Why is it that the performance of the Labour Party leader draws so much media focus? Our economy is in a rut and we face enormous economic challenges just to maintain our standard of living. And we lack strong and visionary leadership from our Government.
So why aren't we asking more questions of John Key? And, seriously, what were the Trans-Tasman staff drinking when they came up with their politician ratings? How does John Key get a 9 out of 10? What has he achieved?
Almost every day I see questions in the media about Goff's leadership. Why is that? He's been Opposition leader for barely a year. Sure he's made mistakes, but I can't think of anything he has done that matches Key's bumbling over Richard Worth or the Rugby World Cup TV rights debacle, or Key's apparent inability to keep a rein on his ministers. And let's not forget that Key is an embarrassment on the national stage - remember that goofy grin on Letterman?
Most Labour supporters would agree Goff has not performed as well as they might have hoped. But it seems clear that some news outlets are creating news, as opposed to reporting it. Ask enough questions about the performance of a politician and the public will start to lose confidence. I hate to suggest there is a media agenda, because I don't believe in that kind of conspiracy nonsense. But why does the media love Key and disdain Goff?
Is it simply because Key's so approachable and easy-going? His "everyman" personality no doubt wins many votes, but we should expect our journalists and political commentators to look beyond such things. I don't care if Key's a nice guy. I want someone who can lead us out of the crap we're in.
But let's not just blame the media, because the Left is adept at shooting itself in the foot. It would be nice just for a change if certain forces on the Left wouldn't pick over every Goff utterance in the search for hidden meanings or messages, like a Roman priest peering at the entrails of a dead sheep. Because most voters don't give a shit.
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