CAMPAIGN UPDATE

David Speers, Sky News Political Editor

30 July 2010

Labor strategists have been grappling all week with the question of the campaign: what to do about Kevin Rudd.

On Thursday night, one told me the answer was a hit man.

I think he was joking.

But in the end he wasn't far off.

Rather than a bullet, it was a gallbladder that put the former PM in hospital.

Rudd's hospitalisation is a potential circuit-breaker for a Labor campaign which has been unable to shake the leadership tensions.

From his sickbed he offered a goodwill gesture, saying he was looking forward to leaving hospital next week and campaigning wherever needed for the re-election of Prime Minister Gillard.

This goes further than his previous statements to campaign for the re-election of Labor.

And it shows he's willing to be a team player.

Whether campaign HQ takes him up on his offer though is another thing.

It's hard to imagine Labor candidates in marginal seats embracing Kevin Rudd.

"Hi, I'm Kevin, I'm from Queensland and please re-elect this lot who knifed me in the back."

At least he'll attract some media attention in marginal seats!

At the end of week two of the campaign, senior Liberal strategists are sounding more confident.

Tony Abbott clearly won the week and is looking more Prime Ministerial.

Strategists on both sides agree Labor is in trouble in western Sydney and Queensland.

But despite a difficult week, number-crunchers still have Labor winning enough seats to hold on.

Share your thoughts on this blog:

Comments are moderated and will not appear until they have been approved.

Cathie Webb, Adelaide (10 September 2010 4:56PM) wrote:
David, Please speak to Peter Van Onselen. He continually asks closed questions of his panel. In this I mean that he states what he thinks their answer wil be. He also speaks over, his panel. Why have a panel, he clearly thinks he can go it alone. I am at the point of not watching anything that Peter compares. It's not fun! Keep up the good work by the rest of your group. Cathie Webb

Anthony Thomas, Gold Coast Australia (9 September 2010 12:58PM) wrote:
I would like to share with you an email I recieved today from the NBN. The reply is in response to an email I sent to the National Broadband Network 1 week before election time. I found it amusing and more so tipical of the failure that the NBN is. regards Anthony Thomas BEGIN FORWARD >>>>>>>>>>>>>> From: NBNCo Info [mailto:NBNCoInfo@nbnco.com.au] Sent: Thursday, 9 September 2010 11:54 AM To: NBNCo Info Subject: An update on your request for information from NBN Co Dear Sir/Madam, Due to a technical fault on the server hosted by an external provider, your email has just reached the NBN Co communications team. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused, and will endeavour to respond to your query as soon as possible. We regularly update our website www.nbnco.com.au with information on the project. For more answers to frequently asked questions, please visit FAQ page on our website. This is an automated email, please do not reply. Kind regards, NBN Co Communications Team info@nbnco.com.au <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

chlishe, Adelaide (8 September 2010 8:24PM) wrote:
WE DO NOT WANT GILLARD, NO.. WE DO NOT WANT LABOR AT ALL. WE WANT ANOTHER ELECTION OR GILLARD TO STEP DOWN.

elavan, darwin (8 September 2010 8:22PM) wrote:
Almost 700,000 more voted for Abbott (we think it was far more) yet Gillard won. Mr Speers, please explain, who runns the country?

susan, perth western austra (8 September 2010 9:42AM) wrote:
how can 2 independents say they have made the decicion on what australians want. What a joke how many 1st term govs have lost so many seats in such a short time doesnt that tell you anything

Pamela Anderson, Alice Springs, N.T. (7 September 2010 7:41PM) wrote:
WE the people of aust. did NOT vote for Julia WE did NOT vote for labor. Julia sold her soul the nite she stabbed Rudd in the back and again sold her soul to get back in power. And now the independants have sold out their souls to the labor party... WE are not happy !!!!!!!!!!

