I love my politics and my political arguments with my dad. December and January are traditional political quiet months. Radio discussion dies down and most times you see them on TV, they are at some disaster site front line giving relief to some distressed citizens in front of a news camera.
I went for my lunchtime walk at work today and was shocked when my boss told me that Gillard had called an election. I was even more shocked when I heard how far away it was. 227 days is a lot of notice.My initial thoughts were that she was mad - why give her opposition so much notice? this is unprecedented in history and will be one of the most dragged out election campaigns on record.
I was then thinking about it a little more and read her statement online, and I see the logic in the decision. Firstly, it puts Kevin Rudd at bay and makes it more difficult for him to assume the Prime Ministership again as they will be in campaign mode. Secondly, as Gillard said in her speech, it is one less thing for the media to speculate about and gives them more time to focus on policy on slow news days. Thirdly, A September election was always on the cards and the window for an election is only about 3 months.
My father, the staunch liberal, couldn't wait to put the boot in. "Shes a liar! she said that she is doing to give Australia certainty but she is really doing it out of self interest!" Well dad, no surprises there, 99% of politicians look out for their self interest and will take an opportunity when they have it.
Time will prove if it is a stroke of genius of a complete flop, but good on her for having the courage to do something different.
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