WHEEL OUT THE WIFE
Do you care if Tony Abbott watches Downton Abbey and gets all “sooky” in sensitive movies? Do you care if he cried when his wife had a miscarriage?
Do you care that Tim Mathieson doesn’t let Julia Gillard into his shed in the backyard or, as that they were forced to admit in a cringe-worthy interview with Charles Woolley on 60 Minutes, that they are absolutely in love with each other?
Should Americans care if the Obamas have had a great marriage for 20 years or that Mitt Romney belongs to a religion that may allow him more than one marriage at the same time?
And so we go down this road again: the political becomes personal, and we’re not sure that it should.
Tony Abbott with his typically publicity-shy wife, Margie.
Today Margie Abbott gave an interview about Private Tony, because she wanted to stand up to claims that he is sexist and has a problem with women. She gave www.news.com.au an insight into the Tony she knows and loves which is apparently at odds with the Tony being portrayed to the rest of Australia.
He calls twice a day, he empties the dishwasher, he wants to watch Downton Abbey not the footy, his three daughters love him to bits.
Will it change anyone’s mind at the ballot box?
First of all, there is the issue of wheeling out the “this is what I’m like behind closed doors” strategy.
And it’s clearly a strategy. Someone in Tony Abbott’s office thought it was a good idea for Margie Abbott, known to be a very private woman, to give an interview about the Tony she knows, the one we don’t see, to put to rest the perception that he has a problem with women and sexism.
Perhaps it is a strategy of another kind too: to take the heat off Abbott’s friendship with Alan Jones. The timing is interesting indeed.
On Channel 9 this morning, Abbott was having none of that. He and Margie had discussed this over breakfast weeks ago.
According to Yahoo! Margie Abbott said this morning:
“I just want to add a bit of balance to this and to present the fact that he is a pretty ordinary bloke, no airs and graces, who enjoys time with his family and is surrounded by strong, capable women.”
When asked if his wife’s public defence of him was a “diversionary tactic” to deflect recent criticism of him, Mr Abbott said his wife had wanted to say something on the matter for some time.
“Margie and I were sitting around the breakfast table a couple of Sundays ago and she said, `Look, this is just wrong and it’s unfair, I want to say something’.”
Mr Abbott said his wife was a private person and both of them had tried to keep their family life separate from his public life.
“Just for once she thought it was important to speak out.”
Shouldn’t Tony be able to speak for himself? (As well as Margie, as he appears to be doing here.)
Should political strategies remain strictly political?
One school of thought is that we will be better know the whole personality of that person who may run our country if we know what sort of movies they like to watch and how they conduct themselves in the privacy of their homes, in the privacy of their sheds, and the privacy of their relationships.
Or, in the case of Bill Clinton, in the privacy of an antechamber of the Oval Office.
But do we care, in the end, about what Bill Clinton did with Monica Lewinsky and a cigar one day at work, or do we care about his political legacy?
History may be the best teacher here. JFK, anyone?
Over to you Hooplarians. This one’s a hoary old chesnut.
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98 Responses to this article
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Joni October 5, 2012
I do like to know more about the politicians as it helps you understand how they may run the country and what ideals and values they will bring to the table.
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sam October 5, 2012
it won’t change my opinion of him
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Kerry C October 5, 2012
He might be the best husband in the world (which I seriously doubt)… maybe he just keeps all his spleen for when he’s out of the house. Wouldn’t trust him as far as I could toss him.
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speak2us October 5, 2012
Puhlease! I pity Mrs Abbot. This really is not her thing. It’s blatantly pathetic.
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MWS October 5, 2012
Michelle Grattan suggested this strategy of “wheeling out the wife” weeks ago in her column. It’s patently obvious that Mrs Abbott was asked to refute the “punching the wall” Abbott that was splashed across the media with the “soft, cuddly” Abbott that she knows. Perhaps Mrs Abbott wasn’t involved in student politics?
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Colin October 5, 2012
Nope. I don’t really want to hear from the partner of a politician – unless they have something worthwhile to say.