Aska, Australia (5 September 2010 11:40PM) wrote:
Open your eyes Australia before Jews take-over entire country. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38418520/ns/today-entertainment/

Marty, Canberra (2 September 2010 7:48AM) wrote:
Doesn't SKYNEWS think people will notice how biased their coverage is toward the coalition? Flicking between ABC News Breakfast and SKYNEWS it is obvious that your channel is trying to downplay the possible 10 BILLION DOLLAR BLACKHOLE in the coalition's costings. Your channel also seems to be showing a different AGE newspaper edition than the ABC is showing. It is time to fess up and decide whether Abbott is dishonest or incompetent or all of the above.

joan thomas, horsham vic 3400 (27 August 2010 12:59PM) wrote:
labor does not deserve another term there was to much missmanagement & waste lets hope there gone

Michael, Geelong (27 August 2010 9:57AM) wrote:
Congratulation on The Nation David. A fantastic show which I never miss. I think John Dela Bosca is very incisive in particular. As is Gerard Henderson and Arthur Sinodenis (apols for spelling!).

george clucas, brisbane (24 August 2010 3:00PM) wrote:
36 hour marathon a lie. what does that tell us. lies are unexcusable. abbott is not fit to lead our country. george clucas

Mag , Castle Hill (23 August 2010 7:09PM) wrote:
Hi David (Speers), You did a excellent work during the Election Night 21/8. Also, we are regular Viewers of Sky News & your program . Some times is very clear that you are supporting Julia Gillard over Tony Abbott by changing subject and focus on the good thing for JG but not TA . Please give the Viewers the Balanced Views & respect , as yusualy you do in other subjects. Also, JG is not PM but JG is care taker –PM , as most of Radio & TV use since Sunday 22/8. Thank you & please keep your good work up. As our Family & Friends one of your Channel & Program supporter. Regards. Mag

Denise, Sydney (23 August 2010 6:57PM) wrote:
You and many of your fellow travellers made much of the fact that it would be an historic election due to the fact that we have our first female PM considering the results of the election Why No comment from yourself or others on the fact that in the final count it made not a jot that the PM was a women, so can we hear some analysis on how out of touch you all are with main stream Australians.

Geoff Smart, Brisbane (23 August 2010 11:38AM) wrote:
Labor insiders have confirmed over the weekend that Kevin Rudd spent much of the last days prior to the election phoning Labor and Caucus members to canvas support for his next run at the Labor leadership. Apparently his line included such taunts as "everyone knows we are buggered and Gillard must go" and "best you get with us now or pay the price later..". Why isn't the media talking about this issue? It's out there and even the Liberals were aware of the story last week.

Steve Williams, Mount Warrigal, NSW (23 August 2010 11:16AM) wrote:
Ah Queensland! beautiful one day, perfect the next!! A bruising hand you’ve raised to pay those faceless men in full. Mad vexed, diamond eyes downcast, atwinkle yet, though ten thousand cries condemn. Falsehood they winkle for truth’s requiem is plaintive. Still soft hearts spot the lie for the light of innocence, is, the sunnyside of Briz. Brave Queenslanders Your candour so real with your dander aloft. They lose yet they know not how You choose. Thank God for Queensland

Bill W, Brisbane (22 August 2010 8:44PM) wrote:
Terry Seedsman, Have you ever seen Gillard in a debate? She always talks over the other person. I seem to remember that she only wanted one debate.

Chris Raisin, Blackburn, Melbourne (22 August 2010 12:42AM) wrote:
I must commend you David on an outstanding job during this campaign - unbiased, always courteous and a real gentleman who has raised the standard of political commentary in this country. Well done!

rose reid, victoria (20 August 2010 9:53PM) wrote:
I for one hope Abbott wins for the sake of Australia. We cant keep spending all this money. Just watch what thy do to Julia if she looses!!! There will be much blood letting. I think Rudd would have won it for them - GO GO Tony! It is embarassing how pro Labour some of the media are

yien thiang luony, melbourne (20 August 2010 9:51PM) wrote:
well the poor guy says he'll do what he can to get labor and julie elected, i think we need to be fare by accepting that he means what says. plus he has no obligation to compaign for someone who betray him.

