re: voltaiim sick of the howard knockers
Yak there is a definite change in the mindset of the voting public, I can see numerous black and white example where Howard or his ministers have played fast and loose with the truth (admittedly maybe sometimes these were non core promises) but as Andrew Bolt and yourself have correctly pointed out, the electorate doesn't care! The hip pocket nerve has always been a strong driver of voting preference but is stronger today than ever before.
So John Howard, the consummate politician, rides out all storms, never admits wrongdoing, knowing that voter apathy and fatigue will eventually lead them to turn off an issue even when they have been misled.
So long as there is easy money available, and the economy is going along nicely, all manner of sins can be forgiven. Of course a big factor is lack of a credible Opposition. But more than ever the electorate has become cynical "all politicians lie anyway may as well vote for the one's best for my wallet." And I think that is a little sad.
