Abbott + women = disaster?

You'd think one of the biggest news stories in Australia right now might be the High Court's decision that to hold a Tamil man in detention because he was assessed a security threat to Australia, but also a genuine refugee at the same time.

But no.

On Friday, this woman sparked a media storm when she came out in defence of her allegedly ''misogynistic'' husband.

This woman. 

Don't know who she is? Don't feel bad. I don't think anyone knew until yesterday when she was splashed all over the front pages of News Limited dailies.

She is Margie Abbott, wife of federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott. And she's a woman on a mission.

Yesterday Margie attended a lunch, where she sang her kind, loving husband's praises. She had also appeared on the Today Show with Tony where she stressed what a gentle man he was because he loved to watch Downton Abbey more than football.

WHAT?

This is news?

One TV news story said Tony Abbott was regularly portrayed as an 'áction man,' over footage of him shooting a gun and stepping out of the ocean in his budgies.

This guy.

WHAT?

Since when did shooting a gun for a media opportunity and swimming in the ocean make a man an alpha male? You didn't need to convince me that he loves Downton Abbey in order to believe he has a softer side.

Politically, all I see is soft!

When I hear from Tony Abbott, I tune out. All I hear is "Blah blah Julia, negativity, false promises, blah blah, negativity, rhetoric, blah blah'.

I don't believe Tony Abbott is in danger of losing the female voters through his perceived chauvinistic attitude. (For the record, he has publicly spoken against abortion and tried to use his power to veto the abortion drug RU-486's importation into Australia.)

I think his biggest problem is failing to appeal to anyone!

But Margie Abbott was wheeled out to play the spouse card (perhaps inspired by Ann Romney over in the US) in a move as discreet as a sledgehammer.

I agree with Nicola Roxon (famous T-Abb hater) when she told ABC's Insiders that Tony Abbott wasn't in the running for husband or father of the year, he was in the running to govern this nation.

And no amount of flowery speech, from probably the only woman who would have a good opinion of him if all other women detested him, will convince me of his ability.

He could be the nicest, most genuine, caring bloke on earth. This doesn't mean he is equal to the task of leading Australia.

I can rattle off all 50 American states in alphabetical order and once I helped an elderly woman reach for a packet of Weet-Bix.

Maybe I should do it.

Spiel x

PS. This post is dedicated to my friend Toby, who encouraged me to be less of a 'fence-sitter'. Hope you're happy!