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Lindy October 5, 2012
Margie said that women’s perception of her husband are unfair and wrong. UNFAIR? I am sure that he is a good husband and father but I would like to hear her opinion about the disgusting attacks on our first female Prime Minister. Does she think that it is wrong or fair the hideous emails about the Prime Minister that are sent to Parliamentarians? Does she think that it is wrong and unfair to have the likes of Jones saying that she should be put in a chaff bag and tossed in the ocean or that women are wrecking the joint and on and on it goes. What does she think about her husband and Mr.Pyne spitting their bile and hate during their endless suspension of standing orders maybe she thinks that it is right and fair. I don’t like him thinking that he has a right to tell women what to do with their bodies so I don’t like him at all and found their appearance on tv this morning silly and looked like a staged stunt.
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Geanz October 5, 2012
I’m all for Mrs Abbott publicly supporting her husband and wanting to tell people what he’s like away from politics. If it was my partner I’d do the same regardless of the cynicism that I would face.
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MWS October 5, 2012
Further to my previous comment, here is the actual quote from Michelle Grattan:
“Why doesn’t he go out, just once in a while, without a staffer, perhaps taking his wife Margie — whom the public would really like, if they saw more of her — and look natural and normal? This is not the time to appear with her in some confected interview that the minders negotiate with terms and conditions. Just to do a bit of ”stuff” together, despite her dislike of the public forum. Possibly — no guarantees — it would help with the ”woman problem”.”http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politics/tony-abbotts-real-challenge-20120917-2619d.html
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Birgit October 5, 2012
I think we all need to realise that this is such a biased opinion by someone’s wife. The person you live with and experience in a home situation may be very different to the one others see in a work situation, particularly in the cut throat world of politics.
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Alice October 5, 2012
It would be great if political strategies remained political but in light of the continued criticism of Tony Abbott being anti women what choice does his family have? If I was his wife or daughter I would also want to stick up for him. And let’s be honest a lot of the anti-women crap has been hurled by the Labor party.
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Deb October 5, 2012
Ah – what of those politicians who lack wives and husbands, through divorce or other life circumstances: no-one to wheel out to say what a fabulous partner they are. No shoulder to cry on at night, no-one to hold their hand when the media is giving them a hard time. Surely there are some politicians without partners?
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liza October 5, 2012
I went along to Tony’s Meet Tony evening at balgowlah R.S.L. We went to present a solar petition from thousands of passionate renewables people.He ignored us. the audience was mainly elderly men with a few smelly young bucks who had been too long in the bar
We had to listen to an “Expert” inform us all that “Carbon is good for us”
These people were very keen to “Ditch the witch”
I am horrified that this man sanctions the Alan jones rantings and that we have an electorate so full of uninformed and uneducated people.
This is one woman who does not like an opportunist be it male or female I do not trust the guy. -
K October 5, 2012
make HER the candidate! She was much more appealing than him!
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helenbea October 5, 2012
K – lol!!!!! Touche! – (with an acute on the e)
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helenbea October 5, 2012
Well done Hoopla! There’s no harm in knowing about the private lives of those in the public eye or public office. But let’s not kid ourselves that the private and public personas are aligned in integrity, Remember the expression – ‘street angel, house devil’ and vice versa. How public figures relate to the public can show a very different face to the private person. Just ask those employees who are bullied and driven by a tyrannical boss, who changes personality in the presence of wife and children.
My credo is ‘actions speak louder than words’. The enlightened public will not be fooled by words or tricky political manoevres regardless of the political base. Of course there are many who do not have the critical thinking skills either through lack of education (not just formal education) or sufficient intellectual capacities. However, as the mass media raises awareness…and gives voice to those who are seeking awareness and perception of the many facets of political and societal trends and changes…the more likely minds will start to open to the truth of what’s happening.
We are all learners, some of us ‘hungrier’ than others.
The increasing call for transparency across the board in the workplace, political arena etc. will be reflected in ongoing exposure of the truth and integrity of everyone but will shine a spotlight on those in positions of power and authority.
Who cares if someone is wonderful and loving to their families if they’re a despot, dictator, vicious in their tongue-lashing or abuse in their public office! I use this as an example.
The alignment of private and public behaviour demonstrates integrity. Otherwise, they come over as ”pretenders’ and spin doctors. We’re in a world where ‘truth will out!’. It’s about time.
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Alex October 5, 2012
RU486
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Carole October 5, 2012
Good grief, what a joke.
When in trouble, drag the wife out.
Abbott and wife have been given a free kick this morning on Channel 9 and the wife on her own on Neil Mitchells 3AW, as well as newspaper coverage.
Apparently the Labor Party are conducting a campaign against Poor Tony.