Paul, Wyong (20 August 2010 8:48PM) wrote:
I am appauled at your program The Nation and The Last Word and your BIAS towards the Federal Liberal Party, with your panels that you have. Whether what Julia Gillard did to Kevin Rudd wasn't democratic or not is debatable. Had she not acted, Labor would be in an even bigger crisis. State Politics should be seperated from Federal Politics. If the people in NSW or QLD aren't happy, with how their states have been run, VOTE out the Premiers. As for the Carbon Price.Customers will not be taxed. The Mining Industry will wear the costs because they pollute the environment. Another scare campaign from SKY. David Speers YOU'RE A DISGRACE!!!!! Give Julia a term as PM, then judge her.

Mark, Roma, QLD (20 August 2010 7:19PM) wrote:
David I was quite surprised at how angry and frustrated the PM was today. I think the pressure has got to her and she has returned to the "OLD / NEW" Julia. Would be a good point to bring up at 8:30pm tonight because I would like to see the response from the Labour side of panel. Thanks and keep up the good work.

allan bullock, quilpie qld (19 August 2010 9:25PM) wrote:
you are pathetic with your analysis of tony abbotts view it is no doubt that you support the labor communist view. I am glad that I live in the outback away from people like you.We do not have freedom of speech anymore.we bow down to all the refugees that are better off than our old age pensioners.I am a vietnam and a gulf war veteran and you make me bloody sick.Allan bullock

Louisa Waller, Victoria (19 August 2010 8:45PM) wrote:
David Re 19 Aug Nation Please Opposition Leaders (and their demise/transitions) are NOT a matter for the Electorate. Rudd - should have been.

raoul ketko, wellington (19 August 2010 8:32AM) wrote:
you are by far the most fair person with both sides. skynews has shown a blatant bias against julia but you have been fair. I congratulate you on your good work. raoul.

Elva Barjasic, Brisbane (18 August 2010 8:23AM) wrote:
Like lots of baby boomers we were told there would be no pension so sunk money into super, bought investment property so we could retire independently. Now super has lost its luster and the investment property is our last nest egg. What guarantee do we have that either party will not implement the Henry report's other recomendation and make investment property subject to 100% capital gains tax?

Rob, Karratha, WA (17 August 2010 5:04PM) wrote:
How come as political editor your blog is so out of date?

Mark, Roma, Queensland (16 August 2010 10:49PM) wrote:
David please let me know about the time frame of Labours policies because I am mistified by the majority of promises that will not come into affect until after the next election and some the election after that??? Mark

sim , melbourne (16 August 2010 9:25PM) wrote:
at the launch for the ALP,J.Gillard verbalise a lot of materials that are not truth about Mr.Abbott . She sounds like a ventriloquist for Mr.Abbott and it is because she is so very desperate to win the election at any cause that the whole of the party saddle to blacken Mr.Abbott as a monster and would bring the whole nation down if he was elected! You as a professional and committed journalist should have been able to give the australian voters an informed, unbias,and questioned her as to all the statements made are facts and not twisted words.I have been watching most of the interviews of the media reporters with the ALP minster, most of you lot are leaning towards labour even though all of you would denied it. You can lie to all of the australian viewer but you can't lie to yourself. I hope that for the good of the nation you should give a fair go to the otherside. NBN is uncosted and so is rail link in w.sydney so why don't you question the government. Last of all , the PM at the launch makes like Mr.Abbott is a do nothing party / on standstill and she is the only one who can perform for the country! What a joke when the 3 yrs.preformance is so bad that they have to change leader without notice when she was there to assist and supported all the ideas.

John Casserly, Sydney (16 August 2010 8:11PM) wrote:
Hi David, Surely the Labour strategist will be looking for a new Job after the current debacle. You have him on the show regularly as an expert and their party is in Damage control. I wonder if the CES may have a new career path for him? What else can he wreck?

