I was thinking back the other day about past ALP leaders ... Hawke, Keating, Beazley, Latham, Crean, Rudd and Gillard.  I was wondering why Hawke and Keating stood out for me as being different.  

I came to the conclusion that they remained themselves when they took over the leadership role, and they retained a sense of humour, and they continued to talk to and appeal to the people (well until they didn't).  

It seems to me that the people who are "molding" the leaders are mostly to blame.  Gillard was an excellent politician, minister and deputy PM.  She was witty, intelligent, a great public speaker.  It's a shame ... for everyone.  

The ALP, in my opinion, has also turned too far to the right ... and gives in too much to special interest groups.  I blame this on Pauline Hansen.