I actually believe it’s an uprising by Women who have an absolute Gut Full of Abbott, the Abusive Bully who has been getting away with this behaviour for the last two and a half years.
I don’t care what his wife says, I will judge him by what he says and does on the political stage and what I see is a nasty bully who can’t take what he dishes out.
Can you believe that he’s bleating so loudly .
David Marr in his Essay was right; he’s Gutless.
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LORRAINE COLLOLOY October 5, 2012
check out the photo Tony in front,wife in background with a quizzical look on face,give the photo a caption
OK TONY I SAID I WOULD DO IT NOW GET ON WITH IT!!! -
Alberta October 5, 2012
Oh dear, what a bad look – those nasty girls have been mean to poor little Tony. But not to worry, he’s dobbed to his Mum and she’s come out to sort it all out.
Strategically this is a very bad move on Tony Abbott’s part, makes him look even more pathetic.
Do his advisors think we will all suddenly slap out collective foreheads and say “Oh how wrong I have been about Tony’?-
helenbea October 5, 2012
Alberta – love this! lol!
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FerrelBerryl October 5, 2012
Does having a wife change his policies? His stated, own word attitudes towards women?
Does being married mean you can’t be a small minded, sexist, homophobic pig who not only tolerates but befriends hate filled, lying, spitting creeps like Alan Jones?
Is this woman an expert in anything related to the politics of Tony Abbott and the party he leads?
No? Then her opinion is entirely irrelevant. I felt exactly the same way when Julia wheeled out the first bloke.
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Ella October 5, 2012
FB, couldnt agree with you more. Perception is all. Tony’s whife thinks hes a good bloke, I do not.
If he is elected (a most unpleasant prospect) it will be like a cross between George Pell and Attila the Hun, but without any real policies, just dogma.
Any one who supports AJ is just like him, despicable!
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Emma October 5, 2012
What a biased article written by “The Hoopla”. I think you’re being very unfair to Margie Abbott, I think she’s an intelligent independent woman who wouldn’t allow herself to be “wheeled out”. Their daughters also voice strong opinions, obviously not brought up by a misogynist pig. Personally I am interested in a politician’s life outside their job – it molds them and informs their views. Tony appears to have created a strong and loving family with Margie and their girls all seem well rounded and sensible young adults. It definitely makes me more likely to vote for his party. I hope my three daughters turn out as well as theirs!
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Joni October 5, 2012
I agree!
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Benison O'Reilly October 5, 2012
Mafia bosses are also known to be nice to their families.
I think the most telling statement on Abbott’s character actually came from a politically conservative male – Tony Windsor, the Independent MP for New England. When asked his reasons for supporting the ALP in the hung parliament he said: ‘I could not inflict Tony Abbott upon the Australian population.’
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Caroline B October 5, 2012
Apparently, Eva Braun also saw a softer side to Hitler. He is widely reported to be very kind to his Alsatians & very fond of children. Not sure if he was into the bonnet dramas though.
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annabelle October 5, 2012
I’d love to look in Tim Matheson’s shed!
Man-land! No girls allowed!!! -
JoanneH October 5, 2012
My husband has been to some important job interviews, but never needed me to go with him. Tony is not in contention for the ‘Father of the Year’ Award, he’s running for the role of Prime Minister of Australia. So we should examine his POLICIES with respect to women, not his behaviour towards them.
The Liberals have been telling us that the ‘Tony-they- know’ doesn’t have any problems with females,but the desperation on display today proves they were wrong.-
Laura October 5, 2012
Good for you Margie Abbott, I’ve been waiting for you to come out and put the women of Labor’s orchestrated hit squad back in their little handbags. They are a disgrace and a vile blight on our political landscape. I know that not one of them believes the fibs they tell about Tony Abbott. How could they? They know Tony Abbott and because they know him they also know that he has only ever been polite and respectful to them.
The women of the handbag hit squad are negative role models for our girls. They should be ashamed of themselves. How do they go home at night and face their family after the lies they tell at work?
One day it will all be over. Julia Gillard will be no more but her hit squad ladies will have to face what they did to keep their leader in power. They will have to remember how they tried to destroy a decent man because a spin doctor told them to tell lies.
Again I say, good for you Margie Abbott. I hear that you are every bit as decent as your husband. Please let’s see more of you. We need more positive role models for our girls.
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Alex October 5, 2012
Really women in politics should be put back in their handbags? They should be ashamed for carrying handbags? Only purse-carrying nancy boys carry handbags what are these women thinking?