RICKO, peakhurst (16 August 2010 7:28PM) wrote:
David,If you get another moderators gig with Tony Abbott you may consider this question. "Can you clarify if Warren Truss is the real Nationals leader or the pretend Leader is Barnaby.Who will be your Deputy PM? and how will the Coalition function?" I believe the LNP and the media has completly ignored Warren Truss ,I doubt anyone outside QLD and the bush would even know his name.PS try this straw poll in your office and see who can correctly name the Nationals leader.

John van Gulik, Cockatoo, Vic (16 August 2010 5:18PM) wrote:
Hello David Speers, I have one question for you that one seems to be able to answer. I understand that there is 150 seats in the parliament(House of Reps.). This means to win government you need 50% plus 1. This would means 76 seats. Currently, Liberals have 65 seats. This means they need to win 11 extra (net)seats. Why does all the papers and sky news say 17 seats? Finally your coverage is great. In particular, Nation and PM agenda. Regards, John

Will, Melbourne (16 August 2010 2:59PM) wrote:
Its a shame you missed a Biggie, David, As did your commentators. No-one picked-up the One Big obvious axing in Labor's Launch. There was no logo of the Labor Party? Noton the podium, not on the back drop.Not anywhere. A Labor Conference, without the name of Labor? What are they telling the Voters, since this aint a Presidents election.. Which Party?

Eros Salinas, Bunbury WA (16 August 2010 1:07PM) wrote:
So far the only thing that makes sense in this election is what Mark Latham said, vote BLANK to show these politicians that we are sick and tired of their games

SusanH, Perth (16 August 2010 12:39PM) wrote:
Why is it that the issue of the Public Forum in Queensland has now turned into questioning of the Liberals on why they don't want a debate/forum? Your news channel and The Courier Mail asked for a Public Forum and Tony Abbott has agreed to it. Looks like Julia Gillard is not keen as the last time it cost her $2billion in promises in Western Sydney.

robert schut, brisbane (15 August 2010 3:56PM) wrote:
Why don't you use your own survey non who won the debate last wednesday. Your survey showed a very clear difference between Tony and teflon Julie. Are you biased to the labour party? Regards, Robert

Cathie Webb, Adelaide (15 August 2010 2:52PM) wrote:
I have been doing some checking into NBN costs in Tasmania. I have attached this: Internode: 200GB download per month, $109.95 @25Mbps download, 2Mbps upload $119.95 @50Mbps download, 4Mbps upload $139.95 @100Mbps download, 8Mbps upload IPrimus: 300GB download per month, $119.95 @25Mbps, download, 2Mbps upload $129.95 @ 50Mbps download, 4Mbps upload $139.95 @100Mbps download, 8Mbps upload iiNet: 60GB download per month $69.95 @25Mbps download, 2Mbps upload 100GB download per month $99.95 @50Mbps download, 4Mbps upload 180GB download per month $159.95 @100Mbps download, 8Mbps upload I currently pay $49.99 per month for 180GB download @256kbps. (Chariot Adelaide) For me to get the equivalent I will have to pay at least double and possible triple what I currently pay. Would you please ask your Labour contacts how they expect consumers to pay the extra? Many thanks and keep up the good work. I believe you try really hard to present a fair view of both sides

Dino Mascione, Perth (14 August 2010 11:48PM) wrote:
As you are a Labor supporter, I can understand you not asking Gillard the hard hitting question on how a disloyal deputy can stab her leader in the back and then a few weeks after asked for his help. This David, sets a dangerous precedent for future Labour leaders when their popularity falls. It undermines the intelligence of the Australian people, who are totally disgusted to what happened to our elected leader. You as a journalist should find the answer to this question - after all is'nt this what true journalism is all about - UNCOVERING THE TRUTH.

Fair Reporting Please, Perth (14 August 2010 5:51PM) wrote:
I've been following the election via Sky News and I noticed that most of the reporters appear to be anti-Liberal. This has been noticed by a lot of people that I have spoken to. I hope the Australian public will not vote for personalities - rather vote for the party's policies. Go Liberal!!!

