The Election about … Something

Well, it would be less comfortable for some than it is now, but, Tony, I think it's very, very hard for us, in 2007, to try, with that kind of mathematical accuracy, with great respect to the scientists, to sort of extrapolate what things might be.

"less comfortable for some"?  Faced with the future of humanity, the Prime Minister of Australia says it would be "less comfortable for some"?  The arrogance and the indifference are staggering.

Howard’s reckless apathy on climate change marries an example of a fundamental policy difference between Labor and the Liberals to another kind of distinction, namely that of character.  Significantly, even if one accepted Latham’s wrong-headed thesis that there is no real differentiation between the parties, there is a pointed divide in the character of the leaders.

The Prime Minister, who thinks climate change is a matter of everyman for himself and has conducted a political career in that spirit, is having his character judged against that of Kevin Rudd and the public would seem to be making an emphatic choice.  Given his own experience, Latham in particular should know that in modern democracies, perceptions of character matter a great deal and the differences between The Rodent and Tintin are sharp indeed.

Howard has never really had character of an outward variety, just a darkly impressive and singular determination to further his own power and to pursue certain cultural vendettas.  It is character of a type, but as Howard faces steep public decline, his self-interested survival instinct has become a detriment to the party he leads.  Howard’s stubbornness in holding office has become like an ingrown toenail on the Liberal foot.

Fans will remember that in the last episode of Seinfeld the four main protagonists were prosecuted under the City Council of Latham’s so-called 'Good Samaritan Law' which makes it a crime to ignore a fellow human being in trouble.  With a history as self-interested bystanders ignoring the need of others, it was inevitable that George, Elaine, Jerry and Kramer would be convicted.  Perhaps then Seinfeld does have an echo in this campaign.  In deciding whether or not to trust Howard with another term, seeing his indifference to climate change or quibbling over the meaning of 'apology'; or seeing the staggering failure of AWAs to meet the fairness test; or remembering Tampa or 'kids overboard' or the debacle of Iraq; or Downer on AWB; or Abbot’s recent attack on a critically ill man, the Australian public might well take heed of the opening address from the prosecuting attorney in the town of Latham:

I can guarantee you one other thing, ladies and gentlemen, this is not the first time they have behaved in this manner. On the contrary, they have quite a record of mocking and maligning. This is a history of selfishness, self-absorption, immaturity, and greed… This time, they have gone too far. This time they are going to be held accountable. This time, they are the ones who will pay.

The Election on 24 November will decide whether the Australian public agrees.