Maybe this thread should have been titled respect rather than accept because at this time IMO neither the PM nor the Opposition leader command much respect from anyone. Both have pretty much become objects of public ridicule.
Your assertion that Rudd would defeat Abbott is interesting and while Rudd is far more popular than Abbott the Labor Party is not. If Rudd were to become leader he would have to take real action to push the union powerbrokers into the background and curb their power, which is why that large faction continues to back the unpopular Gillard. If he could do that and be seen by the public to be reforming Labor then yes IMO he could win this years election.
But then the Liberals might bring back the popular Turnbull and if that happened it would really be game on.
