Saturday 24 November 2007

Last minute campaign stupidity leaves 'em laughing: Robb on GetUp!

The Liberal Party's Andrew Robb once again makes us laugh as he attacks GetUP!
 
He forgot to factor in the high non-response rate of Coalition candidates in some electorates. If candidates didn't register their responses to the questionnaire it would be nigh impossible for the online computerised How Should I Vote? program to throw up their names in response.
Something that everyone on the NSW North Coast who tried this program would be well aware of, as local Nationals candidates also appear to have ignored this possibility.
 
When Andrew Robb couldn't get the computer program to advise him to vote for himself, he ran to the media with: "This outrageous website is likely to deceive thousands of voters, especially young voters who are genuinely seeking information from the internet".
 
The response was measured.
"Getup! executive director Brett Solomon said most Liberal candidates and the party had not submitted policy details for the site, meaning they were listed randomly after those who did.
"The system itself does not allow for parties that don't complete the form to have a rating because there's no data," he said."
 
Truly Andrew, you've excelled yourself at introducing last minute red herrings this week.
GetUp! didn't shoot you in the foot - you did that all by yourself.
 
GetUp! and Robb article:  

Federal Election 2007: finally, it's your call

After such a long election campaign and an even longer pseudo-campaign before that, Australia finally votes today. I find myself torn between the hope that the country will vote wisely and a fear that John Howard will be returned to power.
 
For those earlybirds out there who may share this fear - a collection of online headlines from around the map.
 
"Finally, it's your poll call"
 
"Howard braces for brush-off"
 
"Money on Labor, but more bets on Coalition"
 
"We stand behind a man of our state and our times"
 
"Key cog in Liberal fortunes"
 
"Libs stage late surge"
 
"Turnbull threatens byelection if he loses"
 
"Sweet taste of defeat"
 
"PM hopes those polls were just joshin' with us"
http://blogs.theaustralian.news.com.au/spincycle/index.php/theaustralian/comments/pm_hopes_those_polls_were_just_joshin_with_us

Campaign over, election day here - gone fishin'

Having voted early, I intend to spend today in the pleasurable pursuit of a feed of fish. At least John Howard and his mates have yet to find a way to spoil a day on the river.
Some writer bloke once said Australia is a lucky country, run by second-rate people who share its luck.
I hope that while I'm casting my line today, Australia will prove him wrong and the Howard Government will be voted out of office.

Friday 23 November 2007

Uncle Johnny wants you!

The country needs John Winston Howard. He told you so at the beginning of this election campaign when he realised that all was not well with the polls.
John Howard needs you. He told you so after the polls failed to bounce and he began to despair.
The real question is - do you really need John Howard?
Come tomorrow, will Australia get the government it deserves or will it get Howard & Costello. It's up to you.