At the end of the day, the kids caned Kevin on Q&A

Louise says:

08:47am | 09/02/10

He won’t go solo in front of Barrie Cassidy on Insiders on Sunday mornings, and very rarely does he front the 7.30 Report.  Why?  Because both are highly skilled and respected journalists and neither will let him wiggle his way out of non-answers.

Greg says:

09:26am | 09/02/10

Actually Lousie, he is on the 7:30 Report quite often. He does Laurie Oakes as well.

Yeah he doesn’t do Insiders. Big deal.

cat_scan says:

09:40am | 09/02/10

When they get rid of Andrew Bolt off The Insiders, I might even watch it again. He loves the sound of his own voice and refuses to even consider the arguments of others.

crazyhorse says:

10:11am | 09/02/10

you sound very scared of mr andrew bolt cat_scan and so you should be…its obvious the few people like you and thankfully getting fewer by the day prefer blather , spin and populism….and for rudd to say we cant wait any longer re. climate change and now its not even at the top of his agenda….

obviously he now believes we can wait…

Warren says:

10:12am | 09/02/10

Barrie Cassidy gives free kicks to the likes of Andrew Bolt & Piers Ackerman who constantly interrupt, talk over people & treat the program as their own personal sopabox. Why would anyone bother to appear on insiders?

Carolyn says:

10:28am | 09/02/10

The kids may have caned Kev,true,but those old enough to vote need to vote for HIM!
(If they are going the 2 party way).
His party is the only one looking further ahead than ten years and with our demographic and the challenges faced re. energy and water we need to have that long term planning in place.
And then there’s WorkChoices2.

Kids believe me-DON"T go there.

steve says:

10:32am | 09/02/10

I thought he did rather well. I keep going back to the same point.
Coalition supporters in their criticisms of Rudd inadvertantly give him a compliment.
What they are effectively saying is that the PM in two years should be able to fix everything that Howard couldn’t in twelve.
So it is obvious that their expectations of Rudd are so much higher than that of their former leader.  As for being dull. I wasn’t aware that the forum was meant to be entertaining. A great mark of respect was shown by Rudd for not denigrating the forum into a alley side show.
Let’s see if Abbott can also refrain from doing so.

Posters says:

10:38am | 09/02/10

Warren, you left of the sarc tags

papachango says:

10:45am | 09/02/10

Barrie Cassidy is an ex ALP man, and a leftie, like 99.9% of ABC journos, so why would he give conservatives such as Bolt and Ackerman free kicks? Au contraire - he always outnumbers them 2 or 3 to 1 with lefties, and until recently made them sit in the naughty chair on the ‘far right’ of the screen.

Peter says:

10:55am | 09/02/10

Rudd’s media strategy is based simply on ensuring he only faces journos that give him a free hit. Its not just Insiders, how about Stateline, he is also rarely on SKyNews’ Agenda and a range of other programmes… also dont forget radio and print…

And this list will now certainly include insiders… I am sure Tony Jones is off the Christmas card list.

The only reason Rudd went solo was so he didnt have to face tough questions from the other members of the panel.

He also appeared was in Canberra - the only state or territory to have only Labor representation Federally.

It is good that Rudd appeared on the programme however the appearance shoudl be seen for what it is, the youth of Australia turning away from his leadership.

steve says:

11:31am | 09/02/10

Pembo
Just how many comments are being posted by one under assumed names?
Your colleague noted that one commetariat blogged 22 times at last count, each with different identities.
Do all these forums suffer the same problem?

Robert says:

12:23pm | 09/02/10

How come he won’t front a normal QandA panel where he will have to debate some serious minds?

G says:

02:43pm | 09/02/10

Full credit?!  You are kidding me. I watch that last night and it should be called Q & S (question and spin). He dodged answers with his usual bull and waffle. The way he answered the question around the ETS , climategate and the IPCC deceptive manipulation of reports was a disgrace. He has not kept up with what has been happening in this area and showed that he has no clue of how the forecasting and reports by the IPCC are calculated and compiled.Instead he went to the lowest common denominator and tried to belittle the person who asked the question. Typical bully boy rudd

Geoff says:

02:51pm | 09/02/10

Carolyn. If we vote rudd in we wont have any work (ETS) or choices (Internet censorship)

Pauline says:

08:29pm | 09/02/10

Barrie appears very much pro - Labor, as are most of his panelists. I thonk Bazza would give Rudd-ish a nice easy time….what’s the problem?

B.Tolputt says:

11:21pm | 09/02/10

Insiders was killed when the “conservative chair” became the soap box for Andrew Bolt’s diatribe. I don’t like Piers Akerman either, but the man kept his manners even if he was spouting something I vehemently disagreed with.

Bolt’s presence has single-handledly removed Insiders from the “balanced” media and that Rudd refuses to give it the air of credibility with his presence should come as no surprise.

B.Tolputt says:

11:31pm | 09/02/10

I think that the kids gave Kevin a decent run for his money because there is no “retribution” possible. Journalists who wish to remain in the political field cannot afford to annoy the politicans anymore or, at least, must choose which side of the party divide they are willing to sacrifice.

Should a journalist, without an incredibly strong reputation/show to back them up, corner a powerful politician with a good question (and stick to getting that question answered) - they are likely to find themselves without sources for interview &/or background information. Even the most powerful interview programs (Meet the Press, 7.30 Report, etc) can only push the politicians so far before they have to give up.

Kids can ask whatever they like because it’s not worth the effort of destroying a random kid’s career for the one question. It is worth starving a persistent journalist of information sources should they prove annoying.

The Bear says:

01:06pm | 09/02/10

Ellie, your comment is right on target.  As well as accentuating the fact that today’s youth are politically aware and articulate, it also points to the deplorably low standards of today’s journalists and the “dumbing down” of popular media.

cat_scan says:

01:30pm | 09/02/10

LOL!
Pull the other one, it plays ‘The Fool on the Hill’, exactly the situation if Abbott becomes PM.