Sneering at women because they dress like women? What is the basis of this insult?
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Pat October 5, 2012
Good one, Laura! Makes me wonder what their husbands are like….weak willies? Maybe they are all divorced and just hate ALL MEN, or they could be Lesbians! Mrs. Abbott has had to suffer the filth from all these Leftist Liars, I’m surprised she tolerated it as long as she has done.
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Laura October 5, 2012
The vile bile of the anti Tony Abbott comments here are actually frightening. I feel I belong in a different country. I would hate to meet these women (and men) in person. I would run for cover. I can well understand why the anti Tony Abbott brigade like Julia Gillard. She once called called Tony Abbott a ‘snivelling grub’. She sounds right up their alley.
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Poppy October 5, 2012
What a bunch of nasty, angry women you are. Laura, I agree With all that you say. We do need better female roll models. Some of the females here could take note of Mrs Abbotts grace. What a disgrace, most of you are.
PS. The particular photo used just shows the bias here.
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Poppy October 6, 2012
I am interested to hear why my post was not accepted earlier?
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wen October 6, 2012
Has anyone here actually read Tony Abbotts professional and personal profile and compared it to Gillards? My nephew works for the government and is a lefty and I respect him as a person much, but he has a secure government job and he is gay, so he’ll most likely never have a family, and he’s an atheist. He won’t ever have his kids future to worry about, so only thinks of the now. If you have your own business, a family and go to chuch, and you don’t wish for your children and grandchildren to be living under sharia law or in a horrendous debt in the not to distant future, then Liberal policies are the way to vote. Look at our borders, how many boats have arrived this year? They are costing us billions when most of us can’t even pay for our electricity now Do some research into which government have put us in the black by an election year, and which one has incurred massive debt. The labor rusted ons and greenies should start to see the forrest through the trees.
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anna October 5, 2012
after all the insults the Prime Minister has endured from the Liberal Party and Alan Jones, what do they think, that the quiet behind the scenes wife will make Tony Abbott seem such a good bloke . I am not convinced by any means!
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Ella October 5, 2012
Why is it, the bigger the bully, the more they squeel when some one attacks them, yes I do mean Jones and Abbott.
They can say that the PM should be thrown overboard in a bag and the charming “ditch the witch”, but get all defensive when the tables are turned.
Tony is a slime, and if he cant take it, he shouldnt dish it out.
I totally agree with JoanneH, lets all vote Labour and Margie and the kids can spend more quality time with “Captain No” – sorry I meant Tony.
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JessB October 5, 2012
My problem with Tony Abbot and women is similar to Corinne’s column yesterday – the difference between the public and private persona seems to be dramatic. I have a problem with that – I think politicians need to be honest about their views and behaviour, although they ultimately need to vote as their electorate dictates.
Tony Abbot’s wife seems to be saying that he’s such a great guy and really sensitive because he doesn’t show that at all in his usual dealings. He treats women in general very badly, and doesn’t seem to have much respect for them at all.
I don’t care what his wife says, I don’t like his political views.
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Mez October 5, 2012
It’s way past time that the women in Abbott’s life set the record straight and dispelled the hate filled vectivd of the Emily’s Listers. Their Chinese whispers and vile, baseless campaign has gone on long enough. It is now transparent and has been exposed for the repugnant sham it is. I note that the Hoopla couldn’t bring itself to display Mrs Abbott’s letter in its entirety, as other blogs have had the decency to do. Your bias is glaring and shameful.
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Ro.Watson October 5, 2012
Good onya Margie~ for speaking out and up if this is your experience and your choice. The personal is political~ and vice versa….
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Kris October 5, 2012
Well, of COURSE she’s going to support her husband. She’d hardly come out & do an interview saying “well actually he’s a complete w@nker, who does nothing to help around the house & is a complete tyrant who demands his own way in everything”.
He can wheel out every female relation he has. It will not change my opinion of him. I don’t care how he acts at home or with his family. Gengis Khan could very well have been a loving husband / father too. I care about how he portrays himself in public. And I, for one, do NOT like what I see.
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commonsensegirlonline October 5, 2012
Couldn’t have said it better myself ! I couldn’t give a toss as to how gorgeously loving and soft he is at home because it sure doesn’t transcend to his public persona which is all that matters to me right now. If I ever hear an actual policy come from his lips rather than a bagging of the other side, I think I’ll faint.
