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Quarterly Essay #47
Political Animal
The essential work on Tony Abbott is now an expanded, updated short book - and a crucial election-year companion.
Australians want to know: what kind of man is Tony Abbott, and how would he perform as prime minister?
In this dramatic portrait, David Marr shows that as a young Catholic warrior at university, Abbott was already a brutally effective politician. He later led the way in defeating the republic and, as the self-proclaimed 'political love child' of John Howard, rose rapidly in the Liberal Party.
Marr shows that Abbott thrives on chaos and conflict. Part fighter and part charmer, he is deeply religious and deeply political. What happens, then, when his values clash with his need to win? This is the great puzzle of his career, but the closer he is to taking power, the more guarded he has become.
Political Animal's release as a Quarterly Essay in 2012, with its revelations of 'the punch, ' triggered intense scrutiny of Abbott's character, which culminated in Gillard's memorable speech accusing him of misogyny and, soon after, Abbott's worst ever public approval rating. This significantly expanded and updated short book gives the clearest picture yet of the man Abbott is and the prime minister he would be.
'Since witnessing the Hewson catastrophe at first hand, Abbott has worn a mask. He has grown and changed. Life and politics have taught him a great deal. But how this has shaped the fundamental Abbott is carefully obscured. What has been abandoned? What is merely hidden on the road to power? What makes people so uneasy about Abbott is the sense that he is biding his time, that there is a very hard operator somewhere behind that mask, waiting for power.' -David Marr, Political Animal
"It's a more fair-minded and more generous assessment than many people, perhaps myself included, had expected. We have very different perspectives on the world but, to his credit, to some extent David Marr was able to step outside the standard leftist critique and appreciate that here was a more nuanced and complex character than perhaps many of the standard left-leaning critics would concede. Having said all of that, I certainly don't think all of his judgments were fair and I don t think all of his interpretations were correct." -Tony Abbott
Australians want to know: what kind of man is Tony Abbott, and how would he perform as prime minister?
In this dramatic portrait, David Marr shows that as a young Catholic warrior at university, Abbott was already a brutally effective politician. He later led the way in defeating the republic and, as the self-proclaimed 'political love child' of John Howard, rose rapidly in the Liberal Party.
Marr shows that Abbott thrives on chaos and conflict. Part fighter and part charmer, he is deeply religious and deeply political. What happens, then, when his values clash with his need to win? This is the great puzzle of his career, but the closer he is to taking power, the more guarded he has become.
Political Animal's release as a Quarterly Essay in 2012, with its revelations of 'the punch, ' triggered intense scrutiny of Abbott's character, which culminated in Gillard's memorable speech accusing him of misogyny and, soon after, Abbott's worst ever public approval rating. This significantly expanded and updated short book gives the clearest picture yet of the man Abbott is and the prime minister he would be.
'Since witnessing the Hewson catastrophe at first hand, Abbott has worn a mask. He has grown and changed. Life and politics have taught him a great deal. But how this has shaped the fundamental Abbott is carefully obscured. What has been abandoned? What is merely hidden on the road to power? What makes people so uneasy about Abbott is the sense that he is biding his time, that there is a very hard operator somewhere behind that mask, waiting for power.' -David Marr, Political Animal
"It's a more fair-minded and more generous assessment than many people, perhaps myself included, had expected. We have very different perspectives on the world but, to his credit, to some extent David Marr was able to step outside the standard leftist critique and appreciate that here was a more nuanced and complex character than perhaps many of the standard left-leaning critics would concede. Having said all of that, I certainly don't think all of his judgments were fair and I don t think all of his interpretations were correct." -Tony Abbott
208 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2012
About the author
David Marr
39 books105 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Eminent Australian journalist, author, and progressive political and social commentator. David Marr is the multi-award-winning author of Patrick White: A Life, Panic and The High Price of Heaven, and co- author with Marian Wilkinson of Dark Victory. He has written for the Sydney Morning Herald, the Age, The Saturday Paper, The Guardian Australia and the Monthly. He has been editor of the National Times, a reporter for Four Corners and presenter of ABC TV’s Media Watch. He is also the author of two previous bestselling biographical Quarterly Essays: Power Trip: The Political Journey of Kevin Rudd and Political Animal: The Making of Tony Abbott. His areas of expertise include Australian politics, law, censorship, the media and the arts. David Marr began his career in 1973 and is the recipient of four Walkley awards for journalism. He also appears as a semi-regular panellist on the ABC television programs Q&A and Insiders.