Henry says:

02:55pm | 10/02/10

Who Tony Abbot? give me a break !

over it says:

02:59pm | 10/02/10

Really, why do we even bother voting? Whoever gets to be Prime Minister will get slaughtered by the media and public… someone new gets voted in… the same thing happens to them.  Nobody wins.

Might as well be a dictatorship, then whoever is running the country will run the country, instead of trying with all their might to stay in office and beat the opposition…

JJJ says:

06:51am | 09/02/10

Oh Adam… you voted for him before? Therein lies your problem. It’s okay - I understand the appeal… the youth like ‘Tin Tin’ and Australia wanted Change (oh, wait - was that America?). Anyway… I hope those who voted Labor can now admit there is a reason the Libs were in power for 11 years. If it ain’t broke…

yinyangman says:

09:56am | 09/02/10

Actually, JJJ, in the opinion of the majority it was “broke” in many areas and about to get more so. Labor is not an alternative to Liberal any more than Pepsi is an alternative to Coke but for most people it was still better to remove the Liberals altogether in order to take a step back towards society shaping the economy rather than the continued slide towards allowing our social values to be shaped by business czars and shareholders with no ownership on the outcomes of it’s short term profit driven processes.

Scott says:

02:37pm | 09/02/10

yinyangman - I would have thought your moniker would have you forming a balanced argument? Pity it’s a misnomer. Australia was foolish to vote out the Howard government especially now when it is seeing the alternative. Admittedly, Tony Abbott is not too many person’s cup of tea but he has rejuvenated the coalition for another tilt.

Ben says:

02:42pm | 09/02/10

yinyangman, I hope you didn’t base your vote on those tired and empty cliches?

yinyangman says:

03:30pm | 11/02/10

Scott - G’day. Firstly, I wasn’t forming an argument so much as making a statement of fact. The majority of voters didn’t want the Liberals in power any more. I was one of them. John Howard’s policies and personal ethical standards were at odds with my understanding of the way you treat people. You may feel differently and that’s fine by me but I definitely felt I was living in an ethically broken nation for quite some time. My response to JJJ was that I and enough others felt that way in large enough numbers to help bring that leader’s reign to an end in a democratic and non-violent manner. I’m not sure how to balance that statement. For one thing, I didn’t vote for Kevin Rudd either. I don’t see anything balanced in your statement either but I’m fine with that… it’s your opinion. Good for you, mate.
Ben - Hey there. I based my vote on the combination of my ethical standards, my desire for the world to become a fairer place, years of deep interest and passion for world politics and human rights and who I think, of the usual bunch of career driven automatons that are thrown up by the political process to offend the least voters, may actually not be a hypocrite once in charge. It’s ironic that you should mention cliches since I was responding to “if it aint broke don’t fix it” which, in itself, is a fine cliche but I don’t agree that nothing was broken here. Cliches are cliches because they are true so often that they are continually repeated. They, like lives themselves, are only worthless if they are left unexamined. I hope you didn’t base your vote on your opinion of cliches. Cheers.

Martin G says:

10:20am | 09/02/10

Because the alternative is to do nothing.

Rose says:

10:09am | 09/02/10

“where were there”...what in heavens name are you trying to say?
You say Abbott stands for something..WHAT?? He twists and turns and has to spend half his life clarifying what he has already said because what he says is so often out-dated and offensive. The simple fact remains that, regardless of your opinion of Rudd, Tony Abbott as Prime Minister would be downright dangerous. The man is a fundamentalist, he is sexist, he is narrow-minded and he does not want Australia to move forward, he wants the clock turned back. Abbott cannot even own an opinion on Climate Change, it’s well documented that he thinks it’s crap, but he puts out a half-baked policy to pretend to tackle it. Rudd most definitely believes Climate Change is an issue, he believes in his stimulus package and he obviously is concerned about youth alcohol abuse and road toll. If you don’t like Rudd’s stance on things that is one thing, but try actually listening and you will see that he has strong opinions and stands by them, maybe it’s because he uses big words and you just can’t understand them!

steve says:

10:36am | 09/02/10

I agree Rose!
Just what does Abbott stand for?
Hyperbole!
Rudd is consistent. Abbott however is all over the shop sending out contradicting messages.

DMS says:

10:45am | 09/02/10

Well done Rose (10.09am); you completely refuted Barry’s position by pointing out what was obviously just mistyping in his comment.  Good to see the cut and thrust of intellectual debate is strong in your neck of the woods.

barry says:

11:09am | 09/02/10

rose,the phrase should have been “who were there” and you asked me what Abbot stood for then rattled off what he does stand for and in your reply i notice you did not mention one thing which Rudd stands for.You prove my point,thank you!

Jazza says:

12:07pm | 09/02/10

Heartily agree—obviously uneasy with juniors, Rudd needs to go to akindergarten to feel comfortable!
HA!
The young people were savvy and not easily fooled , guess like many of us (much older voters)they have HAD the spin and the SPIN merchant

I hope the Opposition get the archive footage of Rudd promising what he actually did about hospitals when electioneering in 2007 and the Buck stopping with him, as this was the first I’ve heard he was going to take years(I thought he declaimed 18mths) and ask the people for a mandate( never, recalal that from Rudd that was Abbott’s line if I’m correct)

Rudd is a liar and worse still he isn’t ,apparently, able to remember clearly what he’s said prior on most topics, but just says what he thinks his current focus groups want to hear.

