While the audience members at last night's leaders' debate decided the prime minister was the winner, the Liberal Party was quick to declare its man the victor.
The result of the Sky News straw poll following the People’s Forum debate — Anthony Albanese 44, Peter Dutton 35, and 21 undecided — was possibly close enough for both sides to declare a draw. Besides, the result broadly mirrors the favourability ratings for both leaders, so it might have reflected their predisposed views on both men.
Get Political Capital in your inbox
Signed up to Political Capital
A twice-weekly newsletter that takes you inside the corridors of power. It's what Canberra is reading.
Update and view your
newsletter preferences in your account.
A twice-weekly newsletter that takes you inside the corridors of power. It's what Canberra is reading.
Update and view your
newsletter preferences in your account.
Why, then, was the Liberal Party so quick to gloat after the first debate on Tuesday night (besides the obvious motivation of wanting to spin the result)?
It’s because Dutton was utterly focused on driving home a few key messages, for the first time during this campaign.