Col don't be a pussy and fetishe Any political party, take direct unaligned action and join the campaign to put Bob Kernohan's allegations up front and centre with a full page ad in the Australian regarding Gillards criminal connections to the AWU and possibly also the missing widows and Orphans funds from Boulder.

Get with us by pledging a small amount for Bob to take it up to the crooks.

Stop expecting other people to do the heavy lifting. Its your democracy, fight for it, man! It's not like I'm expecting you to go to, say, Afghanistan!

Is Col really Andrew Bolt giving us another example of the AbbottAbbottAbbott joke...??

Col, how can you "begrudgingly respect Gillard" for telling Lies..?? "not flinching", you are joking again right?

Who are you Col? Really?

I have to agree with you Col. TA needs to show strength and leadership. He has not done that so far and on a one to one debate, JG leaves him at the post. Think back to the clip of Peter C who can think on his feet. Also being able to demonstrate 'on call knowledge' about a variety of current issues is a must along with confidence and TA has not demonstrated he can do that. Better to make a mistake now and again and move on than not say anything.
I would feel more confident with Peter Costello if he made a comeback or Joe Hockey if he put his hat in the ring as leader. Sorry Malcolm, while you would have the ability, you seem to have you own agenda and it is a worry. Julie Bishop could well be a possibility - though all depends on TA standing up sooner rather than later.

I have to say I agree with Col, while I admire Mr Abbott he is struggling to lay a glove on the PM. And frankly she should have been out of parliament a long time ago. I think the reason is timidity. He should start acting like the action man Tony he really is and stop trying to impress Malcolm Turnbull's constituency. No one cares what they think. Apart from repealing the Carbon Tax, I am struggling to think of anything else major he plans to change. And I want someone to change things.

DISAGREE! Why give Labor anything ahead of an election? I would be amazed if Abbott and his team don't have a strategy ready to go as soon as an election is called - but until then, keep it all under wraps Tony. We know how the Liars party like to steal anything, and also will attack anything they see as a win. Also, at the present time the media is in Gillard's pocket and will trash Abbott before he has a chance to explain his policies. Once an election is called Gillard will have to convince people she is not the greatest con artist the country has ever seen; she will have the legacy of ripping off widows and orphans in W.A. with her boyfriend as well as the AWU scandal with the same boyfriend to deal with. I suspect the Coalition will run an ad campaign the likes we have not seen before - that will trash Gillard and every decision and lie she has told for all to see. I suspect they will bring out some 'big guns' of the past to wipe the smile off the dial of Hawke and Gillard and whoever they dig up to try to get votes. I would suggest Peter Costello - he knows how to rip into the Liars Party and can finish off smirking Wayne's crap once and for all. If the Coalition do NOT run an advertising campaign that will destroy Gillard then they are not worthy of leading the country. I know that is not the kind of campaign most Aussies like - but Gillard and the McTurd have lowered the bar so much that is how the election will need to be fought. If anyone doubts that, have a look at how Obama won the U.S. election. Sadly, dirty tactics DO work - especially when you are sociopathic, narcissistic and power is everything to you. Remember, Gillard has no morals, integrity or scruples, you can be ANYTHING will go!

@COL
Up to
"A)initiate Judicial Inquiries into AWU Scandal,

B)Change the status of a Union to that of a Company and subject to the same laws and taxes as companies"

I agree with you as would the majority of voters but the rest sounds more like a leftist dare than a reasonable assessment.

No matter what Abbott does between now and the calling of the election he faces a hostile press and most of his points will be wasted. However, when a election is called and the Prime Minister is in caretaker mode, the Press is forced to give equal time and will be loathe to keep the biased comments going or they will have no job after the election.

Much as I want Abbott to institute those actions he would be foolish to do it to your timetable. The swagger is boxing training and boxers know more about timing than you or I.

Happy New Election Year.

This blog is effective (will come to that later) and nothing needs to change on here. Your Craig Emerson article of yesterday reveals a lot.

Firstly though, here are the opposing 'visions' of Gillard and Abbott....

