End of a Labor tragedy [View all]

Kevin Rudd's tearful farewell ends a Labor tragedy of Shakespearean proportions and the political career of one of that party's most brilliant yet flawed leaders.

(snip)

We will never know what would have happened if Labor had given him the chance to improve the chaotic and dysfunctional leadership style that ended his first reign as prime minister. Having led Labor back to power and defeated John Howard, he deserved a second chance.

And we will never know whether Julia Gillard would have been a more successful leader had he and his forces accepted that brutal decision of his colleagues on June 24, 2010. Maybe his eventual return would have been more successful had this been the case.

He leaves an enigma, his compassion, courage and empathy lauded by many; his capacity for bitterness, insensitivity and bastardry seen as defining qualities by others. His work ethic, intelligence and vision are recognised by friend and foe.

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/end-of-a-labor-tragedy-20131113-2xh40.html


My feelings exactly.

I'll bet Rudd will get an overseas posting, courtesy of his friend Julie Bishop.

And I hope Labor never, ever repeats this self-defeating exercise.