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JoanneH October 5, 2012
I thought bringing the miscarriage into a piece of political spin was unnecessary. Any partner who was NOT kind and supportive would be a real cad. Hope it wasn’t aimed at (childless) Julia’s lack of ‘real- life- experiences’, or was it supposed to outscore the public’s sympathy for the recent loss of her Father? – News Poll is due in a couple of days!
Some good advice from twitter – @fairerfields: Help Tony Abbott be with the women who love him. Vote ALP so he can spend more time with Margie & the kids. #auspol
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Ro.Watson October 5, 2012
Not all marriages are happy~ on an entirely different and more elevated note~ I heard on ABC Radio National life matters a wonderful interview with Mary Robinson~ what a woman~ who was thankful for her husband telling her (via a cough) when she was banging on too much~ perhaps Mr. Abbott could get a few clues from Margie about becoming warmer in public by saying less stuff which sounds negative,misogynistic and bullying~ we have had the kitchen cabinet~ why not advice on manners at the breakfast table?
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Janice October 5, 2012
Thank goodness the tide is turning against the negative, bullying, sexist behaviour of these men who are in positions of great power and influence. How they react when even a small amount of criticism is mounted against them shows their weakness and lack of integrity. They are exposed as the bullies that they are. Let’s all keep the pressure up to make sure that Alan Jones gets demoted and that Tony Abbott has to decide whether he agrees with this man’s horrible attitude to women -or not.
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Amanda October 5, 2012
It won’t change my vote. It would be naive to think that one person would influence how I will vote. It is not just Mr Abbott, it is the culture of the Party he leads that I am really questioning.
What I don’t like to see though, are assumptions being made about the intelligence, appearance and so on of the spouse. Whether the spouse be male or female. It is all too easy to ridicule them and I think this is unfair. I don’t think Mrs Abbott has been politically motivated. I agree with an earlier poster. If it were my husband I would probably speak up for him. We are afterall a partnership. What hurts him, impacts on me and my family. If you know what I mean. No matter how well intentioned or misguided, I would not be able to keep my mouth shut and I doubt that many of you would either
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dramaqueen75 October 5, 2012
Good grief!
This is yet another example of the Americanisation of our political landscape. I don’t care about the leaders’ personal lives – I don’t care if they are male, female, married, single, parents, non-parents. I just care about the policies of their parties.
The leader of a political party in Australia is not a president. We don’t have presidential elections, we elect local members. The media has turned politics in this country into “personal stories”, “back stories”, “TV segments” and “audio grabs”.I’m sorry but I want details, detailed, costed plans, visions for the country.
And yes, I will put it out there – I’m a left leaning voter. I am happy to pay more tax if it means kids have good schools, we have decent public infrastructure and top notch health services. I am proud that we have safety nets in this country to help those who are struggling.
Do I care if someone’s partner thinks they are “tops”? Nuh. Sorry.
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Rosie October 6, 2012
dramaqueen-75: I agree with you absolutely. It is all about policies – what is the bet that the womens’ magazines (?) will have a run down next week about what Mrs Abbott wore on TV – sad! Family of any politician is of no interest to me.
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Alice Shaw October 6, 2012
Here here DQ, I agree completely!
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sue bell October 5, 2012
Ro, It was a great interview with Mary Robinson. Thankfully we have radio national to keep us sane. Mez your hatred of Emily’s list people is amazing, it is an organisation of political women who are feminist, not a rumour machine. You have done more to bring Emily’s list to peoples attention than anyone else, they do not need to promote themselves when they have you.
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helenbea October 5, 2012
Yes Sue. I’d never heard of Emily’s List before coming on to the Hoopla. Isn’t all this sharing wonderful for us all!
Will now check out the interview with Mary Robinson – thankyou.
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FarrahFriday October 5, 2012
Things Tony has said about women – these are QUOTES:
On women:* ‘The problem with the Australian practice of abortion is that an objectively grave matter has been reduced to a question of the mother’s convenience.’
* ‘I think it would be folly to expect that women will ever dominate or even approach equal representation in a large number of areas simply because their aptitudes, abilities and interests are different for physiological reasons’
* ‘I think there does need to be give and take on both sides, and this idea that sex is kind of a woman’s right to absolutely withhold, just as the idea that sex is a man’s right to demand I think they are both they both need to be moderated, so to speak’
* ‘What the housewives of Australia need to understand as they do the ironing is that if they get it done commercially it’s going to go up in price and their own power bills when they switch the iron on are going to go up, every year…’
I admire Mrs. Abbott in speaking up – but if you can’t love and respect the women in your life, then there really is something wrong with you.
