gillard must be scared, page-12

Keating was quick with his tongue, a smart ass and extremely arrogant. The people enjoyed his wit for a while, but grew tired of his arrogance and came to despise him.

Then came Howard, always humble, polite and professional, a true statesman. The people didn't like him at first but grew to adore him and his reasonable and sensible demeanor. He spoke to the people, and not down to them. The people always felt that he had their best interests at heart. He remains Australia's most popular PM.

Then there was Rudd, Mr. Me Too, who pretended to be just like Howard, only younger and fresher. Mr. "Economic Conservative" himself. He fooled the people at first, but it was all a facade, and it wasn't long before his true nature was revealed by his own suffering staff.

And now we have Gillard, who, like Rudd before her, has also attempted to emulate Howard. Unfortunately for her, and as you point out Oxy, she comes off as patronising and always seems to be talking down to the people as though we are all morons.

Keating was witty and arrogant, but that's who he is. Howard was respectful and polite, but that's who he is. They never pretended to be other than who they were. Rudd & Gillard both pretended to be like Howard but couldn't hide their true nature for long.