Eminent Australian journalist, author, and progressive political and social commentator. David Marr is the multi-award-winning author of Patrick White: A Life, Panic and The High Price of Heaven, and co- author with Marian Wilkinson of Dark Victory. He has written for the Sydney Morning Herald, the Age, The Saturday Paper, The Guardian Australia and the Monthly. He has been editor of the National Times, a reporter for Four Corners and presenter of ABC TV’s Media Watch. He is also the author of two previous bestselling biographical Quarterly Essays: Power Trip: The Political Journey of Kevin Rudd and Political Animal: The Making of Tony Abbott. His areas of expertise include Australian politics, law, censorship, the media and the arts. David Marr began his career in 1973 and is the recipient of four Walkley awards for journalism. He also appears as a semi-regular panellist on the ABC television programs Q&A and Insiders.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 7, 2026
Tony Abbott was one of the most important political actors in Australian politics until he lost his highly affluent Sydney seat of Warringah in the 2019 election to Teal Independent Zali Steggal. David Marr wrote a biography of Abbott’s career shortly after he ascended to the Liberal Party leadership in 2009, and thereby became Leader of the Opposition. Marr documents Abbott’s rise in student politics, journalism, and as a professional politician alongside his catholic faith and deeply conservative values that stemmed from it. The author concludes that Abbott was a political animal with a voracious appetite for power. Yet Abbott faced a possibly insurmountable contradiction: he was the leader of a party that would likely win government in a landslide, yet was deeply unpopular himself.
I read another review on Goodreads saying that Marr’s essay was too critical of Abbott. Marr’s criticism is with good reason and stands in juxtaposition to Abbott. Marr was one of the most powerful voices exposing the Catholic Church in Australia and critics of Cardinal Pell. He is also gay. Abbott, by contrast, almost became a priest, defended Pell when charged with child abuse, and was opposed to equal rights for gay people. So, when Marr critiques Abbott for having views rooted in religious zealotry that favour political views that are illiberal, I think that is fair—especially as secularism ought to be one of the core pillars of Australian democracy. I suspect this was why Marr was selected to write this piece for the Quarterly Essay.
Regarding Marr’s conclusion that Abbott is a “political animal,” I believe it is meant ironically rather than in the Aristotelian sense. Aristotle argued that humans are political animals because they possess the capacity for logic and reason and live in communities—attributes that allow humanity to understand and pursue justice, the good, and other moral ideals essential to a flourishing political community. No doubt, some of this applies to Abbott. However, Marr conspicuously invokes Aristotle’s famous phrase without claiming Abbott is Aristotelian. Instead, Marr points to a more Machiavellian and theological figure: adversarial, zero-sum, and rooted in a faith that is, by definition, illogical. Abbott was a politician who would maul anything that opposed his worldview.
As Opposition Leader, Abbott and the Liberals opposed almost everything the Labor government attempted. Marr quotes Lord Randolph Churchill, who asked: “Is the attitude of the great Tory Democracy, which Lord Beaconsfield’s party constructed, to be one of mere dogged opposition?” For Abbott, Marr concludes, the answer was a resounding yes. Abbott’s animal instincts were relentless during Julia Gillard’s hung parliament—not giving an inch and campaigning mercilessly against her as a liar, while proclaiming that the Liberals would “stop the boats,” “axe the tax,” and “cut the waste.” These three-word slogans resonated with the public and, combined with political infighting within the Labor government—culminating in the return of Kevin Rudd as prime minister—Abbott led the Coalition to victory in the 2013 election.
Marr’s words proved prescient. Abbott’s deep unpopularity was insurmountable. After two years, he was shafted by his party and replaced by Malcolm Turnbull. Abbott had lost thirty consecutive news polls, had delivered a deeply austere budget that cut health and education with no warning to the public, knighted Prince Philip, and led combatively and with little consultation with the cabinet. The Coalition were on track to be the first party to lose government after one term in nearly a hundred years.
