Election campaigns bring with them many absurd rituals.

One is the knowing commentator who asserts that Abbott or Gillard is doing something or other because the party’s “internal polling” is telling them such-and-such. Of course, I always put this person down as uniquely privy to information from the most confidential of sources inside one or other of the parties.

Another is the ritual incantation that the campaign is an insult to our intelligence because the political parties dare to use slogans and catchphrases. Before long, this election becomes the most hollow in our history – again.

I was reminded of another ritual yesterday when I saw a couple of body language “experts” on morning television offering profound thoughts on Julia Gillard’s waving hands in Sunday night’s debate. These political authorities pop up every election. [Read more…]