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Ella October 5, 2012
A woman hating slime – what a prize, (poor Margie). He obviously thinks that women are second class citizens.
Anyone notice that there are only 4 women on the coalition front and back benches? Speaks for itself..
Too bad the Liberals hate Mal Turnball, the lot of them are too stupid to see that they could win with him. I believe Tony resents him because Mal is inteligent – not something Tony could ever be accused of.
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Mary October 5, 2012
I’m a Liberal Party voter usually but I just can’t take to Tony. I don’t know how I will vote next election. Everyone knows that this stunt is just political spin – something that both parties are guilty. What a useless interview, of course she would only say good things, she wouldn’t have been allowed to speak otherwise. Unfortunetly Tony is hs own worst enemy, time and time again.
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Ro.Watson October 5, 2012
Thanks Farrah~ well then~ um, er~ at a certain point(um~ points) in time~er, there really was something wrong, as I loved and respected the woman(er~ women) in my life for choosing not to,er, love, and er respect me.
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Hannah October 5, 2012
Even despots are often known or claimed to be cuddly indulgent family men. Doesn’t stop them both literally and figuratively raping their country. All the better to have everything they want with which to indulge said loved family.
A man or woman can and should only be judged on their actions and their treatment of every person, especially those vulnerable to them in any way. It is not what a person, or other people say, that gives value to a person. As the saying goes: words are cheap.
Abbott trotting out family women, of which there are an overwhelming number in comparison, it seems, is somewhat akin, perversely, to Gadaffi and his female guards.
This tactic, which is blatant in its obviousness, makes me lose respect for his wife. It does nothing to give me respect for Abbott or make me believe he will make a good Prime Minister for all Australians.
If either Abbott or his wife came out and said ‘Enough is enough’ in relation to the things said about and to Julia Gillard, then I might develop some respect. Their claim ‘It isn’t fair’ when things are said about Abbott, proves only that he is not cut out to rule the Country.
The exercise is pathetic, and too, therefore, are the exercisers. Abbott is not a child, indulged or otherwise. He can dish it out; time he took it on the chin.
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Carole October 5, 2012
Maybe we could get someone, maybe “Emilys List”, to make up some Tee Shirts with ,
” Handbag Hit Squad ”
front and back so we can support our Female members of Parliament.
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Mez October 5, 2012
They’ve already got ‘Torpedo the Speedo’ and ‘Women can’t trust Tony.’
Embarrassingly juvenile.
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Mary October 5, 2012
Apparently he likes Downton Abbey. Of couse he does, it is set in a time when women were still mostly accountable to the man of the house
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Ro.Watson October 5, 2012
Yes Mary, or their horse?
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Amanda October 5, 2012
I don’t know, I really don’t like the term ‘handbag hit squad’. It really offends me. It implies certain preconditions need to be in place for women’s voices to be heard. Its use is designed to trivialise and undermine what women have to say. It’s a very dismissive term. In my opinion
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Ro.Watson October 5, 2012
My old girl used to refer to her colostomy bag~ a hand bag around her waist~ perhaps such an item could suit your tastes, Amanda?
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Ro.Watson October 5, 2012
I know this is off topic~ but I reckon deep pockets in womens’ clothes has aesthetic and functional appeal….
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Susan October 5, 2012
Thought I’d just pull out this little gem from Farrah’s list of quotes:
‘I think there does need to be give and take on both sides, and this idea that sex is kind of a woman’s right to absolutely withhold, just as the idea that sex is a man’s right to demand I think they are both they both need to be moderated, so to speak’
Yep, if men have to put up with women not putting out, we women should sometimes just put up with rape. Get over it ladies! It’s only fair.
Well thanks Tony. So to speak.
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Bernadette October 5, 2012
Of course we believe Tony when he says this was all his wife’s idea to speak out! … Just like all the other politicians’ spouses or partners who make a similar claim. It is so contrived when they do this in most cases. I’d hardly expect them to do otherwise and it will never be an unbiased comment.
Policies, promises intended to be ultimately broken and hidden agendas over serious issues, all contrived to get voted in, are a much bigger concern to me than what someone’s spouse or partner has to say.
