THE DONKEY VOTE

After the intensity of the debate, things seem to have quieted down a little on the campaign trail I felt. Policies are still being announced but I think everyone is waiting for the next big issue to strike.

Howard’s trying to shore up the elderly vote with an increase in pensioners’ utilities allowance from $107.2 to $500 a year. Howard has always been well supported by the older members of Australian society so you’d wonder how many extra votes he’ll get out of this policy. I’m such a cynical person

Rudd has come and announced he’s opposed to gay marriage. Again Rudd seems to be going the conservative route and he’s obviously worried about losing main stream support by supporting the legalising of gay marriage and the question of gay couples adopting children. Labor Policy is apparently about ending legal discrimination for gays and lesbians but he doesn’t want to push things too far. Although, it’s hard to see the gay community voting for Howard to record numbers in any case.

Here’s an article questioning Rudd’s ability to stand up to union heavyweights. I think Rudd will be able to keep the unions in line during the campaign especially if the polling is looking good but I think they’ll be a few “interest groups” looking for handouts if Labor win government. I think the new days of a Labor government could be very interesting indeed.

Share This

Well the quarterly CPI indicator is out today, so let’s see what happens, a high one may force a rate rise.

Also Wayne Swan will debate Peter Costello next week, likely to be at the Press Club on Tuesday.

The debate should be very interesting with no love lost between the two. Costello is certainly a better debater than Howard. I don’t think this will be telecast on anything byt SKY NEWS and maybe the ABC. The gloves are likely to come out, it is likely to get personal and I don’t think Peter can contain himself. Bring it on!

_______________________________

My contributions are nearly getting as small as Sheldon’s! Is he back or not? I don’t get it.

Talk to you all later today! I’m sure we will have some more antics and policies to look at. Maybe even Howard will get heckled again and not just privately by his front bench.

Share This