The Same But Different . . .

Guest Author Uncategorized

Today’s Guest Author is Victoria Rollinson, with a splendid piece first published at The AIM Network. Thank you, Victoria! And hat tip to Puffy and Leone for their recommendations.

(Image Credit: Angus Mordant; Fairfax)

When Turnbull ‘knifed’ Abbott a week ago after publically shaming Abbott’s terrible government on national television while announcing his intent-to-knife, I wondered how the mainstream media would treat this story. I couldn’t help but worry this would be yet another example of a Liberal story being treated with a completely different narrative to the same Labor story. A sitting PM is replaced by a member of their own cabinet. A late night coup. A first term Prime Minister. Abbott lasted a shorter time than Rudd and had already been challenged 6 months earlier. By my reasoning, the white-anting, destabilising activities of Turnbull and his supporters over the last 6 months was far more bloody and underhanded than Gillard taking the opportunity to lead the Labor government when it was offered to her within hours of her colleagues’ decision that Rudd’s chaotic leadership was not going to improve, second chances or not. However you argue it, overall a fair observer would see great similarities in the two situations. But these similarities are clearly ignored by the media and it turns out my worry was well founded. Low and behold, the Turnbull/Abbott story is being treated completely differently to Gillard/Rudd. Of course everyone in the mainstream media is very busy mansplaining to little-old-us the voters why the two situations are apparently completely different. But I don’t need this situation explained for me, because I can see with my own eyes that Turnbull just did to Abbott the same, if not worse, thing Gillard did to Rudd.

If you haven’t already noticed for yourself the differing tone of the stories about new-PM-Gillard with new-PM-Turnbull, take a look at this apple-with-apples comparison.

Here is a transcript of Gillard’s ABC 730 interview with Kerry O’Brien the evening she became PM on 24 June 2010 and Turnbull’s ABC 730 PR campaign interview with Leigh Sales a week after he became PM.

If you can’t be bothered reading these transcripts, take it from me that Gillard was interrogated about her ‘knifing’ of Rudd for the entire interview, and framed as the ‘villain’ who couldn’t be trusted, a tone which continued throughout her time as PM. Gillard was also hectored about what she would do about the mining tax policy, not forgetting she had become PM that day. Turnbull, on the other hand, was treated like a ‘hero’ and provided with the invaluable opportunity to outline his vision for the country on an unchallenged soap box where he was allowed to sell his government’s refreshed credentials. He wasn’t even tested when he claimed Direct Action was working to reduce emissions when there was no evidence backing this claim. Two interviews in similar political circumstances, yet chalk and cheese in their treatment and tone.

A simple word count showed Gillard spoke for 65% of her interview with O’Brien. Turnbull spoke for 77% of his interview with Sales. Sales even apologised for asking a question Turnbull might ‘find offensive’ and then again said sorry for cutting him off. Soft doesn’t even come close to describing this cringe-worthy excuse for journalism. But it gets worse. Check out the word clouds of both interviews and see if you notice the same thing I did.

Here is Gillard’s interview, where the most used words were obviously Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. So the main topic of the interview were Gillard’s villainous replacement of Rudd.

Now here is Turnbull’s interview.

Can you see what is missing amongst all the positive words? Yep, that’s right. The word Abbott. You can do a Where’s Wally search for it if you like, but I’ll save you the trouble and tell you it appeared twice in the interview. Hardly there at all. Abbott’s already gone and the media aren’t dwelling on the part Turnbull played in his demise. Unlike Gillard, who had to put up with the media’s obsession with the Rudd leadership spill throughout her entire tenure as Prime Minister, even after she went straight to an election to prove her legitimacy in the role. Yet Abbott has been erased and shiny-Turnbull-with-a-sly-grin has got off scot-free. See what I mean about same story but very different treatment? How do you even begin to explain this other than to say Labor is always bashed by the media, and the Liberals always excused? Sadly this is the only explanation that makes sense.

322 thoughts on “The Same But Different . . .”

  1. Doctors , priests and lawyers..; One will ruin your health the other your soul and the last ; your pocket!

  3. jaycee423

    Give the Liberal peasants their way and the first and last will ruin your pocket.

  10. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/billy-gordon-wont-face-domestic-violence-charges-police-20150924-gjufb0.html

    Billy Gordon won’t face domestic violence charges in Queensland: Police
    September 24, 2015 – 6:53PM
    Cameron Atfield
    Political journalist

    Controversial Cape York MP Billy Gordon will not face Queensland domestic violence charges after an investigation could not find sufficient evidence.

    Mr Gordon, who was forced out of the Labor Party in March for failing to disclose his criminal past, said last month police had completed their investigation.

    Late on Thursday, the Queensland Police Service issued a statement confirming the investigation had been completed.

    “The police conclusion of the comprehensive investigation was referred for legal opinion,” police said.