If that won’t fit the circumstance, he prevaricates and takes a cue from the mood of the receptors or resorts to gobblegook Ruddspeak to fill in time.
Many folk won’t watch Question time any more because he takes up all the time longwindedly bagging the Opposition,using all his name calling and Ruddspeak—BORING!_SILLY!- and some tell me they watch and there has not been one question from the Opposition properly answered in a year.

I sure hope Abbott is to be given the same circumstances, but i don’t trust the ABC and snowcone Tone to be fair and balanced, they seldom are,and no doubt will subtley arrange a grilling of the worst kind

cat_scan says:

01:28pm | 09/02/10

Poor Rose! She obviously is concerned about Climate Change. She probably knows what she’ll do next election too without taking notice of the one or two Young Liberal hacks (with their multi screen names) blathering on about the Prime Minister.
At least Rudd’s Labor Party, and The Greens are intent on being active in the fight against Climate Change - whereas Abbott is on record for saying ‘Climate Change is crap’.
Only Turnbull has the guts to speak out for the world to take action against it. The Liberal/Nats Party want to tax ordinary Australia to pay for mining companies to continue their polluting ways. And Abbott will say whatever it takes to become the PM, even if he lies. Talk about megla-maniac. Totally untrustworthy too!

Peter H says:

01:38pm | 09/02/10

Barry - I enjoyed Rudd’s replies last night but I found the young people there had been listening to the Opposition and the tabloids a bit too much.

Rudd’s problem is that, unlike Howard & Abbott,  he decided not to waste taxpayer’s money on advertising all the things that his Govt. has done.  So the voters think he has done nothing and the tabloids encourage that thinking.

Hospitals - I heard during 2007 that if the States did not agree to ‘come on board’ and improve the health system then Rudd would put it to a referendum at the next election (2010).  The Opposition has lied about those words and so has the media.

I thank Rudd for the many good things he has done and for keeping my kids in jobs during the GFC.  This has meant somethings have to be put on hold but he deserves more kudos than brickbats.

And Pemberthy is just a journo who wanted to beat up a story.  Those kids looked mostly from privileged homes.  They would barely know what the real world is like.

Scott says:

02:42pm | 09/02/10

Rose - Don’t you have some ironing to catch up on?

Frangipani says:

03:52pm | 09/02/10

Peter H - are you serious?  Young people listening to the Opposition and the tabloids?  Rudd’s list of broken promises and spin is longer than the Great Wall of China and is taking on a life of it’s own, even making it to a Facebook group until it was mysteriously removed.  Rudd and his band of socialist engineers are still blaming the Howard Government 2 years into the job - when will it be time for Rudd to take responsibility for his actions?  Look at the number of illegal boats entering our waters, thanks to Rudd opening the floodgate with his loose comments and policies.  Rudd’s stimulous package was like using a sledgehammer to drive a nail and has put our kids into generations of debt.  And what have we got to show for it?  Container loads of Chinese batts and schools with new halls, whether they wanted them or not.  I agree, Rudd doesn’t deserve brickbats - he deserves a demolition ball.

Rose - Tony Abbott is being attacked at a ferocious level by the media.  His comments are stretched until they resemble nothing close to the truth.  I bought a copy of Womens Weekly to read what he’s said about his daughters and the comments were so far removed from the words attributed to him by the media, it would have been laughable if it weren’t so serious.  Abbott is being attacked for being a ‘mad monk’, yet Rudd consistently gives interviews on the Church steps.  He’s attacked for wearing Speedos instead of applauded for being a lifesaver and a volunteer fire fighter.  Tony Abbott might not be an oil painting but at the end of the day (sorry),  I know who I’d prefer to run the country.

Anthony says:

07:02pm | 09/02/10

Rose, I think you need to listen to your own advise, how about actually listening to what Abbott has actually said, you maybe surprised

steve says:

08:03am | 09/02/10

Jo Nice thought but the problem is a vote for the Greens is a vote for labour unless you re-direct your preference
The Greens always preference Labour so when they fall short of the line your vote goes to Labour anyway.

You want to protest just put labour last

Phil says:

08:19am | 09/02/10

Jo in doing so your still voting for Labor except for the senate, cause the greens are many elections away from getting a lone member in the house of reps.

rloader says:

08:25am | 09/02/10

Hi Jo,  Don’t swap your vote to Green.  Labor will get it anyway. The Greens are a pseudo Labor Party.  That is why this country is in such a mess as the Labor Govt is allowing the Greens to dictate their policy so that they get the Green preferences.  Give your vote to an Independent to be sure.

David says:

08:30am | 09/02/10

Unfortuntely Jo, despite what the Greens might want you to think, a vote for the Greens gets forwarded as a vote for Labour, and Labour’s policies. The Greens are not going to go back on decades of their formation to vote against Labour.

kezza says:

08:33am | 09/02/10

jo….why on earth would you vote for the greens. They are a defacto Labor party & give their preferences to Labor. You would be better off voting for an independent

Matt says:

08:48am | 09/02/10

Please don’t vote green, as it is a vote to sink the country into the toilet. There are many other groups with the best interest of the country at heart.

troy says:

08:59am | 09/02/10

a vote for the greens is a vote for labor

AJ says:

09:12am | 09/02/10

It’s a little sad when Liberal Party hacks are begging people who don’t like Labor to not vote Green, you’d think the party of opposition would have a little more to offer than ‘we’re a better protest vote!’

And if I were a Lib, I’d be encouraging Labor people (and Libs, for that matter) to vote Green in some inner city seats, particularly Tanner’s seat of Melbourne, which has quite a close Lab v Greeen 2PP, if only to stop him smacking crazy old uncle Barnaby around.

Justin says:

09:53am | 09/02/10

Actualy, no, a vote for the Greens is not a vote for Labor.  It’s a vote for the Greens, then if they don’t get in, it’s a vote for YOUR next preference.  I think people need to start learning how the preference system works, it’s this mentality that gives the 2 major parties so much power.  The preferences are YOURS to distribute.  As Steve says, just put Labor last.