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/our-leaders-election-year-resolutions/story-e6frf7jo-1226545406338

No sign of 'inquiry into unions' in Abbott's 'vision' despite Building & Construction Commission proposal. More attempt at 'positive' themes and the central one of smaller govt ie. lower taxes, lower spending (which is very important).
However what Col outlines is something LNP would feel perfectly palatable during an election campaign.
It's just, give the power of Fairfax in particular, there's care (possibly to OCD proportions) that what is proposed is not twisted to sound like draconian policy.
Unfortunately, 'media management' has become a necessity in 'PC politics' of today when editors impart some of the 'tricks' that Emmo himself has alluded to (his article posted here y'day), which runs in opposition to what the journo themselves have intended. As he indicated, it only takes one heading or picture of a pollie, to whitewash an article from its original intention.
Hence 'media management' becomes a necessity.
One thing about Emmo is he's a thinker. Don't agree with aspects of his politics, esp. when sticking up for Gillard, Thomson and Slipper & he's done that too effectively. But in his article about journalistic reporting posted here y'day, if you took out the politics, he shares exactly the same frustration as we all do.

Now, if we feel we're getting bum rap from the media, WHY then is it Emmo saying for exampe:
1)'Gillard's misogyny speech' hardly got a mention. I mean, we felt it got TOO MUCH praise.

2)Emmo said Ashby ruling got no mention.
We felt that's ALL we heard about etc.

What we should do is not fight the editor tricks and political motivations of journalists and certain newspapers organisations. It's blatently obvious both left & right of politics will receive reporting in one or both those circles & that will never change.
Best thing to do (& indebted to you for this Michael) is for you to simply keep on doing what you have been doing on this blog.
I mean, if a clever strategic and political thinker like Emmo is frustrated at similar reporting as to what appears on here to spend much time trying to counter it, then he feels that issues raised on this blog are biting.
So basically, simply carry on & let it flow naturally.

@ Col

Col has a serious point. If Gillard gets back we are heading for a one party state. Indeed, with the ALP-Green-Independent coalition and the numbers in the Senate we are just about there now.

If that happens political activists who care about corruption will need to join a left leaning union, take it over, drive out any crooks and strengthen the hand of the left by turning it into a centre- right faction to take on the far right wing AWU oligarchs.

Bit like Russia and China?

If Tony Abbott got across his brief as Leader, did his homework, mastered economics and spoke from authority and not guessing he would be far more effective.

Just think how he could have defused the Slipper mess being turned back onto the Opposition if he had read Rares' judgement and gone to town on the likely appeal points and highlighted that Slipper is still a "work in progress"?

I fear that most of the Coalition will only realise the importance of the AWU corruption issue when it is too late.

It beggars belief that NO questions have been asked of Roxon or Shorten in Parliament about the AWU-WRA and their respective roles.

At this point in time Abbott is the best chance we have but that will not last.

I think it was Vicky who so politely pointed out to me that for Abbott to publicly declare that he was going to go after the unions if he was elected would be stupid.
The last thing that Abbott wants is a full on shit fight with the unions from now till the election.
The government I suspect already know what Abbott is going to do if he wins the. next election. Or at least try.
Hence the personal attacks in the hope that the coalition will dump him if they can make him seem like a liability to them.
They would feel far safer after losing the next election if closet laborite, Turnbul was prime minister or the big cuddly Joe.
Simon Benson sums it up pretty well in one of his recent blog posts in the http://blogs.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/simonbenson/index.php/dailytelegraph/comments/abbotts_goal_to_destroy_labors_union_power_base/ here.

what I don't understand is WHY the Liberal team and his Abbott's advisers do not manage to get photo coverage and articles in the papers. Surely if they write (like bloody emerson does every week) some of it has to go in. what actually are the team behind Abbott, advisers etc doing? Remember the horrible signs fiasco when poor old Tony was just there standing talking and people held up those horrible signs. Then Abbott gets all the blame . DOes he need to sack a few people and get a better team. He deserves a far better team as far as I can see..

lol. Thanks for the laugh. I agree with John Greybeard. Col sounds like a lefty trying to do a bit of shit stirring. Gillard telling the Australian people so what when she is called a crook didn't wash for me. So what? It's a big issue for me and mine if our PM is up to her eyeballs in theft and fraud. It appears the only things keeping Gillard out of the clink are legal semantics and 'friends'(f*ck buddies?) in high places. I'll vote for the drovers dog before I vote for the ALP and Gillard this side of hell. But hey. Full marks for trying Col.