A. McGregor, Dysart. Qld 4745 (13 August 2010 11:03PM) wrote:
My husband and I are very appreciative of the election coverage so far. I don't agree with Mr. Seedsman, that Mr. Abbott is gutless. Witness Mr. Abbott's involvement with our indigenous people with Noel Pearson - before it was 'fashionable'; his gracious handling of his 'love-child' saga; his work with the rescue workers on the Sydney beaches. His performance at Rooty Hill RSL was masterly, I thought.

tony mullen, parramatta (13 August 2010 9:09AM) wrote:
I rate every minister well ahead of opposition counterparts. labor has the better team by far. the best thing about this election is that we will soon see abbott and his cronies limpaway with tails between their legs.

trureal, Melbourne (13 August 2010 2:43AM) wrote:
Why don’t the sheep realise and remember the Howard years and how good it was for the ruling class and for the rich to get richer while people who had to work and beg for whatever work was available and for their money had it tough and still do and still have nothing, if you think that one day you will become rich because you voted for the Liberals then you are living in a fantasy world because to break it down so most Australians understand is that the Liberals/NAT are for the ruling class, the Labor party is for people who have to work or beg for their money, it’s a simple as that.

John McGuire, Melbourne (12 August 2010 9:30PM) wrote:
David, It's August 12. Do you seriously call this a blog? You've lost interest since Rudd came back on 30 July. But all is forgiven. We know you needed to spend more time defending Labor. Well done.

rodney swan, Sydney (12 August 2010 9:06PM) wrote:
For goodness sake David please get over Kevin Rudd's demise. We have. I really turned off your 8.30pm program today(with Della Bosca et al) because you were obsessed eith Rudd. Just get on discussing policy instead of people long gone by. Rodney Swan 0414444284

brett jobson, morning bay (12 August 2010 4:47PM) wrote:
David, Please correct your criticism of John Alexander about supporting the North West rail link. The Parramatta Epping link is different altogether. You obviously don't come from Sydney!! Otherwise you're OK. cheers Brett Jobson

brian wuillemin, perth (12 August 2010 10:39AM) wrote:
here we go again, in 15years or so will they sell Broadband network off? will we be asked to buy it back again in the form of B1 & B2 like we had to with Telstra?. IT people will tell me that cable will be out dated when the new wireless systems are updated

Mark Shove, Adelaide (12 August 2010 7:11AM) wrote:
Until the Rooty Hill RSL forum, i thought you were a decent political commentator/analyst, David....even told my friends you can be trusted for an unbiased assessment. However, that effort last night had me squirming with embarrassment and shame that I was watching such a travesty, masquerading as serious political discourse. There are only two "beacons of light" amongst Australian journalists/commentators......and you ain't one of them.. You really should hang your head in shame and apologise to the voting public for that garbage......NOT HAPPY DAVID!!!

Brian, Adelaide (11 August 2010 11:03PM) wrote:
David,Having hosted a failed Leaders debate and a failed peoples forum give up and concentrate on real issues like the NBN,Workchoices,Health,Education etc

Trish , Australia (11 August 2010 10:28PM) wrote:
DAVID.... cant you at least employ one liberal voter on your staff of talking heads. Listening and watching just labor day after day is SO SO SO boring. Obviously i vote liberal cant you give us the other 50% someone telling our toughts not just Gillards

Jason, Ipswich (11 August 2010 9:23PM) wrote:
Shame, Shame, Shame Any self respecting journalist would have been ashamed to have been involved with the farce that was the so called public forum. This event was organised with such a clear level of Bias towards one side of politics you should quit journalism and become a PR spin doctor. How were the participants selected to be able to ask questions and why were people selected to ask questions only able to quiz one of the leaders? Galaxy may have selected the participants but Sky organised and moderated the event which was an absolute shambles!!!

