Opinion: Was Albo’s risky Bluesfest move genius or major fail?
Labor leader Anthony Albanese took a major risk going on stage at Bluesfest only to be booed by a crowd who didn’t want to hear from politicians. Was it the right move? Vote in the poll.
Analysis
Don't miss out on the headlines from Analysis. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Like Anthony Albanese’s performance in the polls, it did not take long for his appearance at the Byron Bay Bluesfest to go awry.
Boos and jeers drowned out the Labor leader as he took to the stage to introduce Jimmy Barnes prior to his act at the music festival.
It started at the MC’s mention of the federal election, and only received a reprieve when Mr Albanese mentioned his arts policy and a First Nation’s voice to parliament.
Following a gaffe-filled week on the campaign, it’s clear Labor had hoped the celebrity appearance would fast track the reset Mr Albanese so desperately needed.
But the rowdy crowd made it known it did not want to entertain a politician when they came to be entertained by the festival.
It’s likely any politician would have received the same welcome from the crowd.
But others are not facing a drop in support - if a new poll is to be believed.
Mr Albanese went into the campaign with a clear lead.
That advantage has slumped with Labor now behind the Coalition on primary votes, according to the Nine Newspaper’s survey.
It’s why the vision of Mr Albanese being booed by the Bluesfest crowd was used over and over on the Monday morning shows.
It only added to the narrative that the Labor leader’s popularity had slumped following a bad week on the hustings.
From an optics standpoint, it’s not the best look for a leader who is struggling to define himself with voters.
As the polls tighten, Mr Albanese will be hoping many Australians opted for an Easter Monday lie in over watching the morning shows.
With five weeks to go until polling day, one thing is certain: it’s still anyone’s game.
More Coverage
Originally published as Opinion: Was Albo’s risky Bluesfest move genius or major fail?
Join the conversation
Campbell: Why are Australians so bloody miserable?
It’s taken a Pom to point out that we are richer – much richer – even than countries we think of as our peers. But it’s not something we really grasp let alone celebrate.
Read more
Albanese has a decision to make: Keep Rudd or sack him
Kevin Rudd has eight months before the US election to find his way into Donald Trump’s good graces but - in the meantime - Anthony Albanese must weigh the probabilities.
Read more