Thumbnail says:

11:23am | 09/02/10

Jo, The GREENS believe in Global Government, something which could severely limit your personal and political freedoms.  Our Anzacs gave their lives to protect those freedoms.  The GREENS want to take them away.  Check their website and look at Policy E5.  Go here:  http://greens.org.au/node/776

Grumbles says:

12:49pm | 09/02/10

A vote for greens is a vote for labor, and worse if enough people voted greens and they became the government we would be SCREWED. Vote LDP.org.au and reclaim our freedom.

M.M says:

01:58pm | 09/02/10

Jo. Please. A vote for the Greens is a vote for Labor, always has been and always will be. Treacherous thing is that they don’t ever declare that ‘till the last moment, but they always come off the fence on Labor’s side. Don’t waste your valuable vote.

cat_scan says:

04:20pm | 09/02/10

At least Rudd’s Labor Party, and The Greens are intent on being active in the fight against Climate Change - whereas Abbott is on record for saying ‘Climate Change is crap’.
  Only Turnbull has the guts to speak out for the world to take action against it. The Liberal/Nats Party want to tax ordinary Australia to pay for mining companies to continue their polluting ways. And Abbott will say whatever it takes to become the PM, even if he lies. Talk about megla-maniac. Totally untrustworthy too!

meh says:

03:29am | 10/02/10

if i may interject, i don’t care who you vote for but at least put one nation and family first at the bottom!!!

Simmo says:

09:04am | 09/02/10

spot on Andy…

the worrying thing for the ALP is that if this is how the 16 to 25 year olds are feeling about Rudd, what are the 26 to 30 year olds feeling about Rudd?

I never thought it would be possible for the ALP to lose the next election, even with Abbotts strong performance, but things are getting more interesting on a daily basis.

I’d say that people are sick and tired of all of Rudds BS already. I wonder how long it will be before there is a leadership challenge?

Mick Kelly says:

12:43pm | 09/02/10

Yeah thought everyone had missed that second question. It was along the line of suggesting that at least some credit might be given to the Howard government for ensuring there was a large and healthy surplus so he could implement his stimulation package. I don’t think the young lady in question forgot her second question as her hand remained raised for some time. The Prime Minister, in all of his arrogance, chose to simply ignore a question he has always refused to answer. If these are the kids of our future, our future is very bright indeed.

JJJ says:

08:46am | 09/02/10

@ Jane. I’m not really sure what your point is. Q&A may not be specifically targetted at ‘youth’, however last night wasn’t about young people watching the show, it involved them. Last night showed jus how politically aware many of the ‘youth’ are - heck - they befuddled & upset the PM.

giorgia says:

09:13am | 09/02/10

Howard’s long gone, Mike. To defend Rudd’s performance last night, you’ll have to pick a new arguement.

Gavin says:

09:16am | 09/02/10

Mike I think you have you’re political leaders confused.. Congratulating Kevin Rudd for having guts to take on the hard questions, is that on commercial radio or Sunrise?? As someone of the age to be asking questions on QandA last night, I think it’s quite clear your head is in the clouds..

Old Clive says:

09:18am | 09/02/10

Mike Who? Kaiser I presume!!!!!

Nettie says:

09:24am | 09/02/10

Hey Mike, Howard would have there with bells on.  He never dodged the hard/hostile interviews.  He fronted them all - O’Brien, Jones, and the press gallery at large. As for the ‘softball questions’, well tune into O’Brien when he is interviewing Rudd and you’ll hear ‘softball questions’ .  So far he has dodged Cassidy on Insiders for obvious reasons - Cassidy, unlike O’Brien,  does require answers to his questions.

Diamantina Dick says:

09:25am | 09/02/10

Mike, you have a real hide to say that about JH who used to make himself available to the most hostile environment for a conservative politician on a regular basis; the 7:30 report. If you want to see soft balls watch K O’b interview KRudd, if he’s in the country.

I and you should give KRudd no credit for showing up. Here’s the news flash for you; it’s his job.

Adam says:

09:31am | 09/02/10

Ballsy of K Rudd thats for sure. I think Abbott would front up which kind of defies your argument.

On another note I would say Barnaby has been stalking the Q & A producers trying to get a gig

Aitch B says:

09:39am | 09/02/10

@Mike:

It’s not whether we did or didn’t like the answers…... he didn’t answer most of them so there was nothing to like or dislike!! Except the spin and BS, of course…..

Maree says:

09:41am | 09/02/10

The ABC would never have given Howard the chance

Anthony says:

07:10pm | 09/02/10

Hey Mike, when will Rudd sit down with Alan Jones for those softball questions??

Libbie says:

09:06am | 09/02/10

Yes Joe, I think you and I were watching a different program.
A lot of the questions were nonsense and frankly the response to the answers was often quite rude.
I was always taught to respect authority. Nothing wrong with questioning it, but when you’re being given an answer have the courtesy to listen to the answer before you react.
But good on the ABC for showing us that some young people are at least interested in politics and for the PM for taking the time and having the guts to turn up and front up.

Jason B says:

09:08am | 09/02/10

Ah, the oldies always bashing the young’ns. Perhaps it was your generation’s bad parenting skills which caused it?

Joe says:

09:27am | 09/02/10

i’m only 30… was involved in student politics too.. All I saw was a lot of idealism that doesn’t cross to reality… I also found some of the questions just as rude.. But i doo agree good on everyone for the effort and debate…

NINDY says:

10:40am | 09/02/10

Thank god! At last…Let me be clear, I am a Liberal member and, whilst I thought the performance of Kevin Rudd was standard issue spin and that there were a couple of tense moments, the carry on in these comments is WAY over the top. The “forum” was ridiculous and childish; the questioning trite and reflected the immaturity of the speakers; little by way of follow up. Most of these comments focus on Rudd’s mannerisms. People do not vote against governments because the leader is annoying.