Abbott was a poor prime minister, but the combative tactics he used made him one of the most effective opposition leaders in modern Australian politics. Still, I believe this claim is overstated. The Coalition’s 2013 victory was due in large part to Labor’s poor governance. Political infighting after Rudd’s initial ousting by Gillard in 2010 continued unabated until his return to the leadership just months before the 2013 election. Gillard led a minority government—the first since World War II—and had to compromise on election promises to maintain power, including implementing a carbon tax to secure support from the Greens, despite having promised not to.
Any number of Liberal MPs could likely have achieved the same result as Abbott. Malcolm Turnbull led the Coalition to victory in 2016 when many believed they would lose, and Scott Morrison won the “unwinnable” election in 2019. It is easy to appear prime ministerial when your opponents project an aura of chaos and incompetence. This was underscored by Labor’s landslide victory in the 2025 election.
Since returning to power in 2022, Labor had governed competently during turbulent times. The Coalition, under Peter Dutton, campaigned on “fixing the mess.” Dutton, like Abbott before him, was inspired by an obstructionist style—oppose everything. But unlike the chaotic years of Labor from 2007 to 2013, there was no mess to fix. As a result, Peter Dutton may go down as the worst opposition leader in Australian history. He led the Coalition to its worst defeat ever and became the first opposition leader to lose his seat while in the role. I doubt Abbott would have fared any better.
Marr’s characterisation of Abbott as a political animal was on full display following Abbott’s ousting as prime minister. Like Rudd to Gillard, Abbott meticulously white-anted Turnbull’s leadership and remained a conservative powerbroker in the Liberal party. He played a pivotal role in the conservative takeover of the party and undermined the “broad church” that John Howard had once proudly championed. Although Abbott lost his seat in 2019, this conservative takeover led them to their worst defeat under Morrison in 2022, only to be surpassed by Dutton’s defeat in 2025.
Thus, Marr’s analysis of Tony Abbott—published in 2012—was highly accurate, insightful, and prognostic. Abbott was a man obsessed with power and conservatism, willing to act brutally to obtain it. But ultimately, he fell victim to the very contradictions at the heart of his conservative, values-based politics.
More of my writing can be found here: https://callumscolumn.substack.com/
I read another review on Goodreads saying that Marr’s essay was too critical of Abbott. Marr’s criticism is with good reason and stands in juxtaposition to Abbott. Marr was one of the most powerful voices exposing the Catholic Church in Australia and critics of Cardinal Pell. He is also gay. Abbott, by contrast, almost became a priest, defended Pell when charged with child abuse, and was opposed to equal rights for gay people. So, when Marr critiques Abbott for having views rooted in religious zealotry that favour political views that are illiberal, I think that is fair—especially as secularism ought to be one of the core pillars of Australian democracy. I suspect this was why Marr was selected to write this piece for the Quarterly Essay.
Regarding Marr’s conclusion that Abbott is a “political animal,” I believe it is meant ironically rather than in the Aristotelian sense. Aristotle argued that humans are political animals because they possess the capacity for logic and reason and live in communities—attributes that allow humanity to understand and pursue justice, the good, and other moral ideals essential to a flourishing political community. No doubt, some of this applies to Abbott. However, Marr conspicuously invokes Aristotle’s famous phrase without claiming Abbott is Aristotelian. Instead, Marr points to a more Machiavellian and theological figure: adversarial, zero-sum, and rooted in a faith that is, by definition, illogical. Abbott was a politician who would maul anything that opposed his worldview.
As Opposition Leader, Abbott and the Liberals opposed almost everything the Labor government attempted. Marr quotes Lord Randolph Churchill, who asked: “Is the attitude of the great Tory Democracy, which Lord Beaconsfield’s party constructed, to be one of mere dogged opposition?” For Abbott, Marr concludes, the answer was a resounding yes. Abbott’s animal instincts were relentless during Julia Gillard’s hung parliament—not giving an inch and campaigning mercilessly against her as a liar, while proclaiming that the Liberals would “stop the boats,” “axe the tax,” and “cut the waste.” These three-word slogans resonated with the public and, combined with political infighting within the Labor government—culminating in the return of Kevin Rudd as prime minister—Abbott led the Coalition to victory in the 2013 election.
