Why is Abbott so scared of Rudd?

[i-need-a-martini]

His overall dimeaner this past week has been interesting. He certainly looks anxious.

So why not take Rudd on in a debate as Rudd suggests? It might be a good opportunity for Abbott to promote his policies.

http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/abbott-ducks-rudds-call-for-economy-debate-20130630-2p4...

[i-need-a-martini]

In only a few days, Rudd has already outlined his direction. 

He has been sitting on his old broken promises for three years... he is now PM again and should have policies to replace the ones he made such a huge mistake with... 

and I should bring them up because you judge a PM by their history... he has a history of bad choices... 

can you please tell me when any other opposition has released their policies before an election is even called??? 

Umm. The opposition always releases their policies in the lead up to the election. ?:|

We voted Rudd in on election policies he outlined clearly in the lead up to the big day. If I recall correctly, he started firing them out as soon as the election was called.

Howard got in even earlier - he started campaigning, with policies, as soon as he took over the leadership from Downer. That was a year before the election. He was voted in on the strength of those policies.

What are you voting Abbott based on? I am asking because I truly don't understand how anyone can vote for a party without that party making their platform clear.

[**meep**]

When did he agree to debate with Gillard? He didn't.

I could have sworn I saw Abbott debating Gillard in an election debate....

[cherry*135]

When/where?

Yes, it is pathetic. One announcment:  I will stop the boats,with no solution and two announcement of an inferior NBN policy.. that is it so far.

Also that TA is not willing to speak in public...because he can't be trusted not to put his foot in it.

[fiestas*girl]

TA will not debate Kevin as TA has zero public speaking skills.

on a limited television live interview, of maybe 3minutes air time, Kevin can answer a question off the cuff and succintly

TA on the other hand mumbles and erms and arrs an wastes prescious airtime thinking about what to say!

[nero_bolt]

Actually luvvies I have sent an email to Tony  telling him the last of the labor luvvies  on here are DEMANDING he debate the RECYCLED KDUDD

Mind you the RECYCLED KDUDD cant even announce an election date so why would Abbott want to debate him....

But carry as your collective joy and euphoria will be short lived and come election day it will be sadness for you all.

[cherry*135]

This is what he is getting support for:

Turn back the boats - He will fight with what he knows is a winning piece of artillery. He will use the xenophobic hysteria around Islamic refugees to drive the fear of Allah into the electorate.

[newstart2380]

Umm. The opposition always releases their policies in the lead up to the election. ?:|

We voted Rudd in on election policies he outlined clearly in the lead up to the big day. If I recall correctly, he started firing them out as soon as the election was called.

Howard got in even earlier - he started campaigning, with policies, as soon as he took over the leadership from Downer. That was a year before the election. He was voted in on the strength of those policies.

What are you voting Abbott based on? I am asking because I truly don't understand how anyone can vote for a party without that party making their platform clear.

I have always been a liberal voter because I believe the good of the country comes before the individual and that business but in particular small business is the backbone of Australia, saying that I will wait until the liberals release their policies and then make a decision.

This election was announced 8 months prior to an election, this has never been done before (so I am led to believe) even though in the past leaders have campaigned without announcing an election date.

I believe it would be foolish to announce policies this early without knowing the full extent of the damage done by the now government.

[**meep**]

I am asking because I truly don't understand how anyone can vote for a party without that party making their platform clear.

He has outlined specific policy commitments on many occasions....

from what I recall, this was one of those occasions...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoC67sZzUcs

[cherry*135]

ns: I believe it would be foolish to announce policies this early without knowing the full extent of the damage done by the now government.

The election could be held in 4 weeks, are the policies read to be announced at any time?

A new Govt would only find out the true state of the books of the previous Govt after they have won the election.

[catsnknots]

The Government has a specific budget that comes down just before the election... I think the department concerned releases it two weeks into an election... 

that is when the opposition knows more accurately what the situation is and what it's spending can be.