Jason Griggs says:

01:16pm | 09/02/10

Joe - has it ever occurred to you that migration actually creates jobs?  When you add new population, the economy is going to increase in size.  That’s one the right wingers won’t tell you!

Scott says:

03:03pm | 09/02/10

@ Jason Griggs

Are you serious? We currently have a booming population with high demand on housing, food, water and electricity. To continue to increase our population through lowly skilled immigration is almost criminal. Robbing those who are here of resources.
The only jobs created could be those in Dept of Human Services, ie a growth in welfare funding to unemployed.

Robby says:

11:12am | 09/02/10

That seems absolutely spot on. The vast majority of left-wing supporters won’t be swayed by this, the vast majority of right-wing supporters wouldn’t criticise it any less if rudd had answered any differently, and any fence sitters watch are likely to flip flop on issues anyway, as is their nature. Personally, i still think Rudd’s doing a good enough job to merit voting him in over Abbot. Malformed, poor quality answers are still preferable to someone preaching inequality between the genders.

Cuppa says:

03:08pm | 10/02/10

A loaf of bread coould do a better job of running the country.Rudd is useless…...

Adam says:

09:37am | 09/02/10

I think the internet filter is one of the biggest issues at the moment. To create a filter to block content that is already illegal and actively prosecuted is either political posturing t the religious groups or more worringly political censorship.

LG says:

10:25am | 09/02/10

I think it actually highlights how few people actually care about the filter. It’s an intense vote swinger for a percentage of people, but I’d contend that the percentage is small and that the rest of the population might not like it but don’t care enough to let it influence them when there are bigger issues. And don’t forget the favour curried with Family Fist may just offset any losses.
If you reckon that it’s going to bring down the government because you read it on a blog you should also try to read something about selective samples.

PeterD says:

10:37am | 09/02/10

Zeta, I think the ‘internet filter’ is all about control.

If Rudd builds the infrastructure and controls the content we’ll never see honest information again.  Suppression of dissent over claims of human-induced climate change in the main stream media has already demonstrated how fragile our information system is, and control of the internet will be total control.

It must not happen.

Adam says:

09:46am | 09/02/10

This is a shocking comment. Ill address your points individually

P-platers may be a state responsibility but it does not mean the federal government can help with initialising a national reform. God knows the states won’t so it on their on accord.

He made an election promise to hold a referendum if hospital performances did not improve. Don’t make the promise if its impossible as you suggest.

Don’t defend a politician for being a politian. Nothing wrong with answering questions. If both sides of politics were completely straight forward we would know which way to vote.

This is not even a shot at Rudd just people who will defend thier chosen political party on the basis the other is as bad.

M.M says:

09:54am | 09/02/10

I believe the question was what his thoughts were about the absence of uniform national laws on P-plates, which is something that should be pushed for, among other things that should be national issues, not state. Kevin was well aware that he did not have the power just “to take over” the health system when he said that. But he led us to believe he would push for an agreement with the states, if things did not change dramatically. They didn’t, and he didn’t. I believe part of that particular speech / promise was “The buck stops with me”

DG says:

10:51am | 09/02/10

Maybe I’m just cynical - I always assumed that the hospital line was just a lie. Maybe because I was willing to acknowledge that health care is a money drain with no possible positive outcome. The increase in expense for every 1% improvement from with point making it prohibitive without increasing taxes. He’s certainly not going to increase taxes to fund healthcare when the last election was going on about Labor being a high taxing government.

“Federal government can help with initialising a national reform” - How do you proposed they do that? Round table discussions? further conditional funding? This is another no win situation. The problem isn’t the laws it’s the minority that freely break the laws. The drunk P-platers that get killed while speeding - how is uniform licensing scheme going to fix that? Are you suggesting these hoons don’t know it’s wrong? Of course they know it’s wrong - they don’t care.

As for my point about Rudd denials and refusal to answer - it wasn’t a defense. It was my complete surprise that people don’t seem to realise that both side of politics do this because there is no incentive to tell the truth. If both sides of politics were completely honest and acted with integrity there would be no where near as much reporting on politics. Secondly, the whole point of opposition is to make the government look incompetent - having policies of your own is a hindrance because then you can look incompetent too.

I appreciate the ideal of everyone being honest - but it’s just never going to happen. You are talking about people who are saying whatever it take to keep their job or to get a promotion. I would be more worried if our politicians weren’t smart enough to lie to get what they want.

The job as the electorate is to ignore their words and watch their behaviour.  If you don’t like their behaviour VOTE for the alternative. Voting for a minor party is waste of time - they don’t have the numbers to do anything. Their policies are effectively pointless except to the extent to which they say they will support or oppose the Govt. Even then you are acknowledging that you vote is either or or against the Government - based on their behaviour.

cat_scan says:

09:38am | 09/02/10

Could it be because Andrew Bolt is a right-wing dolt who thinks climate-change is a conspiracy?

M.M says:

10:18am | 09/02/10

Now THAT would be worth watching - Kevin Rudd versus Andrew Bolt. Reality TV at it’s very best. Bring it on, if you’re game, Kevin

PeterD says:

10:23am | 09/02/10

cat_scan, here’s the news:

Bolt has never suggested that ‘climate change’ is a conspiracy.  Even a ‘dolt’ understands the difference between ‘climate is changing’ and ‘humans are causing it’. (I’m not sure whether you understand the difference).

Bolt has consistently taken the position that corruption of science, fraudulent misrepresentation of data, conflict of vested interest and suppression of contrary evidence are conspiritorial.  And he’s right.