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Ella October 5, 2012
Tony, leave your wife out of this and for goodness sake get some policies!
Talk is cheap, so do it in writing and for once be accountable.
How can anyone in their right mind vote for some one who is all action and no policy?
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Ro.Watson October 5, 2012
Well Susan,um, er clearly some women have deep pockets~ which is really good for the times when other people have done a basic and/or major chuck out. Thanks for your archival abilities~ Susan.
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Carole October 5, 2012
I believe your right @ Hannah, If Abbott had the decency to apologize after he stood in front of the banners “ditch the bitch” etc he might have earned some respect , instead he chose to go down the path of personal abuse .
He has claimed that he is entitled to be as aggressive as he chooses , well what is the saying. ?????? You reap what you sow.
The stunning part is that he can’t take what he dishes out & is now hiding behind all the women in his family.
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Carole October 5, 2012
Pathetic!!!!!!!!!
He’s not a leader.
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Amanda October 5, 2012
Getting off topic, but in response… Use their names – not some derogatory term. It isn’t that hard. And certainly don’t embrace the term. It was not meant to be flattering! That a woman coined the term (Kelly Dwyer, but I could be wrong) and used it to trivialise the opinions of women in the Labour Party, beggars belief. Talk about reinforcing 50′s era gender stereotypes.
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DJ October 5, 2012
I’m not at all surprised Mr Abbott loves to watch Downton Abbey. Reflects the era his views on life and women’s roles are based upon!
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Ro.Watson October 5, 2012
Just heard~ we are two hours away in the West~ Jill Meagher’s funeral ~ as well as recognising her light~ there was a song~ “take the pressure on down”~ in a beneficial way~ I hope~ for everyone~ friends, colleagues, family, neighbours and all touched and moved to make things better. Peace.xx
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Alberta October 5, 2012
Gosh Laura, far from being a negative influence I would say the Handbag Hit Sqad are a shining beacon of light, and wonderful role models for young women.
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Franny October 5, 2012
DJ you could not have said it better – the man’s views are totally archaic when it comes to women…and the image of him laughing at Julia Gillard when she was chased by those thugs in Canberra will never leave me – this man and his politics do not belong in the modern day and age…you can have him Margie. Try all you like to try and diffuse the outrage your good mate Alan Jones created this has NOT helped his plight in the least….
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Alby October 5, 2012
Cynical diversion tactic to dissipate the heat Abbott has been copping since the Alan Jones scandal broke. This won’t change peoples’ minds about Abbott, he’s toxic and on the nose with the electorate. He will forever be dogged by his perceived misogyny, the feeling that he is constantly aggro and negative and his co-dependent relationship with Alan Jones.
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Janet Georgouras October 5, 2012
Mrs Abbott married him and Mrs Abbott can have him.
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Amanda 2 October 5, 2012
Its not his private persona that interests me, but what he says in public, and what I infer his policies will be based on his opinions. He is damned by is own words as far as I am concerned, I find him to be deeply patriarchal and misogynistic, and am concerned about what could be the outcome for Australian women if he is elected, especially those poorer communities reliant on the public service and susceptible to government policy changes. Who trusts Tony not to change government policy on contraception and abortion and reduce access for instance? This is a secular country, but I feel he has a hidden and fundamentalist agenda that will disempower women.
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Sandy A October 6, 2012
Margie Abbott doesn’t seem to get it. Yes, it’s lovely that Tony helps around the house – so he should – but it is totally unacceptable that he then goes out and acts in such an aggressive manner and smooches with attack dogs. It’s not OK that he continues to be friends with Allan Jones; a person who has demonstrated that he is nasty, vindictive and a misogynist. Sorry Margie.
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Jenny October 6, 2012
Sorry Margie, I believe everything you say and I’m glad for your family – but it doesn’t change my mind one iota. You may love the private man, but I don’t care at all for the political one.
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Jane D October 6, 2012
Traditional men get sentimental with Good women. Bad women get what’s coming to them. You’re bad if you’re inconvenient, and may get burnt or raped.
If I was trying to popularise the good old days, when men were men and women knew their place, I’d at least be a gentleman. Courtesy to both sexes, in public and private. It was the only thing that kept it going for so long. These guys are just thugs, and so are the right wing women. I’ll stick with the modern ways, with all their shortcomings. -
Loz October 6, 2012
I’m sure he doesn’t have a problem with women, as long as they tow the line and play the good wife. His problem is with empowered women wanting to make decisions about their own bodies and lives. It’s no wonder he gets on so well with Alan Jones.
