Another politically disastrous misstep from Miss Gillard. Another condescending girly giggling head patting stunt.
The Rooty Hill sleepover should have been rejected immediately.
Voters know the Prime Minister doesn't need to stay locally. It is cringeworthy to see such a blatant attempt at ingratiation. It is patronising, a waste of government money, and puts the lie to Gillard's own claim to be governing rather than campaigning.
Abbott gets away with a stunt a day because it is what we expect of opposition leaders, who are desperate to capture attention. He carries it off with characteristic blokeyness, but the price he pays is always looking like, well, an opposition leader.
One of the few advantages Gillard still has is the authority that comes with office - the opportunity to immerse herself in national tasks more important than media stunts, to demand attention, and the ability to summon the media to the prime ministerial courtyard or Kirribilli House.
The Rooty Hill sleepover sacrifices this advantage. "Here I am," it says, "I am one of you." But, of course, she can't be. Gillard has to get back into the big white car and return to her rarefied atmosphere. For a while at least.
After Real Julia, knitting Julia, full-forward Julia, and anti-misogynist Julia, Rooty Hill Julia won't rub. The trouble with authenticity is, it is difficult to fake.
CHRIS KENNY From:The Australian March 02, 201312:00AM