Marr’s words proved prescient. Abbott’s deep unpopularity was insurmountable. After two years, he was shafted by his party and replaced by Malcolm Turnbull. Abbott had lost thirty consecutive news polls, had delivered a deeply austere budget that cut health and education with no warning to the public, knighted Prince Philip, and led combatively and with little consultation with the cabinet. The Coalition were on track to be the first party to lose government after one term in nearly a hundred years.
Abbott was a poor prime minister, but the combative tactics he used made him one of the most effective opposition leaders in modern Australian politics. Still, I believe this claim is overstated. The Coalition’s 2013 victory was due in large part to Labor’s poor governance. Political infighting after Rudd’s initial ousting by Gillard in 2010 continued unabated until his return to the leadership just months before the 2013 election. Gillard led a minority government—the first since World War II—and had to compromise on election promises to maintain power, including implementing a carbon tax to secure support from the Greens, despite having promised not to.
Any number of Liberal MPs could likely have achieved the same result as Abbott. Malcolm Turnbull led the Coalition to victory in 2016 when many believed they would lose, and Scott Morrison won the “unwinnable” election in 2019. It is easy to appear prime ministerial when your opponents project an aura of chaos and incompetence. This was underscored by Labor’s landslide victory in the 2025 election.
Since returning to power in 2022, Labor had governed competently during turbulent times. The Coalition, under Peter Dutton, campaigned on “fixing the mess.” Dutton, like Abbott before him, was inspired by an obstructionist style—oppose everything. But unlike the chaotic years of Labor from 2007 to 2013, there was no mess to fix. As a result, Peter Dutton may go down as the worst opposition leader in Australian history. He led the Coalition to its worst defeat ever and became the first opposition leader to lose his seat while in the role. I doubt Abbott would have fared any better.
Marr’s characterisation of Abbott as a political animal was on full display following Abbott’s ousting as prime minister. Like Rudd to Gillard, Abbott meticulously white-anted Turnbull’s leadership and remained a conservative powerbroker in the Liberal party. He played a pivotal role in the conservative takeover of the party and undermined the “broad church” that John Howard had once proudly championed. Although Abbott lost his seat in 2019, this conservative takeover led them to their worst defeat under Morrison in 2022, only to be surpassed by Dutton’s defeat in 2025.
Thus, Marr’s analysis of Tony Abbott—published in 2012—was highly accurate, insightful, and prognostic. Abbott was a man obsessed with power and conservatism, willing to act brutally to obtain it. But ultimately, he fell victim to the very contradictions at the heart of his conservative, values-based politics.
More of my writing can be found here: https://callumscolumn.substack.com/
October 27, 2013
Excellant essay by David Marr. He does not seek to torpedo Abbott. This is no way a polemic. It is a measured and reasoned piece of journalism on a divisive political figure who has spent half his life baiting any progressive forces particularly woman and gay rights activists.
Abbott takes his Catholicism seriously and Marr takes him at his word. Marr makes the links between the university politics of the noisy far right Catholic NCC and Abbott's politics. The quixotic defending of unpopular conservative positions has meant that Abbott has received tremendous support from older reactionary men a la Alan Jones. He has had mentors looking out for him all his life. He has been the favoured son of the right all his life.
Abbott takes his Catholicism seriously and Marr takes him at his word. Marr makes the links between the university politics of the noisy far right Catholic NCC and Abbott's politics. The quixotic defending of unpopular conservative positions has meant that Abbott has received tremendous support from older reactionary men a la Alan Jones. He has had mentors looking out for him all his life. He has been the favoured son of the right all his life.