Lynette, Sydney (11 August 2010 3:55PM) wrote:
This is NOT a popularity contest. It has nothing to do with red hair, big ears, ear lobes or speedos but everything to do with policies. Who will look after my money & invest it in the best way for my country that I will benefit from. So far the Liberals have a much better track record at looking after my money & not wasting it on policies that do not succeed fully which is what I expect no half promises no minor errors. I expect 100% from the leaders, the entire government. the only winners should be us the Australian people!

b carew, emu park (9 August 2010 11:01PM) wrote:
I hope Tony calls julias bluff at the VERY LAST MINUTE and agrees to debate on wed. He should then focus on what the greens / Labor coalition will do to the economy. What deals have been done for preferences? A wrecking ball to the economy.

fred morris, agnes banks nsw (9 August 2010 5:07PM) wrote:
watching you today mr Speers on sky was about as intelectual as watching kiddie hour,you appear to be more worried about a difference of 7 billion dollars in a budget when your time and comments might be better spent worrying about the daily interest we have to find due of course to the incompetence of a bunch of federal politicians.you might also consider the national debt,but with your labour slip showing David I do understand this could be a little difficult for you. regards Fred Morris

hans, sydney (9 August 2010 4:30PM) wrote:
You are losing credibility as you are simply not fair in your coverage or comments. You give hours of time and "press news" to the socialists. Eg. today with Swans news conference. What a fake and lies You have now lost me as a viewer

hans, sydney (9 August 2010 4:19PM) wrote:
You are losing credibility as you are simply not fair in your coverage or comments. You give hours of time and "press news" to the socialists. Eg. today with Swans news conference. What a fake and lies You have now lost me as a viewer

Maura, Sydney (9 August 2010 11:46AM) wrote:
David how very disappointed you will be if Labor does win as you have campaigned very hard on behalf of the Liberal Party and cannot hide your delight every time something goes wrong for Labor nothing fair and balanced about Sky's reporting. I'm sure your I love Tony Abbott button is in the mail.

Jane E, Brisbane (9 August 2010 1:39AM) wrote:
You lament the lack of a sweeping vision from Tony Abbott. After Kevin O7's inspirational vision was followed by no action and by an appalling standard of goverance, I'll be more than happy to simply settle for boring old good government. Go Tony!

gwen lucy, Goovigen Qld. (8 August 2010 8:31PM) wrote:
I thought Tony Abbott was great today, gave me hope for the future. The left wing media would not agree, and continue to make negative statements. Go Tony!

Qlders to rule the universe, MORETON (8 August 2010 7:00PM) wrote:
David, any one who claims the media provide balanced coverage are kidding themselves. Where have the media been on Malcolm Fraser's disendorsement of Tony Abbott? Fraser mentored Howard, who mentored Abbott.

natalie woodley, Victoria (8 August 2010 5:19PM) wrote:
I am listening to the left biased Helen Dalley, her mate left strategist Jenny, and Nicki Savva who worked for the coalition but advises she is soft Left. These three discussing the coalition in Brisbane today?? Did they see what I saw, obviously not, except for Nikki Savva. These women live in a Canberra bubble they have NO IDEA what "REAL" people think. Jenny has advised the coalition has internal problems, the LIES just spew from her mouth, Labor Modus Operandi. Helen and Jenny apparently believe people go through life creating havoc, executing dastardly deeds, lying on cue, having the character, integrity of a chameleon, but they should NOT SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES of THEIR ACTIONS. You women have anobligation to be truthful not Julia Barrackers, You and Labor have given us Latham, Rudd without scrutiny, now you're doing the same with Gillard, a Fabian Socialist, "Leopards do not change their spots", SNAKES shed their skins, they're still snakes. That also goes for you Left women, giving a totally skewed view of the coalition. You are a disgrace, thank god we have the internet and more honest vies than that of yet more Left media. These blogs are like the Labor party, have no idea how to deliver, why have them, if in an election you can,t even keep them current?

emma, melb (8 August 2010 3:10PM) wrote:
One of your panelists (the former Howard scriptwriter whose name I cant find), mentioned that he thought there was something different about Gillard in her appearance on "Sunrise". I think the answer is something as simple as BOTOX, which HAS actually changed her appearance this past week. Please pass this on to him.

