Howard's Weasle Words

Heard this driving home last night (before the news of the terrible events in London) and was gob-smacked by some of the interview. The link's worth a look. Highlights below ...

When asked about how much the upcoming government IR advertising campagne would cost ...

JOHN HOWARD: A reasonable amount.

REPORTER 1: How much would that be?

JOHN HOWARD: (laughs) Oh look, I can't tell you. A reasonable amount.

We can take it that this 'party political' at taxpayer expense will cost a bucketload of money.

When asked whether workers would be worse off under the new IR regime, Howard answered ...

JOHN HOWARD: The current evidence is that people on AWAs are better off than people on awards.

JOURNALIST: That's because of the no disadvantage test which you're abolishing.

JOHN HOWARD: Yes, but there are ... would be other factors that will bear on what people get. You're asking me whether I believe, generally speaking, people will be worse off as a result of these changes, and I'm saying no, I do not believe they will be worse off.

REPORTER 2: So you're saying some will be, but most won't?

JOHN HOWARD: No, I'm not saying that, I'm just saying that generally people won't be worse off.

REPORTER 2: But what does that mean?

JOHN HOWARD: It means exactly what I said it means.

Pity more reporters can't ask pointed questions like our unnamed hero.

The answers fill you with confidence, don't they?