Swan song of the Bomber

His critics’ most potent venom claims that Rudd would be unelectable as prime minister. They suggest his appearance and manner will not connect with the Australian public. While Kevin could use a dose of barbecue school, any adjustments for leadership would be purely cosmetic. Similar complaints were once voiced about John Howard. Not any more.

The signs abound that many Labor luminaries still don’t understand why the primary vote has collapsed or what needs to be done to recover. It’s not rocket science, as Rudd has shown in his own electorate. In 2001, he countered the national trend with a 3.2 per cent swing in his favour, followed by another 2.5 per cent gain in 2004: this in Queensland, which has otherwise proven a graveyard for his federal colleagues. While the apparatchiks dithered, Rudd delivered yet again.

Beazley’s backers argue that his considerable experience must carry the day. They point to the failed Latham experiment as proof that Australians will not back a novice. But where Latham was a maverick, Rudd is rock steady.

Kim Beazley is a good and decent man. He has done his best for Labor against a shrewd and wily rival and there is no disgrace in that. But he has come up short. Now Labor must turn to a new leader to carry the fight to Howard. Kevin Rudd stands ready to oblige.