Turnbull's Iraq criticism puts PM on the spot

[Matilda]

High-profile Liberal candidate Malcolm Turnbull has embarrassed the
Prime Minister by criticising the war in Iraq.

Labor says that at a "Meet the Candidate" forum in the safe Liberal
seat of Wentworth in sydney last night, Mr Turnbull said history
would judge US President George W Bush's invasion of Iraq as an
unadulterated error.

In Parliament today, Labor's Tanya Plibersek asked Prime Minister
John Howard whether he was aware of Mr. Turnbull's comments.

"Does the Prime Minister share the views of the endorsed Liberal
candidate for Wentworth and the immediate past president of the
Liberal Party?" she asked. Mr Howard gave a one-word answer: "No".

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200408/s1173209.htm

Bit by bit, it's beginning to come unravelled for John Howard.

Sweet!

[rooboy]

1. I don't know why the Australian public keeps waiting for Howard to admit..

that he made a mistake or lied. To do either is tantamount to confessing to a war crime.

Why can't we just try the bastard and take him out 'Breaker Morandt' style?

[Matilda]

2. It takes a big man to admit to a mistake, and Howard is a very small man.

He'll never admit he was wrong. But if it could cost him the
election - I think that's the only thing that would get to him.
Nothing outside politics and power means a thing - I just look
forward to the day he gets kicked out. I want to see his face when
he realises - that will be a beautiful moment!

[the Kelly Gang]

3. Turnbull knows Howard 's for the chop this election..he's positioning

himself for Liberal Party & Opposition Leader and he would probably beat Costello.

[Tashi]

4. Malcolm not in the middle.

I think he'll be up there in front, leader of the Libs if they lose the election, and I'm praying they will, this was the idea behind those who backed him and I don't think he would have bothered to stand if they hadn't promised him the leadership. I'm not a suporter of the Libs, but it would have to be an improvement on Howard. A Black Snake would be an improvement on Howard.

[Matilda]

5. Yes, I think Turnbull knows which way the wind's blowing.

But there's no chance he'd become leader if they lose this time -
he'll have to serve his time first. He's way too arrogant, and
could be a menace to the party until he's learned how to play the
game.

I saw Howard tonight in parliament really flounce off after
screeching at Latham - this was a man not in control any more. He's
severely rattled.

Bring it on!