Opposition leader Tony Abbott kept himself racing through the headlines all weekend, as the media breathlessly tracked his progress as a pink-lycra-clad competitor in the grueling Ironman Australia Triathlon.
A blatant stunt? Perhaps. But did the nation and the pundits buy into it?
In Saturday’s Australian, Paul Kelly worried whether too much time in the budgie smugglers and not enough time in a suit could damage his credibility as a potential PM… or was it all part of a grander PR plan?
Might Abbott win kudos by publicising a retreat in his fitness regime for more time in a suit?
But the paper’s op-ed that day argued he could wear both costumes without conflict, and today, Caroline Overington paints a fairly gushing image of Abbott’s superhuman efforts.
In the Sydney Morning Herald, Damain Murphy declares the stunt a “win” for Abbott, but Phillip Coorey is also asking whether hours spent outside the office on physical pursuits is the best counterpoint to cultivate against Kevin Rudd’s image as a workaholic.
Tony Wright took a similar line in Saturday’s The Age, saying the “authenticity” of Abbott’s sporting endeavors would play well with voters, but he needed to tone it down.
In Sunday’s Daily Telegraph, Malcolm Farr suggested the pink lycra might help him earn the “pink vote”, Simon Kearney labeled him an “elite athlete”, while Sue Dunlevy claimed his “Mad Monk” moniker had been replaced with “Ironman Abbott”.
In today’s Courier Mail, Dennis Atkins applauds Abbott’s efforts, and criticises the government for criticising them.
Today’s Herald Sun is probably cheering the loudest, with an editorial declaring Abbott as a role model, and that exercise helps politicians “generate ideas and sharpen wits”.
So how did it work for you? Has Abbott’s marathon effort earned him some new respect, or will the image of sweaty pink lycra clinging to his 52-year-old buttocks haunt you forever?
A joke? Get real! The ironman event is no joke. I was at the event and Abbott was cheered on by thousands of people everywhere where he was. Your description of him and what he wears is pathetic. 1500 participants wore the same attire. time to grow up.
They’re all the same Surfer – Posers.
YOU CANNOT CALL ANY ONE AN IRON MAN
UNLESS THEY WIN
Actually, as much as Crkey would love to insult Abbott for wearing pink, they should pull their heads in. That pink was because he was also raising money for the Jane McGrath foundation. A cheap shot, even by Crikey standards. But then, Crikey stopped being a neutral forum for political discussion a long time ago, so these cheap shots are now expected.
I agree that the move to push Abbott’s sporting prowess is probably a tactic to counter the staid image of the Ruddbot. It might be an effective strategy; it gives Abbott a hook to get the voters in, a point of difference.
It’s a bloody hard event, he must be fit as a trout.
But, this links to an ongoing gripe of mine. The Abroll and this whole fascination with a man in speedos. It’s embarrassing that people keep talking about it. Who really cares if Abbott was wearing speedos while swimming. If anything he deserves some credit for being involved in a voluntary organisation. But the hang up on ‘his appearance’ misses the ball entirely. He’s a politician, focus on his policies!