And look what that did to her? That Speech started a recovery as we all know. The election announcement was supposed to build on their positive polling and to bring fresh air into the debate, to forge a clean slate. Then, we all know what happened next.
Sure, to the average disinterested voter that may have lifted their spirits... 'finally a pollie with a bit of 'get up and go' but to those who were watching closely it was just a reactionary speech mired in hypocrisy. If Gillards polling was better now, we can certainly say that that speech was the catalyst for a labor bounce but it's not. No matter how much emotion a pollie shows, how much zest for proper policy if they make political mistakes and the opposition comes down on them then it counts for nothing, because political mistakes and be blown up to huge proportions (queue: Minister resign), of course stirred along by an unhelpful msn.
As a student of history I know the importance of context. When Gillards history is written by the winners context will trump the emotion and gravitas Gillard displayed during her speech.
EDIT: This wouldn't be you by the way...?
https://twitter.com/Nlentern