Readers rallied yesterday to debate Bernard Keane’s accusation that the Coalition had taken its last minute scare campaign from Labor’s playbook. As several pointed out, Coalition have more than a few less scrupulous moments to draw from. Elsewhere, readers discussed the wisdom of betting on elections and looked into the race for New England.

On the Coalition’s last minute scare campaign

Ian Farquhar writes: The hard right of the Liberal Party — not that there is much else remaining anymore — is absolutely ideologically opposed to Medicare but lack the courage to act openly. The cuts, outsourcing and undermining of Medicare under this government have been well documented in Crikey, yet you still fail to map this to a hostile intent towards Medicare? The Australian public was paying attention, and that’s why it cost the Liberals dearly.

Ebony McKenna writes: I think Howard’s “children overboard” was the nastiest and most successful last-minute scare campaign ever launched. Everything else pales into comparison.

On betting on the election

Wayne Robinson writes: In the last WA election, the Labor candidate in my electorate (Kingsley) was seven to one against winning against a very good Liberal minister in a very safe Liberal seat. As a rusted-on Labor supporter, even I thought she was a good local member, responsive and effective in representing constituents. I was tempted to put a bet on the Labor candidate, but didn’t. Odds of seven to one against are just too implausible for an upset result. The Labor candidate won.

On the race for New England

Jason Mountney writes: It is unbelievable this is even a two-horse race. You have to wonder what Joyce has to do before the voters turn on him in great enough numbers to guarantee he was bundled out.

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