BULLDOG44 says:

10:30am | 09/02/10

No, cat_scan, it’s more likely that it’s because Andrew Bolt presents sceptical views from reputable scientists who disagree with the science and have published their arguments with their data to back their opinions.

As for a “conspiracy theory” - try reading the emails sent between the scientists at the heart of the IPCC reports, where they blatantly agree to fudge figures, distort graphs and avoid giving information to other researchers who wish to validate their work. Phil Jones has been found guilty of breaking British Law under the Freedom of Information Act and has only avoided prosecution because of a ridiculous 6 month Statute of Limitation on the offence.

The British High Court judgement against Al Gore’s film “an inconvenient Truth” for containing specific lies and deliberate deceptions also show what happens when these claims are subjected to impartial review.

steve says:

10:46am | 09/02/10

Ah! But you see, Bolt doesn’t expose the inconsistency, manipulation,vested interests and downright lying from those who deny AGW.
All he does is nitpick issues that support his point of view and I might add is quite willing to manipulate info himself.
If he thinks that Plimer with 105 mistakes on historical facts in his book & Monckton over 125 mistakes in historical facts in his report is Okay then one could hardly consider his conclusions have any credibility.

cat_scan says:

01:47pm | 09/02/10

Haha, Steve. Exactly! And the reason Bolt and his right-wing cronies don’t want to admit humans are causing this faster than normal global climate change is because they don’t want humans to pay for it to stop. And listen to the crapolla from wealthy people being asked to put some of their wealth towards fixing up the globe.
The only oddly-pleasing if vengeful thought is ... when it’s too late to do anything, it will be their great-grandchildren suffering, as well as the rest of humanity.

D'oh says:

10:19am | 09/02/10

@ aaron:

“The questions were poor, the audience was stacked, the students were rude”

As opposed to your regular Q&A program?  Or perhaps Insiders, the 730 report, Lateline??

Take it on the chin mate like conservatives have been for years on the ABC (kudos for them for changing their usual line last night).

When the shoe is on the other foot…..

PorkChop says:

10:50am | 09/02/10

Ruddite?/ Sure you’re not. Whatever would give us that idea?
Kevin 747 failed and you are clearly upset.
As for Abbott, I hope he does take it on. I will be interested to see his performance.

M.M says:

02:05pm | 09/02/10

You know something? Best and funniest comment here. Committee said so.

Saskia says:

09:44am | 09/02/10

Care to give examples of Rudd’s reform?

‘Solidly competent’ Such a ‘KRuddism’.  This govt has been lazy, full of spin and profligate.  That is fact.

Geoff says:

10:36am | 09/02/10

Well said Poseidon you have nailed him spot on…. or are you actualy him…. lol. He was embarrassing and obviously unncomfortable awa y from his scripted lines and showed a great lack of connection with the audience. He now looks out of his depth really.

Peter of Sunshine Coast says:

11:00am | 09/02/10

...and you know what? I make absolutely no apologies for ending the blame game unlike what those opposite would have you believe….blah blah blah…

D'oh says:

10:38am | 09/02/10

@SheikYerbouti:

Agreed with all points except one.  “These kids didn’t represent me. they were a bunch of stuck up self important nerds, mainly in private school uniforms (uniforms? at night? WTF?)”

From a quick scan of the room it was pretty clear that less than 15% was made up of private school kids “in uniform”.

Additionally, “who failed to ask Kev about anything with any genuine pressure or insight.”  The kids were too civil, respectful & well behaved to apply that sort of pressure. 

THAT IS MEANT TO BE THE MEDIA’S JOB!!

Patrick says:

10:25pm | 09/02/10

Why was so much of this important communication opportunity allowed to be dominated with comments from esentially a bunch of non-australians being given the opportunity to insult us all at the expense of our own young Australians geting an opportunity to raise real issues . I mean how insuting is it to be to be bumped into and be called a curry muncher as the big sook claimed. How thin skinned and frankly did not sound genuine at all. I mean to be called a racist is insulting but curry munching is not unacceptable to integrated Indian Australians i know - they just laugh.

I agree with Sheik except for that bit about “maximal synergistic discourse”. I think we should stay virgins until married for a year - just to be sure!

Tim says:

12:30pm | 09/02/10

Nice One. I’ll pass your sentiment on to the people of Zimbabwe.

“I know you may not like Mugabe, but think of the alternative in Pol Pot”

Tom says:

03:33pm | 09/02/10

So by your logic, we should be satisfied with any leader who is better than one of the most despicable dictators in the world?

martinX says:

11:21am | 09/02/10

Which is why you tighten the budget when receipts are down, not hand out cheques to every man + dog.

TomP says:

05:40pm | 09/02/10

Helen, judging by your comment, you seem to be just as “intelligent” as the group of young Australian’s that were at the Q&A session last night. Otherwise, you would have realised that, the MAJORITY of points that were raised by these kids, were in fact, WRONG!    It really helps if you read REAL news articles, and, not just opinions published by right-wing fanatics such as P Akerman or A Bolt!!!!!

SM says:

11:00am | 09/02/10

And whilst I think David is an excellent writer, he and his colleagues are going to have to lift their game significantly if Mr Murdoch’s ever going to be able to charge for their online stuff

E says:

11:04am | 09/02/10

he made noises in response to questions, thats not the same as answering them. What planet are you from that you dont understand that politicians get a lot of training in failing to answer a question but claiming they did? Its deception 101 ...

Yolanda says:

11:34am | 09/02/10

Agree, he did answer the questions as best he could. How stupid was the first question - “what will your campaign slogan be for the next election?” Great way to start the show!
And as for the question about guaranteeing a job just because she was about to finish uni… jeezus, come on do you live in the real world?

