Leaders’ debate: One leader won on substance, the other just by surviving

Anthony Albanese and Scott Morrison before the first leaders' debate on Wednesday. Picture: AFP

Scott Morrison will feel he won the first leaders’ debate on substance. But Anthony Albanese won by surviving.

This was a “make or break” moment for the Labor leader who was awarded a narrow victory by 100 undecided voters. With his approval ratings at their lowest since becoming leader three years ago, Albanese couldn’t afford another stumble.

To the relief of his campaign team, he managed to get his lines out more cleanly than he has to date. He was more confident and across the detail than he has been. But his flat-footed response to a question on asylum seeker boat turn-backs showed again how vulnerable he is on this issue.

He may have evaded a knockout blow but for a third time in a week, he engaged in an act of self-harm over national security.

Having set a low bar, Albanese’s measure of success was to remain on his feet by the end of it. He not only achieved the primary goal but exceeded expectations. He has recovered from the disastrous week of stumbles and gaffes and turned the campaign back into a contest.

For Morrison, the task was to appear prime ministerial. On this he too succeeded. He wasn’t favoured by the questions. But when he managed to steer the debate back to the economy, he clearly won the argument.

He was convincing and in command of the detail.

It was the first hand-to-hand combat and there was no decisive victor. Both leaders hit their intended marks. There were no stuff-ups and both remained restrained.

Albanese will believe he is back in the race. It will be a significant boost for his confidence. This was critical for him personally but also the campaign team whose confidence in their leader has been tested.

Morrison has outperformed Albanese from day one of the campaign. Albanese on the other hand has appeared rattled and not across his policy brief. Since then, he has tried to project a more assertive image.

Wednesday night’s debate was the Opposition Leader’s opportunity to reset.

Albanese was clearly unprepared for the election campaign. But he made sure he was at least better prepared for the debate.