September 21, 2012
A brilliant, balanced argument that tries to expose the real Tony Abbott. Marr pulls few cheap shots, his research is exceptional and he doesn't bow to pressure to give a character assassination. Instead, he tries to understand how Abbott functions, both as a politician and a human being. This is not a hatchet job by any stretch. I may not agree with many of Abbott's views and policies, but I feel like I understand them better. Marr has also corrects a number of misplaced assumptions I, and many in the public, have made about Abbott. Marr remains, as ever, one of Australia's classiest and fairest journalists.
September 24, 2012
In "Political Animal", David Marr excels as a long-form reporter.
Contrary to some of the negative opinions expressed by some Good Readers, I found this piece to be very well balanced. So much of what passes for reportage these days is uninformed opinion or unsubstantiated facts and half truths, and so it was with pleasure to see that most of the events depicted in the Essay are fully sourced and footnoted at the end of the document. This, of course, is an important part of the format of the Quarterly Essay, probably the most important long-form publication in Australia.
Marr's greatest contribution to our understanding of Tony Abbott is his categorisation of "Values Abbot" and "Political Abbott". Marr concludes that "Political Abbott" is certainly on the ascendancy at this time and it will be interesting to observe the degree to which "Values Abbott" emerges, if at all, should Abbott become the next Australian Prime Minister.
"Political Animal" is a 30000-word essay that comprehensively traces Tony Abbott's life from his student days to the present. Given this comprehensiveness, it is a shame that so much daily media attention has been given to five lines of the Essay that describes the "wall punch incident". Marr's "Political Animal" has so much more to offer than this and any objective reader will find much to learn and ponder.
Contrary to some of the negative opinions expressed by some Good Readers, I found this piece to be very well balanced. So much of what passes for reportage these days is uninformed opinion or unsubstantiated facts and half truths, and so it was with pleasure to see that most of the events depicted in the Essay are fully sourced and footnoted at the end of the document. This, of course, is an important part of the format of the Quarterly Essay, probably the most important long-form publication in Australia.
Marr's greatest contribution to our understanding of Tony Abbott is his categorisation of "Values Abbot" and "Political Abbott". Marr concludes that "Political Abbott" is certainly on the ascendancy at this time and it will be interesting to observe the degree to which "Values Abbott" emerges, if at all, should Abbott become the next Australian Prime Minister.
"Political Animal" is a 30000-word essay that comprehensively traces Tony Abbott's life from his student days to the present. Given this comprehensiveness, it is a shame that so much daily media attention has been given to five lines of the Essay that describes the "wall punch incident". Marr's "Political Animal" has so much more to offer than this and any objective reader will find much to learn and ponder.
September 18, 2012
This is a book that is essential reading for every Australian today. This man may be our next prime minister.
February 22, 2022
A terrific study of a politician for whom I had no time at all. Among other exploits, he managed to overturn the referendum on Australia becoming a republic, and set back action on climate change by at least a decade. He became the country's Prime Minister a year after this study was written. He lost that position after a couple of years of mayhem, and lost his parliamentary seat (to an excellent Independent MP) a few years later.
David Marr writes so well and gave us a balanced and rounded portrait of the man. We are well rid of Abbott, but Marr continues to write and analyse and we are fortunate to have him.
David Marr writes so well and gave us a balanced and rounded portrait of the man. We are well rid of Abbott, but Marr continues to write and analyse and we are fortunate to have him.
March 4, 2013
Tony Abbott is likely to become Australia's next prime minister when the next Federal election is held later this year. Marr's extended essay on Abbott is lively, well researched and a welcome reminder of what good journalism can be.
In his days as a right wing student activist, Abbott fought for values consistent with his Catholic faith and his first political mentor, Bob Santamaria, a major force on the right of Australian politics in the decades after World War II. The tactics he used then were essentially destructive, aiming to destroy the enemy (then student unions) rather than to build a constructive alternative.
As a member of the national Parliament, Abbott's positions on central political issues has varied, increasingly depending on where he sees the chance of winning. Here Marr's construct of Politcal Abbott and Values Abbot is a useful shorthand to point up the inherent conflict for a man with deeply held traditional Catholic beliefs and a political hard man of the right.
So far, Abbott has proved over and over that he is tenacious, ruthless and a great opposer. As a nation, we can only hope that he learns to be a builder and healer as well when his party takes power at the next election as it surely will.