    “After careful consideration of the investigation and legal opinion, it was determined there was insufficient evidence to lay charges in relation to these allegations.

    “Additionally the grounds do not currently exist for police to progress any application under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 for a protection order.”

    Police said all relevant parties had been informed of the decision.

    “The decision was based on available evidence in the specific circumstances,” police said.

    “Anyone who is a victim of domestic violence is urged to contact police and support services as soon as possible so the matter can be investigated.”

    Comment has been sought from Mr Gordon.

  11. Pucker up on a pick of Puccini !…That reminds me of this little love story I heard about a couple of Neapolitan kids..I’ll tell it you one day if you want..

  13. View at Medium.com

    http://www.artshub.com.au/news-article/opinions-and-analysis/performing-arts/deborah-stone-and-david-tiley/little-hope-for-change-under-fifield-249363

    http://blogs.abc.net.au/antonygreen/2015/09/the-orogins-of-senate-group-ticket-voting-and-it-wasnt-the-major-parties.html

  16. gorgeousdunny1

    Well that is my “you learn something new every day” quota filled. I never knew who had been the singer……………. until tonight.

  21. leonetwo

    “Federal Government anti-radicalisation kit that links green activism and “alternative music” to terrorism.”
    .
    In the words of CTar1 FMD !!! . They really are living up to stereotypes. They truly haven’t got over the 1960s .

    The UK Tory Boys one was good ,signs of ‘radicalisation’ seemed largely to list SOPs for stroppy teenagers like we all once were.

  23. And for my part, Kaffe, I didn’t know you’d posted the song before. I thought it was right for BK, as you did. Still it gives us the chance to welcome back BarryJ, too, which I had overlooked.

  25. gorgeousdunny1

    As Roy and HG could say it is a case of too many “welcome backs” for BK are not enough.

  31. If you’re following the Volkswagen story, it keeps getting bigger. Here are some links.

    Lawsuit tsunami headed for Volkswagen
    http://www.dw.com/en/lawsuit-tsunami-headed-for-volkswagen/a-18737417

    BMW shares tumble on higher diesel emissions report
    http://www.dw.com/en/bmw-shares-tumble-on-higher-diesel-emissions-report/a-18737443

    Audi’s r&d boss, Porsche engine chief to quit, report says
    http://europe.autonews.com/article/20150924/ANE/150929891/audis-rd-boss-porsche-engine-chief-to-quit-report-says

    A Car Scandal Shoves Berlin Off High Ground
    http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/24/world/a-car-scandal-shoves-berlin-off-high-ground.html

    Australian Volkswagen owners still in the dark about emissions scandal, ACCC investigating
    http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-24/australian-vw-owners-still-in-the-dark-about-emissions-scandal/6801480

    How Volkswagen Got Away With Diesel Deception
    http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/09/22/business/international/vw-volkswagen-emissions-explainer.html

    Volkswagen scandal: how two campaigners exposed the world’s biggest car company
    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/road-and-rail-transport/11883343/volkswagen-scandal-campaigners-expose-world-biggest-car-company.html

  36. PTMD – Is it wrong to prefer the Emerson, Lake and Palmer version over the original? (The first bit at least; vinyl didn’t convey the discordance of the latter parts.)

    I preferred Sky’s version of Toccata (in D minor) too – and probably for the same reasons:

    It reminds me of those “classic” ABC filler videos before Doctor Who etc. e.g.:

    Vangelis, Alpha:

    Mike Oldfield, Incantations – Part 4:

    Mike Oldfield, Portsmouth:

    Roger Glover, Butterfly Ball:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sn1UqbbbqQ

    Fleetwood Mac, Tusk:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InjF8xj93LU

  38. jaegar

    PTMD – Is it wrong to prefer the Emerson, Lake and Palmer version over the original? (The first bit at least; vinyl didn’t convey the discordance of the latter parts.)

    I preferred Sky’s version of Toccata (in D minor) too – and probably for the same reasons:

    I have no idea what any of that means. I had no musical training. Prefer what you please, you know more than me!

