The last week or so has been one of resurrection. John Howard has emerged from the stalls to lend his support to the Liberal campaign. Kevin Rudd, fresh out of hospital following a gall bladder removal, has re-joined his frienemies in the ALP. Julia Gillard seemed to rise like a phoenix on the last episode of Q&A (and, dare I say it, may have given her party a much needed boost). And, of course, Mark Latham. Yes, Mark Latham. Like the sour grapes of wrath, Latham is providing the election coverage with moments of awkward acerbity.

I'm not sure of Mr Latham's journalistic credentials. I imagine he has none. As he ambushes the candidates on the trail, he more resembles a serial pest than a man-who-once-could-have-been-Prime Minister. Of course, it was Latham's spectacular fall from grace that has relegated him to the pages of political curiousities. 60 Minutes seems to have capitalised on his history. Knowing the man will provoke a reaction far disproportionate to his talent, they have parachuted him in to cover the final weeks of the election.

I wonder what The Chaser are saying?

The tragedy (or comedy, depending on your view) is that his presence is yet another distraction from what the parties are actually saying. We saw this farce most apparent as Tony Abbott visited an RSL in Sydney today. As (strangely) NineMSN reported, the routine quickly turned an otherwise run-of-the-mill announcement into a circus. While Abbott was attempting to win over the veterans, Latham launched into a barrage of questions of dubious nexus to the election, preventing the opposition leader from demonstrating Real Action on veterans affairs. One gentleman, god bless him, called out to Mr Latham - 'It's not about you Mr Latham, it's about the veterans'. Indeed.

Earlier in the week, Latham confronted the incumbent in an encounter that has been described by Laurie Oakes as 'ugly'. Anyone watching that meeting would have turned the Cringe-o-meter up to 11. And, for what it's worth, Ms Gillard's graceful but firm handling of the situation may have just augmented her Q&A appearance on Monday.

So, why is the man so bitter? Why is his behaviour so erratic? Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett chalks it up to a bi-polar disorder. I think that's plausible. Failing that, it may be the lingering, cruel ghost of a leadership not quite grasped. Either way, the Latham train-wreck continues to squeal and shout and shoot sparks from a rotting, rusty track.

Toot, toot.

Marty Bortz
Masters Student
School of Social and Political Science
University of Melbourne