When it comes to deciphering the language of the Australian election, which is reaching the pointy end of the faux election stage, with an election due to be held before the end of the year, Anthony Koutsatonis in the Age, provides some helpful guidance.
Kevin Rudd, the Labor leader has been using the code word, "clever" to describe the current Prime Minister, John Howard. As Anthony says,
Look it up and you see words like intelligent, alert, brainy, and bright. It is inconceivable that the Prime Minister would ever deny the description.
Were Mr Howard to stand up and deny the charge, saying, for example, "no, I am not clever", voters would agree. Yet the more Mr Rudd says it, the more obvious it becomes that what he really means is cunning, crafty, sly
Well yes he is and I think that it is a fair cop. While this is not Willie Horton stuff, which Ronald Reagan used to destroy Michael Dukakis, it is clearly part of a plan to spear Howard.
Why can't politicians come out and say it as it is. How about some Ozzie honesty and straight talk? Most Australians would agree with this characterisation of Howard (and worse), yet he continues to be popular, albeit not as much as in the past.
You can be sure that there will some less subtle stoushing as the campaign develops, especially with the Liberal coalition well behind in the polls. There is a lot at stake as Howard tries to extend his hold on power through a likely barrage of secret plans and clever tricks (accompanied by dollar denominated elections sweeteners), accompanied by his trademark "Who Me?" as the mud flies.
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