To me it was as though some of those representing the ALP were completely oblivious to the idea of political apathy and the true extent of the 'problem'. For example, when one of the voters said that for him it was purely a case of voting for John Howard and nothing else, one of the women representing the ALP went on to say something about the issue not being that simple - to me, for many the issue is that simple, and to suggest otherwise is nothing more than an expression of political naivety (in an Australian sense, that is). I should point out that I'm not disputing the idea that the issue is quite complex, rather I just don't agree with the point of view that rejects the centrality of the leadership issue out of hand. Of course, I do realise that many, if not all, would have been careful not to speak ill of Big Kim, but still, my point still stands (till I read the transcript, anyway).
It's an interesting problem, really. On the one hand the ALP must lose the messiah complex and create (and promote) decent policies, yet at the same time they must effectively counter John Howard as a leader by offering their own alternative.
On a final note, I should also say that though I consider political apathy to be a problem, I know that there are many (both politically-active and politcally-apathetic) who disagree.
