Dutton's minor moment
Benefiting from low expectations, Peter Dutton was able to blunt a key Labor attack at last night's leaders' debate. But Liberals fear too much damage has already been done.
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.
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.