James says:

12:07pm | 09/02/10

Your right Jason, we have a country that has the ability to speak to the federal leader on public issues. Pitty its not the same in the labor run states where they dont give a stuff what people say.

Fog Badger says:

10:06am | 10/02/10

Responding and answering are not the same thing

D'oh says:

11:59am | 09/02/10

@ Timmo:

It might be a good idea to watch it first before commenting at such length.  Watch it here if you want to really contribute meaningfully to the discussion.

http://www.abc.net.au/tv/qanda/txt/s2811552.htm?clip=rtmp://cp44823.edgefcs.net/ondemand/flash/tv/streams/qanda/qanda_2010_ep1.flv

“i think and he did turn up for the kiddies and put himself on the block”

I don’t think anyone, let alone the PM or even Tony Jones was expecting THAT last night.

“but I feel that with all the ideas on the correct runnning of the Country that are put forward here ,why don’t all the anti Rudd People form their own Policital Party and Run rather than sniping from the Sidelines.”

That is the great part of living in a democracy.  You CAN form your own party to stand up for your views (consider the recently formed sceptics party, or any other party formed in the last few years).  You can even express your views from the sidelines without being arrested or even (shock, horror) switch support from one party to another.

“You could call it the, ” We’re never happy with Anything Party”, You would probably be able to find the perfect Prime Minister from the Ranks.”

Notwithstanding the childishness of this remark as a society we should always be striving for improvement.  So whilst we should be happy with achievements to date, we should not be happy to just stop.

“And as far as the so called stupid Ruddisms go I would say that people who write to this column should all, rather than putting stupid abbreviations for different things like climate change etc., write the full wording so we can all understand what you are talking about.”

[face palm]

Firstly I would hardly call them “intelligent Ruddisms.”  Secondly your comment regarding abbreviations whilst valid is extraordinary considering you fail to use simple paragraphs to logical express your arguments.  Besides, abbreviations help keep us within the 5000 char limit.  Additionally, you are attempting to adress two different ideas in the same sentence which is possible although you have clearly missed the mark.

“This country has always been run by the Head Officer of the Public Service and the different departments of that from whom any Government has to take advice.”

I think you might be confusing our democracy with communism.  Last I checked, it is we the people who run the country by ELECTING officials to REPRESENT us in the parliment which in turn determines who runs the pulic service departments.

“To satisfy us all out here maybe introduce an IQ test for anyone who wishes to apply for a political career and If they don’t come up to at least an average IQ their application could be refused.”

Not a bad idea, perhaps this could be extended to include people who comment on The Punch (although this may rule both of us our Timmo).

“Wouldn’t that be great, Intelligent Lateral Thinkers running our Country!”

Once you have actually watched the video you might find that a fairly lateral thinking generation might be on its way to running our country over the next 50 years.

END RANT

LarryO says:

12:35pm | 09/02/10

‘harmless and well meaning’ hell is THIS what you want from a PM??
Raise your standards!

Frangipani says:

05:15pm | 09/02/10

“He can be a bit of a dick sometimes but he is harmless and well meaning” .

That’s why he tried to sign Australia up to an ETS so he could look good in front of the rest of the world at Copenhagen.  That’s why Rudd has kept the real costs of the ETS to himself because he knows it would be political suicide to release them before the election. 

Rudd is also involved in the Brigalow/Native Vegetation Act that has robbed NSW and Queensland farmers of their right to just compensation under the Constitution when their land has been rezoned as carbon sinks.  Do your homework about your leader and you’ll eat those words.

Tom says:

03:38pm | 09/02/10

As a member of Gen Y I was actually embarrassed by a lot of the comments. The first one - what will your next campaign slogan be? The girl wanting a guaranteed job following university. The girl at the end who asked a question when asked to make a statement. The one asking about P plate laws when that is a state responsibility. The fact no one bothered to ask about one of Rudd’s more disgraceful and underhanded acts in the internet filter, or their continued failure to address the issues facing the indigenous population.

Summo says:

12:47pm | 09/02/10

In fact Krusty, whilst these are state issues, I recall the question from the floor referring to Rudd intervening at a federal level to unify the differing state laws so confusion would be lessened between boundaries. But once again, Rudd (constitution aside) refused to answer the question citing the states jurisdiction as an excuse. Usually he would call a forum!

slugger says:

01:30pm | 09/02/10

yes you can’t argue with those kids,especially the spontaneous round of applause whenhhe said his party would not back away trom action on climate change.but i guess you missed that while you were watching the young liberals from the private colledges vigourously shaking thier heads

Luke says:

03:41pm | 09/02/10

He didn’t talk down to the audience? You have got to be kidding. He was bombastic and down right rude to some of the audience, especially in the first half of the programme. I was shocked he said to one girl,” you can sit there and shake your head” because she didn’t agree with him over his broken promises. He looked like he wanted to have a couple of them ushered out of the chamber. Answered questions respectfully? hello, he lectured, not answered.

Craig says:

01:41pm | 09/02/10

Hey Liz

The younguns only asked about their PC because it was the centerpiece of the Revolution. If Kev07 had not promised it they may have asked about taking Japan to court, Grocery Watch, Fuel Watch, Indigenous life expectancy, or Public Hospital take overs for poor performance.

The representation may have been tokenistic but that sums up Kevin to a T….Kyoto, Sorry, Pink Batts, School Halls….see what I mean….spin tokenism, no hard stuff except maybe handing the Union leaders the keys to Board rooms

Christina says:

08:44pm | 09/02/10

Liz,
The girl that asked about the broken promise on the lap top was not a high school student. She is second year Commerce at ANU.  She was not asking about ‘her’ laptop, she was demanding Kevin Rudd come clean on an issue that he spent so much time promising through the election.  In reality, the policy was very poorly thought out and will leave the schools holding the baby when it comes to maintenance and installation costs, however it was that, as well as the health promises, that went so far in convincing her generation that they needed to vote for Rudd.  The young lady’s motivation was to hold Rudd accountable for his many broken promises, and as time would have it they were the top two off the long and disappointing list.
I would also like to add, the question was genuine and the young lady involved graduated year 12 from a public high school in QLD.