Any policies released now will be either picked up or picked to peices ask John Hewson. You have to win Government to do anything so that is the focus and I can't see how providing ammunition to the ALP would help. It's the score at the final siren that counts. The main media is pro ALP and the rest is pro policy not pro LNP so that is extra hard in opposition. It's sites like this that will do best on specific issues like AWU.

and @ Harry won a bagel

Stop expecting Tony Abbott to do your work for you. You are here on this site, you have read the documents, exercise your own democratic rights and pledge some money for Bob to put his allegations up for everyone to see and respond to, instead of sounding so defeatist. You don't have to put your name up. You don't have to go to court, because there will be no case.

And if the fools try to bring it on, God willing! they can take me on too, because old and female I may be but I am going to pledge that I will be shoulder to shoulder with Bob in court. Because I will not stand by and watch a man who has already been bashed for defending the truth subsequently trashed.

I agree with RJ of Melbourne at 5.01pm. Rudd was little mr. Me Too all through the 2007 campaign and NB he didn't deliver. Gillard is a brazen - you know what!! She would steal anything - we already know. You know you're winning in politics when the opponent steals your ideas soI urge TA to keep quiet for now. We need, desperately need, a government that is working for the people. Gillard does not know how to do that so don't tell her now. Please.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tSo4IICBTY
The Gambler - Good words - we don't need another Godwin Gretch, Utegate etc. so they need to get it right!

Happy New Year to Michael, family and bloggers!!

I too am very frustrated with Labors ability to "call the shots" with our MSM
I just hope Brian Loughnane will use a very active positive campaign I personally think he is too "old school"
Patience is a virtue !!! we on this blog have had our ups and downs following Michael...but just think Bob Kernahan has waited 17 years
HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

Mel | Monday, 31 December 2012 at 05:00 PM

Mel, I admire & support your passion. IMHO, PR not advertising is what we need. An ad will just go pffftt and be gone with hardly a squawk, even a full page ad. We need to get a guerrilla marketing campaign the likes of that used against Allan Jones, you just can't pay for that kind of publicity! Mind you they were wrong with their premise, but their marketing strategy was sound.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guerrilla_marketing

www.michaelsmithnews.com.au
is a classic example of Guerrilla Marketing, low cost, high penetration, viral. With a market segment an inch thick and a mile deep, a very, very effective campaign indeed. It's interactive as well which means more loyalty & possibility for each individual story to go viral. If we look to help Michael get his work out in the public, I believe this may actually be much more effective than a one off advertisement. How does he get to a wider audience? Would a Company with deep pockets be willing to set aside a time allocation of one of their PR staff to support Michael?

A guerrilla marketing campaign to educate the public that Gillard is the antithesis of the yummy mummy. She is not one of them (us). She takes other women's husbands. She even takes men's w....s if it suits her purpose. Now, I believe this is the way to get publicity. It stinks; it's probably beneath those of us with high moral standards. But this is the only way people will take a closer look at Ms Gillard before they vote next year. It has to get out there about her true socialist intention and her morals and that she will do anything to stay in power (anything).

If a PR person comes on board they may be able to get Bob journalistic attention, which is free and can be hugely effective if managed properly. But we need to support Bob and make sure he is looked after, I reckon he is sounding stronger by the day...... But Bob, don’t be forced to take steps you are not ready for. If you are up to this Bob, please consider.

Tony Abbott is hamstrung, damned if he does, damned if he doesn't. The Lib's can't do this without public support. The Fabian's have created a cult following for the ALP. We the public are the only ones that can challenge that cult following.

Col, you can't possibly tell me that you would vote for Gillard to spite Abbott. That just lacks credibility. I totally get your frustration, but Abbott is not the messiah, he cannot walk on water, he needs help from the public. Do you truly want to get rid of these ALP terrorists or not?

I am happy to contribute to the Bob Kernohan campaign. Whatever it takes to make Gillard face the music.

Oooowww, fun .Especially after a 6 PM Baileys..
Ahem, there is a very positive , concise,Parliamentary speech on this here blog/News site a few articles back.There is one catch... one should listen* whilst absorbing.Then consider, then reconsider.
Mr Abbott spells it out beautifully.
What is not to understand?
Feast on it (highly recommended).
Then , we could discuss any questions Yes/No?
Delighted and Happy* New Year.
Cheers!!!

