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...

[**meep**]

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.

Who said that?

[cherry*135]

Its from the quote in one of my posts on the first page.. independent australia.

[cherry*135]

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.

What if a current govt (any Govt) has been fudging the books a bit? Won't that only be found when the new Govt takes over?

[kengillard]

why do theyhave to run that loud music behind the speakers?? makes it very hard to actually hear what they are saying?  or is that the intention?

[**meep**]

Its from the quote in one of my posts on the first page.. independent australia.

ah, ok...thanks.  Found it  http://www.independentaustralia.net/2013/politics/tony-abbotts-catalogue-of-failures/   still not sure who it was that said it...

[newstart2380]

Who said that?

If it is true I bet it was someone in the labor party, don't talk about TA being scared, what a ridiculous piece of propaganda from a party which knows it's head is on the chopping block.

Religion being brought in as a fear tactic, how low can they go ?

[cherry*135]

Word it differently it is still true.

[alexander*beetle]

Ah yes, such an intelligent and verbose man. I think it's now up to 1,060 days since he's been on Q&A.

I think this video speaks for itself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-WqnTrG204

[freakiness]

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.

The opposition recently passed a confidence motion in treasury.  After the budget was passed this year.  They are just making excuses.

[i-need-a-martini]

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

Sorry meep but you are going to have to point out to me where exactly he makes reference to a specific formal policy in that talk he gave. All I heard was constant negative comments about Labor and a whole lost of "and we won't do that" remarks. But nothing specific.