Marr wrote a similar essay on then Labor leader Kevin Rudd a couple of years ago. I will find it and read it too.
In his days as a right wing student activist, Abbott fought for values consistent with his Catholic faith and his first political mentor, Bob Santamaria, a major force on the right of Australian politics in the decades after World War II. The tactics he used then were essentially destructive, aiming to destroy the enemy (then student unions) rather than to build a constructive alternative.
As a member of the national Parliament, Abbott's positions on central political issues has varied, increasingly depending on where he sees the chance of winning. Here Marr's construct of Politcal Abbott and Values Abbot is a useful shorthand to point up the inherent conflict for a man with deeply held traditional Catholic beliefs and a political hard man of the right.
So far, Abbott has proved over and over that he is tenacious, ruthless and a great opposer. As a nation, we can only hope that he learns to be a builder and healer as well when his party takes power at the next election as it surely will.
Marr wrote a similar essay on then Labor leader Kevin Rudd a couple of years ago. I will find it and read it too.
October 2, 2012
Another brilliant political biography by David Marr. Like his infamous piece on Kevin Rudd, he is able to remind the reader of what we knew but had forgotten while exposing new truths along the way. His discussion of Values Abbott and Political Abbott should worry the Coalition because Marr has pin pointed the very fears that keep voters from giving Abbott the popularity to ensure victory at the next election. Moreover, he exposes the contradiction at the heart of Abbott: a conviction politician willing to betray his own values just to attain power. Criticisms by Liberals that this is a hate piece have some merit, especially the constant refrain of Abbott being anti-gay but that is an axe Marr has been grinding for some time so it is no surprise, but ultimately Marr gives credit where credit is due. Hopefully this has the same prophetic power of is last Quarterly Essay.
January 5, 2018
Charismatic? Likeable? As true to journalistic impartiality as David Marr's writing presents, I can now substantiate why this man, who we now must call our prime minister, gets under my skin. Whether Values Abbott or Politics Abbott we are and always will be poles apart in our thinking, motivation and vision for Australia and the world. A cringeing yet informative read.
April 24, 2013
David Marr’s book has been expanded from the Quarterly Essay of the same name from which it is based. Marr paints a rather disturbing picture of the man who wants to be the next Prime Minister of Australia. From Abbott’s early days at university where he took opposition against the homosexuals and women’s rights (including the now infamous incidents of losing his temper) to his more recent history as member of the Howard government and the current opposition leader. Marr relies on many who have known Abbott to source his writings, both political allies and opponents. Abbott is certainly not one to shy away from what his opinions are,’ “The argument on climate change is absolute crap”’ (Abbott, as citied in Marr, 2013, p.137). Abbott’s strict and conservative Catholic influences seem to heavily influence his decisions and beliefs even today and Marr is keen to highlight this. Whilst Marr’s distaste for Abbott is evident from the first page and perhaps slightly clouds the book for anyone wanting a balanced opinion, the facts are there. For someone who claims to be a Christian, some of his attitudes are left waning, considerably right-winged, conservative and perhaps even offensive. ‘“Abbott believed people should be able to control their thoughts and emotions; he believed they should exercise free will…. He admitted his own views made it hard for him to understand mental health issues.” (Hickie, as citied in Marr, 2013, p.112). Despite having such strong beliefs, Marr also examines his chameleon persona: “I quite believed him when he said, ‘I’ll do anything to get this job, anything other than sell my arse’.” (Windsor, as cited in Marr, p. 153).
September 10, 2012
Interesting. And concerning. As a Christian who believes that people of faith can take their faith into politics, I am not as automatically opposed to 'Values' Tony Abbott as Marr is. But I am saddened that the Catholic values that Abbott is wedded to are the conservative ones we hear from Archbishop Pell, rather than those of Catholic Social Teaching. Of course anyone who follows the Vatican line will oppose the full equality of GLBT people, but at the very least shouldn't we also get some concern for the environment, refugees, and the poorest in society?
How much has Abbott changed from his university days? Is he still a cultural warrior? And what would it mean to Australia to have someone even more culturally conservative than John Howard as Prime Minister?
