In fairness I think that description summarises most politicians at various stages ie when the speak publicly.
The emotion in politics threads haven't changed. The barbs and retorts are still funny (if not somewhat repetitive) and not one poster has changed sides after all this time. I guess none of are that convincing with out arguments?
I will get everyone off side now by stating the obvious.
Abbott is a very intelligent man. He is also power hungry and overly aggressive. He is without doubt compassionate and his volunteer work is definitely not a stunt imo. However he is using it as a photo opportunity and a 'look at me doing good opportunity'
Same as all Politicians have done as they get told what to do and say by the behind the scenes script writers.Poor TA just struggles to remember at times. That's why photo opportunities like this are gold to the Libs. A smarter move would have been to under play it and have it 'leaked' however politics these days is more like the US style and in your face as much as possible.