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Joni October 6, 2012
Can the Hoopla now do a balanced view by discussing Peter Slipper’s horrible, sexist language to describe female genitalia??
http://www.afr.com/p/national/slipper_texts_reveal_sexist_gibes_eAMh0MsOdFVbhYkLdd9zmI
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JoanneH October 6, 2012
Joni, Did Mr. Slipper say that to a hundred people, and then auction off a chaff bag ?
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Joni October 6, 2012
How is that relevant to Margie ?
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Di Pearton October 6, 2012
How would a story about Mr Slipper provide ‘balance’ ? He was a lib, and now an independent??
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maggie October 6, 2012
Did we really think that Tony’s wife would suggest that he was anything but wonderful…..I don’t think so!!!!!!
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Rhoda October 6, 2012
Mr Slipper described female genitalia as “shell-less mussels”. Can’t see Tony Abbot saying such a thing, especially in a text message. He’s a practising Catholic. Naturally he abhors abortion and sits on the conservative side. As for Mr Slipper – i dislike that he had it him to say such a thing. Couldn’t care what side of politics he was on. He’s vulgar and a sleaze.
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Bec October 6, 2012
It doesn’t really matter whether Tony has a problem with women. The reality is, women have a problem with Tony (not alleviate by his need to wear budgie smugglers in public)
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Jenny October 6, 2012
All men have degrading names for female genitalia (the camel toe song, anyone?) The most insulting swearword in the English language is a derogatory term for a vagina. I would stake my life on a bet that there are very few men alive who would not have used it. A gutted rabbit, a camel toe or naked mussell seem mild by comparison.
No Labor voters voted Peter Slipper in, either, he was one of theirs. Funny how being one of theirs and obviously a loose wheel forever, he was only found out to be a wanker when he was speaker and it could hurt Labor.
Why was he allowed to be a NCP member for so long without any fuss?
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Di Pearton October 6, 2012
Well, Mrs Abbott certainly chose a very important issue on which to break her long silence in politics, not humane treatment of refugees, not equal rights for gays, but her hubbie being called out on his poor manners.
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chinda63 October 7, 2012
The public perception of Tony Abbott’s character will not and cannot be undone simply by Margie telling us what a SNAG he is.
He has had 20 years in politics and on almost every occasion he opens his mouth he says something that offends at least one section of the community.
This is a long-standing problem; from university to political staffer to politician, his life story is littered with examples of his unkindness towards others. Once you get to “too many to mention”, the die is very much cast.
The Liberal Party would be much better off accepting the perception and use it to their advantage. Acknowledge he’s a bully boy and argue this is to Australia’s advantage on the world stage, or argue that his competitiveness means he will always work hard to make sure his government is better than anyone else’s, or whatever. Anything is better than their current approach, which appears to be telling the Australian public that they don’t know their arse from their elbow.
Better still, they could just accept Tony will never be Prime Minister and put someone else in the top job who has a half-decent chance of being respected by 50% of the electorate…
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Annie from Faulco October 7, 2012
If the Liberal spindoctors seriously thought this lame strategy would work, then perhaps they should seek employment elsewhere.
Reminds me of the Monty Python sketch re Doug and Dinsdale Piranha: “He was a lovely bloke. Used to buy his mother flowers, and everything….”
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Carole October 8, 2012
Abbott now claims he doesn’t want to be involved in Nasty Politics.
Well shock horror, I feel like I must be locked in a time warp or I’m travelling in a parrallel universe or maybe dementia has taken over or
maybe I’ve been hit in the head and have selective amnesia but it seems to me that Nasty Politics is ALL he’s been interested in until he’s
at last copped some criticism and guess what, the Bully turns out to be a wimp.This is the Tony Abbott who refused to allow 2 Labor Ministers to attend a funeral by refusing to abide by normal Parliamentary procedures and grant a pair to these 2 members.
How much lower can he get.
Now he’ s squealing that he’s a Victim.
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Janet Georgouras October 8, 2012
This sounds like another hypocrite squealing victim. Mrs Abbott is creating a straw-man argument to deflect the abject inability of her husband to really disclose what his policies will be if he becomes PM.
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the*sparrow October 8, 2012
Tony Abbott is nothing more than pure, naked ambition in the shape of a man. To be honest, he scares me.