Marr intersperses contemporary scenes of Abbott the Opposition Leader opposing the carbon tax with biographical scenes from Abbott's past. It's a neat device to reinforce how very negative Abbott is, and how willing he is to say anything for political advantage. As Marr says near the end, that is the biggest impact Abbott has had on Australian politics - the relentless negativity, the opposition to everything. That impact, Marr argues, will continue if Abbott becomes Prime Minister. What he has done will be done to him. The prospect is profoundly dispiriting.
September 20, 2012
This should be compulsory reading for every Australian. If Abbott wins the next election we're all screwed. The shenanigans of the recently elected Queensland government will pale in comparison.
The sad fact is, however, that this essay will probably only be preaching to the converted and not reaching those it really needs to influence.
The sad fact is, however, that this essay will probably only be preaching to the converted and not reaching those it really needs to influence.
June 3, 2013
My opinion of Rhodes Scholars is greatly diminished after reading Marr's essay.
May 10, 2021
Catty Psychobabble
October 6, 2019
Marr has written an engrossing political biography of one of my least-favourite public figures. I didn't know many of the details from earlier in Abbott's life, like the child he and his girlfriend gave up for adoption, or his university crusade to crush student unions, or his unabashed, explicit homophobia during those university days, so my mouth was frequently agape at learning another horrific detail.
Marr did take one cheap shot which annoyed me, at Abbott's propensity for cycling lycra and budgie smugglers, culminating in a barely-veiled joke about the size of his penis. I think dick-measuring should be beneath the scope of a quarterly essay, and I'm furthermore generally irritated by the popular ridicule of this aspect of Abbott's persona. The fact that he is comfortable with (even, god forbid, proud of) his body is in my opinion the least objectionable thing about him, and the fact that people fixated on it just shows the discomfort society holds for body positivity. Anyway, I know this shouldn't be the main takeaway, and I've probably already written too much about it, but it's something that has long irked me. That, and when people tore into him for biting that raw onion, which I always thought was clearly a joke on his part and was pretty funny.
The one most alarming pattern that became clear to me from this essay is that nothing seems to enrage and galvanise Abbott more than being beaten by a woman. This is what provoked the incident where he punched the wall beside his female opponent's head in his student politics days, and this is what presaged his relentless opposition to the Gillard government, which ravaged the Australian public's faith in politics and made the formerly bipartisan policy of pricing carbon emissions into a political third rail (most gallingly, Marr suggests that Abbott's reasons for throwing climate policy under the bus were entirely expedient, and that he had no particular personal conviction on the issue). Now that Abbott has been toppled from his former seat by Zali Steggall, I shudder to imagine what future plans he might have. Though he presently seems quarantined to a relatively safe position kissing up to defence contractors at the Australian War Memorial, the threat that he may be plotting some manner of comeback ever looms.
Marr did take one cheap shot which annoyed me, at Abbott's propensity for cycling lycra and budgie smugglers, culminating in a barely-veiled joke about the size of his penis. I think dick-measuring should be beneath the scope of a quarterly essay, and I'm furthermore generally irritated by the popular ridicule of this aspect of Abbott's persona. The fact that he is comfortable with (even, god forbid, proud of) his body is in my opinion the least objectionable thing about him, and the fact that people fixated on it just shows the discomfort society holds for body positivity. Anyway, I know this shouldn't be the main takeaway, and I've probably already written too much about it, but it's something that has long irked me. That, and when people tore into him for biting that raw onion, which I always thought was clearly a joke on his part and was pretty funny.
The one most alarming pattern that became clear to me from this essay is that nothing seems to enrage and galvanise Abbott more than being beaten by a woman. This is what provoked the incident where he punched the wall beside his female opponent's head in his student politics days, and this is what presaged his relentless opposition to the Gillard government, which ravaged the Australian public's faith in politics and made the formerly bipartisan policy of pricing carbon emissions into a political third rail (most gallingly, Marr suggests that Abbott's reasons for throwing climate policy under the bus were entirely expedient, and that he had no particular personal conviction on the issue). Now that Abbott has been toppled from his former seat by Zali Steggall, I shudder to imagine what future plans he might have. Though he presently seems quarantined to a relatively safe position kissing up to defence contractors at the Australian War Memorial, the threat that he may be plotting some manner of comeback ever looms.