Enough of the assumptions hey?

D'oh says:

02:51pm | 09/02/10

@ Timmo

I feel much better thank!!

“At least you give me a serve, sometimes well deserved, but the others may think that I am a complete wobbler as they don’t even consider me.”

No probs mate.

“I think you’re cute”

It is nice to know that someone finds me “cute”.

I first ran into problems with the quota when I tried to fit all the Rudd Fails in the one post

Andy says:

03:49pm | 09/02/10

We will hear very little about Rudds performance in the media, but you can be sure if Abbott appears on Q & A, it’ll be headlines everywhere dissecting and twisting everything he says.

Fred Phillips says:

05:40pm | 09/02/10

I’m not so sure about that, Andy. But one thing I am sure of is that any and all criticism of Rudd is justified, while any and all criticism of Abbott can only be the result of a massive left wing conspiracy involving all media outlets.

Timmo says:

06:08pm | 09/02/10

Well Alex, nice to see someone write something positive about this Government. You are right in stating that they have been mostly dealing with the Global economic problem. No Government that I have seen has delivered on all of its promises. Howard delivered nothing and was trounced well in the last Election, and all the ministers of his failed government are still there, so I feel that there’s no point in voting them back in at the moment as their policies have not changed from previous times.. Tony Abbott spent most of his front bench activity at question time sleeping as did many of Howards men including the Treasurer. Rudd has delivered on many promises. So I agree with what you have written. There are many issues regarding the failures of Howard that could be put but it would take more space than what we have here. Some will not like what I have written and will defend the Libs. because they are Lib, supporters. I am not a labor supporter or Lib. supporter but leave it open. Another writer on this blog named D’Oh suggested that I become informed and watch the Rudd/Kids Debate and this would enlighten me more. I did that and have just finished watching it. Rudd was nervous, naturally. Most of us would be and he answered the questions without delay and was to the point and compassionate on the issues of Racism etc. and there was quite a lot of applause from the Audience. So that’s not bad i think. Let’s see what the others come up with.

Timmo says:

01:12am | 10/02/10

Gosia, Why was that question and reply racist?

Fog Badger says:

10:27am | 10/02/10

You could argue it was a racist response if Rudd would respond differently had the student been a Caucasian.

Saskia says:

10:45am | 10/02/10

100% spot on.  Rudd was terrible to watch.  The man has no opinions on anything and is all hot air and weird sayings and movements.

Shows how dumb the swinging voters of Australia were to elect a bloke that stands for nothing and does nothing but spend the hard-earned dollars from Australia’s workers and takes credit.

Kevin Rudd is worse than Whitlam.

Timmo says:

02:42pm | 10/02/10

D’oh, well you seem to love quoting statistics from somewhere. Where in the hell do you get them from?. You must be in the know or know someone who is. You obviously have a lot of hatred for the Rudd Government. I tell you D’oh, none of it is worth worring about and you can do nothing except put your voting card in at the next election. I notice that this Blog has received some 231 comments but this amount of comments may look good on the surface but in Aust. there are many thousands of voters in each electorate and they are not all commenting here. So regardless of what is put here it is the silent majorities opinions that should be seen as being more important overall, don’t you think?. If you took all the people in the world somewhere, say, the niagra falls, and you asked for their opinion on the view they would all give a different answer or a different viewpoint and that’s the truth. To find anyone who thinks exactly the same as another is virtually impossible and it is the same in the 2 main things that affect us all, Politics and Religion. I know already who I will be voting for at the election this year should it be called and that my friend is my secret and that is my right and the only one I have in this country. You talk about Rudd spin, well, You are very much the same if that’s the case. But I still think you are cute. Haven’t changed on that one.

Saskia says:

03:27pm | 10/02/10

Don’t like the cold hard facts huh Timmo?  Its better to save face and at least be critical of your hero Rudd than just mindlessly defend the indefensible.

Rudd’s record is truly appalling not just for the record of broken promises, spin and just plain lies but for the shocking debt that your grandchildren will be paying off.  KRudd has not done one good thing for the greater good of his nation since being PM.  His end cannot come too soon.

D'oh says:

03:38pm | 10/02/10

@ Timmo

See also my reply to Colindale below.

“You obviously have a lot of hatred for the Rudd Government.”

I would not call it hatred, more gross disappointment and shock at witnessing incompetancy after incompetancy.

“none of it is worth worring about and you can do nothing except put your voting card in at the next election.”

This may be hard for you to believe, but I actually don’t lose any sleep at night over it but I will definitely be voting at the next election!

Your point about what people think and the silent majority is correct, although we need to start somewhere.

“I know already who I will be voting for at the election this year should it be called and that my friend is my secret and that is my right and the only one I have in this country.”

Agreed, although I hope you have other rights as well.  This is still a free country as far as I am aware.

“But I still think you are cute. Haven’t changed on that one.”

Thanks again, always nice to know.

James D says:

10:33am | 24/02/10

Grace, I’m your age and I don’t drink simply because their is science that proves that alcohol can completely mess our young brains up big time. Plus, these friends of yours are obveously bogans. Some of my mates binge drink and their bogans. They come into school with hangovers and just look like they feel like s**t. Plus one of my old friends from primary school died the other day when he walked infront of a truck when he was completed intoxicated after a night of clubbing. He died. He had only been 18 for 3 weeks. This is why I believe the drinking age should be raised. Underage people will still drink, but hopefully there will be a larger enforcement and less tolerence on the issue. Trust me on this, it will help.