DJ, Brisbane (8 August 2010 2:05PM) wrote:
Terry, Labor can't keep expecting to micro-manage this election campaign to the extent that Tony is told where and when to debate Gilludd in a way that best suits their focus group dribble at the time. It appears Labor chaos reigns supreme

Tracy, Albury NSW 2641 (8 August 2010 1:56PM) wrote:
I just wanted to to voice my opinion on the election coverage on sky news. I really enjoy sky news and have done so since pay TV entered my region of Albury, back in the early 90's, but I am so disappointed how much I can compare this election coverage from the sky new political team to FOX news in America, who strongly support the Republicans. The sky political team is so very bias towards the liberal party. I can see this with the coverage, it makes me as a average Australian think 'who are the big media powers, reporting very one sided views to influence, who I will be supporting come election day?' I like to think that here in Australia the media can provide a balanced, true information to the public. I may need to turn back to the free to air channels to do this. Will this election outcome, truly be a vote from Aussie's or will the outcome come from the influences of who the media what’s as PM? Because I know who the political reporter's are voting for come election day - without a doubt!

MT, Brisbane (7 August 2010 12:28PM) wrote:
When are people going to wake up and see the labor party for what it is, the PR wing of the unions, they proved that by sacking KR when it looked like their PR team were going to let them down.

Tinh Minh Truong, Cecil Hills 2171 (7 August 2010 10:22AM) wrote:
Julia Gillard said "I chose not to have children". Isn't it selfish and irresponsible ? If her mother had also said "I choose not to have children",how can she appear in this life ? If everybody says "I choose not to have children",how can this world continue to exist?

xiaoling north, brisbane (6 August 2010 11:31PM) wrote:
75% of the polles say Tony should not debate Julia Gillard as it is seen as not taking controle. Well done Tony, you have made a good decision. Why should Abbot save Julia Gillard when she is in trouble??

Donna Azzopardi, Queensland (6 August 2010 6:26PM) wrote:
Why has no one asked Tony Abbott why he joined Young Labor Lawyers at Sydney University. Call Michael Martin, partner at Moray & Agnew to confirm.

Elizabeth, Gosford (6 August 2010 3:16PM) wrote:
I watched your show last night and came away with the impression that Albanese is just a nasty little union man! He has no manners and obvious is used to thuggery and standover tactics to get his way! Applause for the way the Liberals professionally dealt with him!!

Lita Rasmussen, Belrose (6 August 2010 2:52PM) wrote:
I noticed Gillard in today's news about BER's audit result said, "thank the lord". Was that a slip of the tongue or an appeal to the religious. If she does not belive in God, she should spare us the voters anymore spin. One of the ten commandments is thou shall not use the name of our Lord in vain.

Andrew, Sydney (5 August 2010 4:11PM) wrote:
What is it with Rudd and Gillard and these views that Abbott wants to avoid scrutiny and crusie to an election win. They just don't get it. These guys are unbelievable. Rudd was not held up to any scrutiny over the past two and a half years, we've had fuel watch, grocery watch, and ETS that he couldn't explain, failure to deliver on promised tax cuts, proposals to cut private health insurance rebate that was not disclosed at the last election, failed spending on home insulation, a concerning waste of moeney on the schools building programs and the poor proposals around the mining tax or few real details on the proposed changes to this tax.......who is it that has avoided scrutiny of the record?? Gillard, Rudd and Swan come across as sneaky little spin doctors. I think it is the height of arogance that the ALP want to run a line about trying to scare people that Abbott could be the next PM if they vote Liberal. How stupid do these guys think we are?? What would be worse, Abbott as the PM or a puppett PM with Bob Brown carrying some power in the Senate. That is a scary thought!! I can't see how Rudd joining in the ALP campaign will help them, he was on the nose and the govt lost its way.....how can they hold him up as the solution now?