Smithy, I don’t think Tony Abbott needs to get aggressive and overly assertive in Parliament as this will be playing right into McTernan’s strategy of painting him as being:
“negative” (they will continue portraying his counter argument against Labor’s policies and legislation as being negative)
“a misogynist” (continue appealing to the feminist voters and misandrists)
“a thug” (Swan’s recent term for Abbott portrays him as an aggressive pugilist)

What he does need to do, outside Parliament, is to confront the Press and put them in their place when they try to trap him or say things that are false. He needs to become assertive with the Press and if necessary, aggressive. Personally I would like to see him walk-out of an interview with Leigh Sales, after giving her a controlled and articulate ‘gob-full’. I think his real weakness his inability to handle the press as we all saw with his pathetic ‘freeze’ when Mark Riley got the better of him. In boxing terms, he needs to be fast on his feet and counter-punch hard.

I agree Mel. I'm up for it - give me the details and I'll donate for Bob.

Reading "michaelsmithnews" and "Andrew Bolt"I have found clear and sound information, good discussion through the comments and a better understanding of the political world we live in.Because of the dispicable AWU scandal it has renewed and invigorated my interest in politics and my contempt for those who are determined to ruin our country. I used to watch "Current Affairs" programs in order to be informed but ending up turning it off and feeling so desperate that nobody had the same thoughts as myself. I was getting very angry at what I had listened to.I didn't know these journalist's names and what and who they stood for. A lot of these have now come to light through your site. I now research their background but most importantly I have discovered there are people who think like me and that has been an absolute achievement of this site. Thankyou

These types of bloggers are quite common in the bloggoshpere. The blogger will claim to be a "Liberal "voter who is suddenly at pains to have to declare that he or she has sudden doubts about their policies or somesuch current issue.

DON'T BE FOOLED INTO BELIEVING THEM!

Most of these types of bloggers are trolls and or work for the Liars Party, Get Up or just try to plant doubt and uncertainty into people's minds in a way that sounds real.

The only bully in Parliament at the moment is the spiteful and vitriolic PM who is desperate to hang onto power at all costs.

Things I want from the Liberals:

An absolute guarantee that they will investigate the corruption within the Unions and the Labor Party through the processes of a Royal Commission of Enquiry.

An absolute guarantee that they will strengthen our implied freedoms in Australia by repealing any recent laws or regulations that have eroded Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Association.

Those are the two biggies and if they show courage on those, then I will lob up and hand out how to vote cards for them on election day (I'm not a member of any political party). However if they refuse to weed out corruption and protect our freedoms, then I'll be voting for Mr Donkey instead (or Smithie if he decides to get into politics).

The press are taking great delight in the fact that the attack on Gillard over the AWU scandal has backfired against Abbott. They are still trying to convince people on a daily basis that he has a problem with women. Abbott is in an almost impossible position with so much press bias against him. If I were him I'd be employing a new adviser and get to work on improving his image.

mmm,interesting. Though the sort of 'blackmail' comment 'I'll just join labor and the frigging Union, instead of delicately dancing around sipping Moet' or words to that effect. Tells me something. Who is Col, what does he do? He's implying that at least Labor is doing and saying something, not sipping moet like the Libs. Of course, Libs must sip moet. Well Michael, on Melbourne Cup day, you have observed a few Labor Union people sipping moet, with sunglasses on their heads. Does he have a program of Tony's holiday plans. How does he know what any of them are doing. No, he reminds me of those people who say they are swinging voters, and if this person doesnt show me their policies then they are all wimps etc. I say they vote labor anyway and that's what I think this Col will do. Good luck to him. Happy New Year to you Col and everybody.

Make your thoughts known to the Leader of the Opposition, in fact, to the whole gang of them, but don't expect them to do other than keep their powder dry for an election that is going to be so important and fought in the gutter by labor and the greens and most of the MSM

I don't agree that the coalition should come out with their policies now, but Abbott and his team have to come out and attack gillard and her slimy lot, and not take a backward step. Unlike their cowardice over the last weeks of sitting, where they let gillard off the hook.
They have so much to work with, AWU, HSU, slipper, the cost of illegals each year, the rorts and corruption involved in that, the illegals swamping the country, roxon's handling of the Ashby case when it was before the courts, the spiralling debt, the election money promises to the ferals and wastrels of our country, the generational welfare parasites.
Sadly, the coalition are nowhere, much too cowardly making their statements in parliament and not repeating them outside.
Bloody hopeless, and with them as the opposition it warrants this slime continuing their scorched earth policy. It's all we deserve.

