is lost .... Ya never know, we might all get a surprise!

Hello, Thok ..

Nice to know that you're still watching to see what happens here. Cross your fingers for us, OK?

Hi Olga

I'm holding onto the Australian natural support for an underdog - and I was wondering if that was why the ALP released that their own polling said they would lose. Maybe it was close and a sympathy vote could turn it.

Then again the Australia I love (egalitarian, mistrustful of authority) seems to be fading - or maybe it's just my eyes opening.

Do I see the big picture or am I just sitting too close to the screen?

My final prediction - green preferences will be crucial.

hingehead

Yes, I was hoping for support for the under-dog, too! Am I clutching at straws here? Maybe, maybe ... but who cares?: A wee bit of hope goes a long way in terrible times!

Pssst .... I voted Green in both upper & lower houses. Why? Because I'm in Wills, safer than safe Labor & has been for yonks! And you could say we're neglected, too, as a result. I like the idea of giving the Big Two something to think about! Mind you, Wills will stay Labor anyway, so ......

You are absolutely right about Greens preferences ... I've said this again & again here ... The thing is, many people WANT some scruples, some good old fashioned idealism in government. I have a great deal of respect & admiration for Bob Brown. I'm not alone here, obviously.

No Olga - you're not alone at all - I did the same thing as you, for the same reasons. Canberra is a town of public servants (nearly half) and we see the government of the day close up. Both our house of rep seats are safe labour and Kate Lundy and Bob McMullan (ALP) are safe senate seats - interesting to see if the Libs Gary Humphries can hold onto Margaret Reid's senate spot.

Keep your eye on Eden/Monaro - it has always had it's rep in the ruling party. Coincidence or iron-clad rule? We'll know soon enough...