So, after the insanity of Tuesday nights media-created "coup", David Shearer is now reduced to begging the media for a fair go.
Yes, he's got a point: certain journalists seem to have an obsession with coupmongering with Labour, to the extent of leaping on the most insane rumours and leaving the basic journalism behind. But at the same time, real leaders don't beg - at least, not if they want to be elected. Again, I'm reminded of Machiavelli's words on weakness:
It makes him contemptible to be considered fickle, frivolous, effeminate ["weak" - I/S], mean-spirited, irresolute, from all of which a prince should guard himself as from a rock
This is just the latest in a long list of ways Shearer has made himself contemptible. Refusing to take a firm stand on asset sales. Or homophobia. Or racism (in fact, about the only thing Shearer will take a firm stance against is women). He won't promise to repeal John Key's spy bill, or even his corrupt Skycity pokie deal. And the result is that he looks weak and untrustworthy, while alienating even his own supporters.
Like his mentor Phil Goff (who shoulder-tapped him for the job), David Shearer has no virtù. And the quicker Labour is rid of him, the better.
