Sure; Chris Carter has been suspended from Labour's caucus, and faces probable expulsion from the Labour Party. But we reckon that his clumsy campaign has been a success.
On what do we base that? Firstly, it forced Andrew Little to reinforce Labour Party policy on the cashing-up of annual leave, contradicting the current leader. Secondly, it brought about an admission that an EPMU insider will challenge George Hawkins for the Labour Party nomination in the Manurewa electorate.
Thirdly, and most significantly of all, people are talking about Phil Goff's leadership of the Labour Party. Up until a fortnight ago, speculation about Goff's grip on the leadership came from within Parliament and around blogs frequented by politics tragics. Now, that discussion is being had in a much wider forum - like this one; a Herald opinion story asking "Is Phil Goff the best person to lead the Labour Party?".
On that basis, you could argue that Chris Carter has indeed succeeded, especially given that any "demise" is at least two months away. Carter's success will come at a cost for Labour though, as it detracts for any traction the Opposition is gaining. Perhaps that was his intention.
FWIW, we do think that Phil Goff is the best person to lead Labour into next year's election, whereafter a new leader will emerge. In reality, he's the ONLY person who can lead Labour into next year's election; even if it is as a sacrificial lamb.
4 comments:
If Goff goes, Labour could win next election. Chris knew this all along and simulated a leadership vacuum that polticians couldn't resist but to fill with themselves. That spectators are impatient for the result makes the commentaries like those of watching paint dry. But it's undeniable, Chris painted the wall and it will dry. He's not ill, he's a politician and an accomplished one. He wasn't acting alone and he didn't make an error letting the note become so obviously traceable to him. He stepped out, for some reason.
I think there will be a change of leadership around Christmas/New Year and then it will be all on for the election. By polling day, hardly anyone will remember who Goff was.
Carl; I have no doubt that Carter is the consumate politician, nor do I have any doubt that he wasn't alone in acting against Goff. There's a solid union bloc which would have been appalled at Goff "selling out" to National over the cashing-up of a week's annual leave. I don't necessarily believe though that the strings are being pulled from within New Zealand.
Carl said ~if Goff goes Labour could win the next election'.
Doubt it sunshine - could you really have confidence in:
Cunliffe - Mr. up himself
Street - trougher extrordinaire
Hughes - the grinning ninny
seemingly the leading contenders since the arrogant Shane Jones imploded in a shower of porn.
Who would have thought Clark would win? Deep voice, uncomfortable on screen, unpopular and visibly tense in the company of Reserve Bank governor, Clark?
No NZ party wins elections. They fill the gap left by the party that loses. Clark won from Shipley, a mid-term stand in who outraged the masses with her protection of Chinese delegates from protesters just before an election.
Goff too is a stand in, who cannot reassemble the pieces of Clark's regime or demonstrate the kind of personality the media can sell. It doesn't matter what you personally think of the three you offer as alternative. All Labour need is a 5 point plan and a new male face and they're in with a good chance.
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