Just to clarify that the 'Col' who posted the above comment is not me, the 'Col' who has regularly posted comments to Michael's Blog.

For what it's worth, the real 'Col' feels that keeping the main strategy on ice till an election is called is the best way to proceed.

Gillard will never walk away from her past, but she can be cunning and just as she was ambushed continually by Rudd in the last election, so she should e by all this time around!

Col

Col is right.

Take up the sword Tony. I already feel it is too late. A lot of us have extended you a fair measure of patience.

In reality mate, you should have been street fighting all the time - then passing the baton to a fellow statesman - 6 months out from full time.

That's how you serve your country Tony, get business done or busted.

People want genuine. It is not about which school, club or city you’re from. They want leaders not representatives. Even if I’m wrong or misguided, people will respect your for it. They’re Aussies.

Sorry Col, last post I called you Con, I just can't forget our dear leaders famous " big Greek Bullshit Artist" quote. Such elegant language sticks in my mind!

Both parties are part and parcel. If the government is so bad, which it is, and the opposition so principled, which it may not be, then here's the work around.

They say, "This government is corrupt and has reduced the Parliament to a shambles. We can no longer be party to this, henceforth all members of the Liberal Party resign effective immediatly."
Result election next month, but its not going to happen. Democracy is only for the poor people, to the rich and powerful its irrelevant.

Michelle Grattan wrote a piece lately about Tony Abbott's 'slush fund' that he ran in his campaign against Pauline Hanson.

In that article Michelle Grattan made no distinction between a slush fund set up for the purpose it was used for and the slush fund that JG set up deceptively and which was subsequently used to embezzle very large sums of money.

She should be reminded of this.

I agree what you have said about Abbott col over the awu fraud. However many people in this country including me know that Julia Gillard is a crook and that the labor government are unelectable and will most likely lose the election because Queensland and New south wales have so many marginal labor seats that will fall to the coalition. Queensland and New south wales will seal Gillards fate as prime minister in next year's election, Queensland and NSW hate this government and Gillard so much that the results in the other states in next year's election will not matter. Abbott has got the prime ministers spot in his lap because many Australians know that Gillard and this government is a joke and don't care if Abbott, Turnbull or even Julie bishop become prime minister as long that labor is not re-elected because many Australians will never listen to Gillard and her government anymore. I would like to say col that there are a few coalition people who are going after the awu fraud matter very hard, Julie bishop is the one leading the way. She has truly rattled Gillard in her questioning on the awu fraud and she will continue to question Gillard very hard next year. Julie bishop is definitely prime minister material in my view and is better than Abbott. I do agree with you col that Abbott is soft and not hard enough while Julie bishop has guts, balls, and a real leader with so much toughness. Gillard is not that tough, believe me col.

What a load of crap col, its obvious from your post that you dont like abbott so why would he want to listen to your BS anyway. The reason hes so unpopular is that labor has managed to paint him as a bully (which you yourself seen to believe), as being negative etc etc, its BS but for some reason people believe it, by coming out all guns blazing he would just reinforce that perception. As far as the AWU stuff is concerned, what exactly do you want him to do, deep down 99.9% of the people that know anything about it knows shes as guilty as sin, but there is nothing thats shows 100%, without a doubt proof that she done something wrong and wether you like it or not, she has a lot of media on her side who wont act without that proof. As well as the fact that most Australians just dont care, they just arnt interested enough in politics to check the facts. Someone mention Climate Change, sorry but its exactly the same there are still at least 50% of australians who believe it because of humans, if he came out and said it was BS he would be crucified in most of the media and they would paint him even more as someone living in the past. Sorry but why more people may be starting to think its BS, the believers still hold a lot of sway, way to much for the coalition to say its BS, it would be political suicide. As for the policy issues, FFS col hes the opposition leader its not his job to announce major policies months and months before the election, and anyway all this talk about not having any, go have a look at there website, seems like there plenty of policies on there to me.

I think most decent people in Australia respect the kind of man tony abbott is. He is a decent man, and a clever man. That is a great combination. I think he is right not to get down and dirty himself with the pm. It is there for all to see that she is being coached by mc tearaway. Good luck to her. Some one once said "the truth will out" Didn't say how long it would take but it will come out.
Mary Mc

Col Michael, Michael Col?