  39. Good morning Dawn Patrollers. It’s good to get back into the editorial “saddle” again!

    Laura Tingle writes that a new leader doesn’t cover up a $20b budget black hole.
    http://www.afr.com/opinion/columnists/laura-tingle/a-new-leader-does-not-cover-up-a-20-billion-budget-hole-20150924-gju4h8
    Peter Martin examines the movement of population growth from Sydney to Melbourne.
    http://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/abs-population-statistics-victoria-becomes-australias-fastest-growing-state-20150924-gjudy9.html
    Michelle Grattan says that despite the warm glow we still don’t know what Malcolm’s program is.
    https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-amid-the-warm-glow-we-dont-yet-know-malcolm-turnbulls-program-48114
    Malcolm Turnbull ups the ante with his comments on domestic violence and its root attitudinal causes.
    http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/malcolm-turnbull-on-domestic-violence-some-people-will-hate-what-the-pm-had-to-say-20150924-gjtv67.html
    The hand of God or the power and stupidity of religion? Take your pick!
    http://www.smh.com.au/world/mecca-stampede-the-haj-tragedy-explained-20150924-gjuidt.html
    What we haven’t heard yet from VW is what effect a “fix” would have on the performance, driveability and fuel economy of their diesel vehicles. In the article the arrogance of the company is matched by the arrogance of some of the product’s drivers.
    http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/australian-vw-models-revealed-20150924-gju1c2.html
    What effect will the scandal have on VW’s balance sheet in the long run?
    http://www.smh.com.au/business/comment-and-analysis/vw-scandal–the-cost-of-deceiving-customers-and-shareholders-mounts-20150924-gju2e2.html
    Oh oh! BMW might have been naughty too!
    http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/sep/24/bmw-shares-emissions-volkswagen
    “View from the Street” gets stuck into Morrison’s new mantra, work, save, invest”.
    http://www.smh.com.au/comment/view-from-the-street/view-from-the-street-australian-men-hows-about-we-stop-killing-women-20150924-gjubd5.html
    This is testament to the man that Abbott is (er, was).
    http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/bureau-of-meteorology-defends-climate-data-after-revelations-abbotts-department-considered-probe-20150924-gju6s2.html

  40. Section 2 . . .

    Adele Ferguson gives us more on the disgrace that is 7-Eleven. Turnbull has a chance here to make something of it. I hope he does.
    http://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace-relations/7eleven-admits-allowing-franchisees-to-pay-whatever-rate-they-liked-senate-hears-20150924-gjtwr8.html
    Bob Ellis reviews David Marr’s essay on Bill Shorten.
    http://www.ellistabletalk.com/2015/09/24/marrs-shorten/
    The victims and casualties of Peta’s wrath.
    http://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2015/09/24/credlins-casualties/
    A healthy majority of the public opposes Abbott’s “war on environmental groups’ charity status”. Another opportunity for Malcolm?
    http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/most-oppose-denying-environmental-groups-charity-status-says-poll-20150924-gjtz4t.html
    Mark Kenny on how Turnbull and his old vanquished colleague Brendan Nelson crossed historical swords at the War Memorial yesterday.
    http://www.smh.com.au/comment/old-hostilities-resumed-at-the-memorial-to-war-20150924-gju20f.html
    Kristina Keneally tells us there are five things Labor must focus on in order to beat Turnbull.
    http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/sep/23/five-things-labor-needs-to-focus-on-if-it-wants-to-beat-malcolm-turnbull
    It’s “Goodbye Death Cult and hello China” with Malcolm.
    http://www.smh.com.au/comment/malcolm-turnbull-outlines-strategy-towards-china-20150924-gjtvts.html
    Xenophon reloads with Turnbull in his sights.
    http://thenewdaily.com.au/money/2015/09/24/xenophon-re-loads-turnbull-sights/
    The likes of Bernardi and Hanson will never be convinced!
    http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/sep/24/no-direct-linkages-between-halal-certifiers-and-terrorism-inquiry-hears
    John Menadue gives us the first instalment of “slogans vs facts” regarding boat arrivals.
    https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/slogans-versus-facts-on-boat-arrivals-part-1,8192

  42. Section 4 . . . Cartoon Corner

    A nice bit of work from Ron Tandberg here.

    Oh Cathy!

    Andrew Dyson does well here.

    Alan Moir is far from impressed with the efficacy of the UN Security Council.

    Matt Golding seems to think we have gone a bit far with the redesign of certain educational courses.

    David Pope wonders about Turnbull’s ability to follow his DV rhetoric with appropriate action.

    Mark Knight with a damaging cartoon on VW.
    http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/ea37f54c708586595ef0f5f41501f1f5?width=1024&api_key=zw4msefggf9wdvqswdfuqnr5
    David Rowe and poster boy Turnbull.

    Just for fun.

    Bill Leak eavesdrops on a Papal conversation with Obama.

  43. I have no idea what any of that means. I had no musical training. Prefer what you please, you know more than me!

    I was thinking of the sounds more than the music (mostly.) In particular about 5:25 (start from about 5:00) where the “woodwind” synthesizer solo is joined with some quite jarring “brass” sounds:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hv5kAOWKpY

    I think the vinyl recording and/or our turntable stylus probably filtered out the harshness, which is why I got a bit of a shock listening to it again last year(?) (I may have had it cranked a bit through headphones. 😉 )

  46. Stunts ‘R Us – the fluoro vets and silly hats may have gone, but the stunts continue.

    Man catches tram, makes headline.

    A stunt is a stunt is a stunt.

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