Kevin Rudd broke the debate rules by taking in notes for his opening and closing addresses. Yet referring to them still make him look unsure and lacking in authority.
Abbott won by the length of the straight. He didn’t just deny Rudd the win Rudd badly needed - he actually smashed Rudd and showed he was more ready for government.
Abbott came out looking prime ministerial, if anything.
But the format is a shocker. Almost no engagement.
Verdicts:
To Abbott:
Laurie Oakes
Michael Kroger
David Speers
Ben Packham
Channel 7 worm
To Rudd:
Peter van Onselen
Graham Richardson (although he’s backing off now)
Even:
Kieran Gilbert
Chris Kenny (now backing off and leaning to Abbott)
Even the talking heads who amazingly call it a Rudd win or draw have nothing but criticism for Rudd.
Major Rudd flaws: cheating on his notes, reading his notes, lacking specifics, being called out on scares, looking flat, deferring responsibility for a decision on a second Sydney airport to his deputy, being accused by Abbott of waffling when, er, he was waffling.
A major disaster.