@ mel:

Mel I am with you all the way!!!! I had written another comment but Michael did not put it up.

@ Posted by: Marco Polo | Monday, 31 December 2012 at 10:17 PM

You make a good point.

Much of our personal politics is determined not by what the Politicians do or say, but by what the media tells us they do or say. That's why control of the media/media owners is such a holy grail of global politics. Gillard and the AWU, and the general media's studious avoidance of the subject is the best case in point I've yet seen of this in action in this country.

While I understand Cool point, the added trouble Abbott has is the media. If he went as aggressive as Gillard the MSM would be merciless towards him. he would be painted as the biggest sexist ever. they would twist his words and every turn. Just look at the lies mal farr and dennis Atkins (news ltd journo's - lefties take note) told about what Abbott said on the insiders. The canberra press gallery will do everything it can to save Gillard so Abbott does need to tread carefully.

@Isabell.

Thank you, Isabell, for your excellent and valuable post. It is inspiring!

Tony Abbott is doing a good job. Julie Bishop is doing an excellent job and the Liberal Coalition is hanging in there admirably.... I wouldn't knock it too much. The Liberal Party is a herd of free thinking cats at the best of times.

what a shameful article from the COL. Tony Abbott is doing the best he can. he is fighting an ATHIEST. Gillard and her GANG are busy taking Australia down the sinkhole to hell (the FABIAN PIT). DID Gillard ever answer any questions directly? If you ask her how much is a dozen of eggs? her answer will be something like...Well did a misogynist put you up to this. or she may say that she got the abortion pill approved for use so that more babies can be killed. Is that the kind of PM we deserve? Until we are told of julia Gillard secret agenda we are all going down fast. (julia is a Fabian....fabians will swear and shout and yell.. they wear down their opponent and then they strike: their motto is unashamedly the WOLF in SHEEPS clothing. so Col maybe you should just join her and enjoy the ride down to hell...TONYT ABBOTT WILL be the next PM. Gillard will lose quite badly....the ALP will be thrashed and dumped into the fabian pit that they themselves have built...all the NBN blowouts will not help them, not one bit.

Col - are you a Labor plant?

IT'S TIME TONY.
Get the helmet on, and the chainmail.
Draw the broadsword and

FIGHT LIKE HELL!

Reply to Leigh Tuesday, 01 January 2013 at 01:04 AM

Nice link mate, let's hope he's right about some of his observations.

Col makes a good point.
A lot of the comments posted here - I believe - Col would not argue with - nor are they Col's point. Col's first point is he wants clarity as to what the Libs are sworn to do in relation to the AWU, the fiduciary responsibility of union office bearers and the repeal of these horrendous proposed laws that dilute free speech.

Col's second point is that he is wary of the Liberal party's ability to lead the nation out of this mess that our fellow voters have put the country into.
If Col had a concluding paragraph it could have been, "we are all going to have to get down to the booths and do the kill off of this disgraceful coalition of unions and independents by ourselves - the opposition don't look like doing it for us".

Abbott, as many has commented is well and truly leg tied by a frightened and vicious media. However, Col has NOT called for immediate policy announcements as some seem to think he suggests.

To me, Col is colourfully making the point that Tony Abbott does not look too comfortable in his own skin. As much as I have to agree that TA has performed statesman like and I am proud of TA's record of doing such, I too wonder if TA's is inspiring anyone. I hope the many of you that believe things are so bad, a change of Government is a forgone conclusion, are correct however I'd like to see TA's leadership shadow being dominantly cast over the whole affair.

That's what Campbell Newman did in Qld. He cast leadership from outside the parliament. There was no ifs and buts. Queenslanders had no time for ALP spin.
Campbell Newman looked good on the horse he sat on and people followed him just to see him do it. Don't underestimate inspiration.

Col, is simply one who needs to be inspired. Many are. TA's problem is - as good as a man as he is, as good as a servant he is, people need to be led. Life is not academic.
That being said, I'll vote for TA. Many who should, won't.

Look at the alternatives --Christine not pristine Milne ,Ju-liar Gillard doesnt even rate a vote and Abbot playiong the game of chess
There will only be one winner and if it isnt Abbott then think of moving to --lets say --the Cook Islands ,Samoa