Brad , Rockhampton (5 August 2010 6:44AM) wrote:
I heard a portion of the Rudd interview on ABC radio: he said that the australian people are petrified about the rules in their workplace being changed, they are petrified about cutbacks to things like social housing, petrified to cutbacks to building libraries in our poorer state schools. The only thing we are pertifiied about is what bad news we will receive after the spin and lies of the election are gone, from both the state and federal governments. It is quite interesting how well Ms Bligh has been gagged over the last few weeks. Life goes on, but the issues most important to Queensland ie: the nurses pay bungle, and the sale of QR are being swept under the carpet. Both are important issues to us labour voters.

natalie woodley, victoria (4 August 2010 11:38PM) wrote:
Urgent, urgent, calling David Speers. Immediately you read this you need to go to Andrew Bolt's Blog, read the blog on SLEAZE BAG, hypocrite Bruce Hawker. Old saying David; "lay down with dogs, you get up with fleas". Unfortunately, you have probably been laying with dogs TOO LONG. You have many viewers watching Sky because we actually here what politicians say, on other T.V. Stations we get a filtered, biased view, that journalists take on it, as you are also want to do. At least we see them speaking on your station unfiltered. When journalists, stations had more credability we used to have the opportunity to get equal coverage of both parties, it was a convention, GONE. Do not kid yourself when you have Liberal Stooges and malcontents like Hewson (Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned), that you are providing a fair and balanced view.

Clair, Guildford NSW (4 August 2010 3:24PM) wrote:
Everytime Julia says the word economy my hairs stand on end and I am filled with teror! She is claiming good economic management? I thought that is what she was moving forward from! Her "economic management"

C.Lewington, Brisbane (4 August 2010 7:38AM) wrote:
Why not arrange a debate about the economy between Gillard & Swan and Business Leaders like Gerry Harvey, Dick Smith and the mining executives. All businesses are managed by their level of Operating Profits not by the level of tax they have to pay. The level of tax companies pay will influence the investment models and in the case of the miners will change their decisions whether to continue investing in Australia. The supermarkets are more worried about the increasing operating costs like electricity, transport and water. Mining companies are very mobile and if they decide not to invest in projects in Australia not only will thousands of mining employees lose their jobs but many Australian support industries such as maintenance and mining town retail outlets will also go under. What happens then to the "Super Profits Tax" that the government is relying on to finance its promises. There won't be any Tax coming into treasury. Let's bring this government to account. We need to know the truth not have to listen to more spin.

Eric Winter, Forest Hill Victoria (3 August 2010 10:02PM) wrote:
Mr Speers - I have dual US/Aussie citizenship, and for years I've been more interested in American politics. This year, however, I've been watching your coverage, and I think you are simply world class! I pity the politician who goes on your show unprepared, or prepared to give only the same old spin! Well done sir!

A Proctor , Tweed (3 August 2010 6:50PM) wrote:
Hi I have just read your Blogs .I thought they were pretty good.Far better than your performance on agenda. There are times your leaning towards the ALP dissapoints me .

WayneT, Port Kennedy WA (3 August 2010 5:55PM) wrote:
How about Abbott agrees to a debate and in return Gillard has a debate on their record in Government, the ETS, Batts, BER, Mining Tax etc. I wouldn't be letting her set the agenda while she is on the back foot.

Ralph Carstairs, newcastle (3 August 2010 5:48PM) wrote:
This whole business of promising Rudd a senior cabinet position is off with the pixies. What are they running here, a political party or a jolly hockey sticks arrangement. Can you imagine a major corporation firing its CEO and then re-employing him in a lesser position in its executive ranks. It just wouldn't happen and if it did there would be outrage from its shareholders. Just as the voters are outraged by the goings on in the ALP which from my perspective amount to treating the voters with disdain.

l green, queensland (3 August 2010 3:03PM) wrote:
my husband and i have been watching your program for the past 5 weeks as we have been on holidays, from our observations you clearly vote labour. you can never say well tony abbott is just better then ms gillard instead you continue to rant on how she will pick up ground. Perhaps you are forgetting that we the australian public are not entirely stupid and consider what you are saying is simply labour spin.

Terry Seedsman, Brisbane (3 August 2010 2:23PM) wrote:
We MAY have the faceless men, I say again MAY. But we now have the gutless men of the Liberal National Party. Why not have another debate, not just say Sunday night but any night. A wee bit frighten are we Tony?