Turnbull hangs on

[Gingernuts]

I reckon Turnbull's strategy from here should be looking at the long term - continue to go down swinging and win a few friends in the process, especially if he still manages to get the ETS through before bleeding to death from the daggers in the back. Then keep those points in the bank for an 'I told you so' comeback after the conservative regime gets smashed at the next election.

Hockey would be an absolute mug if he accepts the leadership now, the Libs are dead in the water for the next 12 months if they get rid of Turnbull IMO. Abbott's made this bed, let him lie in it.

[redandblack]

Interesting that people are writing Tony Abbott off. Most people wrote Peter Costello off and then annointed him as the great white hope

To me, Abbott has a similar demeanour to Paul Keating and might just surprise everyone

Shame about Turnbull - I thought he was the real deal

Who'd go into politics (other than to get a few easy shags )

Have you been watching Abbott and politics over the last several years, mate?

He's unelectable.

Hockey is the only Liberal leader likely to do well and he'd be wise to wait, but he probably can't.

Rudd would be hoping Abbott wins - better than any other political Christmas present.

[Jimmy_041]

All I have said is he might surprise people.

Over the past 20 years, people have said Howard, Keating and Costello are all unelectable

I doubt you'd vote for them anyway so, with all due respect, it doesn't matter what you think - it's what that 5% swinging vote that determine elections thinks

Im not sure about Hockey - pretty tough gig and I dont know whether he's tough enough. I'd put him in the Beazley category, but I really dont know him other than watching him on tv.

I do agree that, if I was in Canberra, my hands would be firmly in my pockets at the moment

What comes around goes around, similar things were happening to the Labor Party in the '90s and early 2000s. When you've been in government for a long time, the party must evolve to create a credible alternative.

[redandblack]

Fair enough.

For the record, I think Hockey is a decent bloke and would be a good leader. I just think he'd be fouling his own nest if he took it right now.

[CoverKing]

Hockey = Biggest toss bag ever! (parliamentary right to free speech there)

[Gozu]

Aside from turning off the business community with his lack of financial nous Hockey demonstrated what a gimp he is as minister for WorkChoices when he was talking it right up pre-election and then five minutes after the election turns around and says you know what I never realised WorkChoices was that extreme. He's a blustering moron.

[Jimmy_041]

I was just listening to the radio whilst driving

I have to admit, I dont understand a lot about this climate change legislation and whether it is good or bad, because basically, not much I can do about it anyway. We elect these people to do this stuff on our behalf and they have the time and resources to fully understand it.

What has Nick X said about the legislation? Does he support it?

[Gingernuts]

I was just listening to the radio whilst driving

I have to admit, I dont understand a lot about this climate change legislation and whether it is good or bad, because basically, not much I can do about it anyway. We elect these people to do this stuff on our behalf and they have the time and resources to fully understand it.

What has Nick X said about the legislation? Does he support it?

He was on Sunrise a couple days ago and said it didn't go far enough.

[Gozu]

Good article by Bernard Keane on the ineptitude of the Liberal Party at dealing with it's leadership problems:

http://blogs.crikey.com.au/thestump/200 ... eadership/

[fish]

It looks like Malcolms star is on the wane and Joes star is rising...
Latest market for Coalition Leader At Next Australian Federal Election:
HOCKEY, Joe 1.50
ABBOTT, Tony 3.50
TURNBULL, Malcolm 4.00
ANY OTHER CANDIDATE 9.00
PYNE, Christopher 16.00
DUTTON, Peter 17.00
ROBB, Andrew 18.00
BISHOP, Julie 21.00

[redandblack]

I think that market shows the problems the Liberals have.

[Jimmy_041]

Still scary seeing the poodle's name still on there

[dedja]

Still scary seeing the poodle's name still on there

True ... maybe he's going to do a Bradbury?

[Jimmy_041]

****** hope not

[Gozu]

An excellent piece today by Bernard Keane called "Reflections On Turnbull And His Party":

"A vote to dispose of Turnbull on Tuesday will be an act of lunacy from the Liberals. It will condemn Australia to a one-party government for much of the next decade."

http://blogs.crikey.com.au/thestump/200 ... his-party/

[shoe boy]

Interesting that people are writing Tony Abbott off. Most people wrote Peter Costello off and then annointed him as the great white hope

To me, Abbott has a similar demeanour to Paul Keating and might just surprise everyone

Shame about Turnbull - I thought he was the real deal
Who'd go into politics (other than to get a few easy shags )

Jimmy Jimmy what are you thinking Abbott would not be out of place in the 16 century!

[Jimmy_041]

I remember some bright spark once saying to me that Keating was a great Prime Minister because he wasn't weak and that Howard wouldn't beat him because he was a wuss - it seems some people like the bully boy attitude

Costello is not the person that the media portrayed. He actually is quite a humorous bloke and self deprecating.

I have never met Abbott and dont judge people by how the media portray them, so I am just saying he might surprise people. I have trouble seeing how any person who liked Keating's mannerisms would have a problem with Abbott (that's not a shot at you BTW)

[shoe boy]

I have Keating's poster hanging with the slogan "Leadership"

Dont we all miss his sarcasim,sledging,but most of all his wit.

[Jimmy_041]

No

[Gozu]

"Kingmaker Howard gives Hockey his blessing":

http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politi ... -jyw5.html