Special report : Channel NINE cant do their homework

Well that 'leaked document' supposedly committing troops to Iraq, was in fact discussing Australia’s current troop commitment to the UN in regards to enforcing sanctions against Iraq, and patrolling, checking their water space.

Channel Nine in an 'exclusively gained' leak now has a whole lot of egg on its face, especially Laurie Oaks.(It wasn’t a good night for him, after announcing the document he went on to say 'and a new poll shows that 76% of Australians are against a war in Vietnam... err Iraq'

Will be interesting to see how Crean handles this, he wasn’t guilty of anything other than believing the media, but this could take attention for a crucial day. Crean has tomorrow to again ensure the Labor case is made, this time in Question time. Then sit and wait for Colin Powell's speech.

Depending on that Crean’s chances may rise if there’s little new, or he could fade back if its conclusive.

A few sleepless nights lie ahead, but if it goes to plan for Crean he will no doubt jump again in the polls. He's rolled over to 23% preferred against Howard, not a great or even acceptable figure, but its not 18%.And even more interestingly the ALP now has the lead politically. A recent Poll found the ALP would have won a federal election in January, sitting on 52% to the coalitions 48%.
(Of course those figures have been happily ignored by most of the media. )

If it goes right, Crean could put him on a fast track to being level with the PM, certainly dominant over Costello.

If however Powell provided comprehensive information, or Crean stumbles its just about all over folks.
Without a rallying point the anti war movement will be split when the troops actually go into fire. The Public will swing around behind the troops (though not necessarily the war) and Howard will get away with only a few scratches, ones at this stage of his career, and popularity he can comfortably withstand.


That seems the ugly but logical progression of this whole shemozzle.