The polls are closing, National dropped 7% and 4% in the Roy Morgan and TV3 polls, respectively, as the full impact of Key’s lies on Tranzrail was felt. Word is that National’s internal numbers are turning a few more hairs grey, while Labour’s are renewing optimism in their camp. Colmar Brunton hasn’t followed the trend but the story round the traps is that has more to do with, um,exceptionally close relations between McCully and Colmar than anything else. Remember, those poll numbers all came before what has turned into a week from hell for National. Labour’s use of its launch to announce a major economic stimulus programme and protection of bank deposits showed that it was reacting to changing economic conditions, which left Key looking out of touch as he drummed out another rendition of his stump speech at National’s launch just down the road. Even a points victory in the debate on Tuesday has come back to hurt Key as it has become apparent he has been making promises in private to the Maori Party that contradict what he’s telling the public. National will be bracing for another couple of rounds of bad polls as first the negative reaction to the tax cut/Kiwisaver cut policy and then this latest dishonesty flows through over the coming weeks. They will be eyeing that crucial 44-46% level, below which they will not be able to govern, with increasing concern. Here are our favourite posts of the week:
Pita falls for the lines – but not for long
His predilection for telling people what they want to hear is becoming something of an ongoing issue…[more]
Wrong time for short-term thinking
Now, more than ever, I don’t think New Zealand can afford to be run by a party that refuses to make long-term investments in the future….[more]
A real economic plan
I don’t give Labour praise lightly but I think today Clark showed that they have the best answer for the hard times to come. National has only the failed policies of the past….[more]
Labour chickens out on $15 minimum wage
a lost opportunity politically, a let down for workers, and a reminder that if you want a truly left-wing Labour-led Government you need to party vote Green….[more]
The Standard line
check out this series of posts which will aim to cover issues as they arise and present the left-wing arguments and counter-arguments in bit-size form, allowing you to impress friend and foe alike with your mastery of political debate [more]
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