Australian politics

[Guest agua]

It would be terribly ironic if Kevin Rudd was reinstated as ALP leader, and Prime minister, before the next election. Comical actually.

I say it would show too much instability and the party would prefer to lose the next election, which is inevitable, and then start afresh with a leader other than Gillard or Rudd.

Will Julia Gillard be ALP leader at the next election?

[SavedByGrace1980]

It would be terribly ironic if Kevin Rudd was reinstated as ALP leader, and Prime minister, before the next election. Comical actually.

I say it would show too much instability and the party would prefer to lose the next election, which is inevitable, and then start afresh with a leader other than Gillard or Rudd.

Will Julia Gillard be ALP leader at the next election?

I apologize that this doesn't have much to do with the topic - but since you're from Australia I want to ask you something:

You see, a couple of years ago I worked side by side with a gentleman from Australia - we became pretty good friends and during the day we'd talk about politics (yours and ours), among other topics.

He told me something I found interesting about your country - he said you are REQUIRED to vote in elections (whereas here it's voluntary if you wish to vote. Our turnout usually runs, I believe, in the 40-50 percent range).

I found that interesting. If that is indeed the case, what do you think about it? Do you think it improves, degrades, or has no effect on your political process. (I have a theory that if something like that were imposed here, it wouldn't have much of an effect. I happen to think that roughly half of those who don't bother to vote under the present system would, if forced to vote, vote for "Candidate A." The other half (roughly) would vote for "Candidate B." So in the end, it would be a wash.)

Blessings!

-Ed

[~candice~]

Yes we have mandatory voting. Mandatory voting doesn't imply or guarantee that all votes have been made with sufficient consideration. I think the outcome, if I remember the papers correctly, is that most people make their decision as they are walking into the voting booth.

Bring back Rudd. He might win, he might not. But Gillard can't win. She's about as popular as a mosquito trapped in a tent.

Bbbbzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Her policies are like Ipecac syrup to Australians.

Needless to say I don't like her and won't vote for her. Whether or not I have the stomach for Tony Abbott as PM is a whole 'nother story.

[Guest agua]

Bring back Rudd. He might win, he might not. But Gillard can't win. She's about as popular as a mosquito trapped in a tent.

This is interesting, and ironic, because it's precisely the reason Rudd was dumped for Gillard before the last election. ALP power brokers had decided they couldn't win the election with Rudd as leader. I think they are up the Molonglo without a paddle.

It will take years for them to rebuild and we best get prepared for front page pics of an Abbott family BBQ at Kirribilli after the next election.

[~candice~]

... we best get prepared for front page pics of an Abbott family BBQ at Kirribilli after the next election.

[Guest agua]

He told me something I found interesting about your country - he said you are REQUIRED to vote in elections (whereas here it's voluntary if you wish to vote. Our turnout usually runs, I believe, in the 40-50 percent range).

I found that interesting. If that is indeed the case, what do you think about it? Do you think it improves, degrades, or has no effect on your political process. (I have a theory that if something like that were imposed here, it wouldn't have much of an effect. I happen to think that roughly half of those who don't bother to vote under the present system would, if forced to vote, vote for "Candidate A." The other half (roughly) would vote for "Candidate B." So in the end, it would be a wash.)

Blessings!

-Ed

I don't like mandatory voting because it takes many people to the poll who have no interest in politics. Like candice said most of these people decide on the way to the booth and imo their decision is based mostly on propaganda rather than facts.

I'm not sure if these voters could sway the result. Possibly.

[Guest agua]

Stephen Smith the quiet achiever.

Senior sources within Labor's Right continued to express support for Ms Gillard's leadership but confirmed the Defence Minister would be their favoured candidate if supporters of former prime minister Kevin Rudd attempted a challenge."Stephen is seen as a safe pair of hands and he's been around a long time so he's being seen as an alternative to Kevin," one senior minister told The Weekend Australian yesterday.

[~candice~]

Hmm interesting. I'd vote for Stephen over Gillard. Actually he is a good choice. Anyone but CC, Gillard or Bob . So basically, no one we have now. LOL.

[Guest agua]

Yeah Stephen looks ok .

His party is in Bob's back pocket though so they won't be getting my vote no matter who the boss is.

[~candice~]

Bob is a HUGE concern for me. I want to keep him out of influence... but I don't exactly want ANY of who we have to have any influence... what to do .