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July 28, 2019David Marr is truly incredible. This so easily and validly could have been an absolute character assassination. It wasn't. It was a deep and thorough look into Tony Abbott.
Abbott is so outspoken on literally everything. He's deeply religious, insensitive, often incredibly rude and extremely ignorant. But he's still kind of this elusive figure. He isn't consistent in his views and Marr points that out. Nobody knows if its going to be 'morals Tony' or 'politics Tony'.
Really unless you have an abnormal psychology degree and lots of face-to-face time with Tony himself I don't think you'll ever fully understand the depths of wack he actually is. Personally, as someone without either of those things, I think he's a power hungry, ruthless and unsympathetic rich white boy who never had to face the real-life consequences for his actions. Yes he's smart, he was clearly good at rugby, he's fucking determined but alas he has never had a compassionate thought for another human being (see his 'shit happens' moment).
This is a little dated now but it is still such an interesting and in depth look into who Tony Abbott is and why he does what he does. I still don't think we'll ever fully understand him. He is intensely detestable though and this essay only cements that- not that Marr needed to do anything to prove it, anyone with eyes who reads more broadly than the Murdochracy can see Tony is a disgusting little shit.
Abbott is so outspoken on literally everything. He's deeply religious, insensitive, often incredibly rude and extremely ignorant. But he's still kind of this elusive figure. He isn't consistent in his views and Marr points that out. Nobody knows if its going to be 'morals Tony' or 'politics Tony'.
Really unless you have an abnormal psychology degree and lots of face-to-face time with Tony himself I don't think you'll ever fully understand the depths of wack he actually is. Personally, as someone without either of those things, I think he's a power hungry, ruthless and unsympathetic rich white boy who never had to face the real-life consequences for his actions. Yes he's smart, he was clearly good at rugby, he's fucking determined but alas he has never had a compassionate thought for another human being (see his 'shit happens' moment).
This is a little dated now but it is still such an interesting and in depth look into who Tony Abbott is and why he does what he does. I still don't think we'll ever fully understand him. He is intensely detestable though and this essay only cements that- not that Marr needed to do anything to prove it, anyone with eyes who reads more broadly than the Murdochracy can see Tony is a disgusting little shit.
February 3, 2026
Even Tony Abbott himself, upon receiving a copy of this Quarterly Essay, personally credited David Marr with having done a "highly professional job," in this extensive profile of what-would-be one of Australia's worst Prime Ministers to date, making the non-election of Dutton even more of a godsend in light of Abbott's fateful election specifically.
This essay functions as a masterful deconstruction and pre-election hypothesis of what comprises the psyche of Tony Abbott, and how the perverse electoral appeal generated by his character - especially in contrast to the fractious Labor government of 2010-2013 - might affect the future of Australian politics; all analysis completed by thoroughly scrutinising Abbott's political past and (2012) present.
In comparison to Marr's essay on Rudd, there is no question as to which one he enjoyed researching/writing more...
And I'll finish this brief review with the most utterly scathing indictment of Tony Abbott in (what I like to think are) the eyes of contemporary Australia, deftly included by Marr : "One of the 21-year-olds is quoted in the Ipsos report of December 2012: 'I think there are lots of people out there who I think are bad role models. Sometimes I see Tony Abbott and I think 'I'm glad I'm not Tony Abbott.''"
Enough said. Well done David Marr.
This essay functions as a masterful deconstruction and pre-election hypothesis of what comprises the psyche of Tony Abbott, and how the perverse electoral appeal generated by his character - especially in contrast to the fractious Labor government of 2010-2013 - might affect the future of Australian politics; all analysis completed by thoroughly scrutinising Abbott's political past and (2012) present.
In comparison to Marr's essay on Rudd, there is no question as to which one he enjoyed researching/writing more...
And I'll finish this brief review with the most utterly scathing indictment of Tony Abbott in (what I like to think are) the eyes of contemporary Australia, deftly included by Marr : "One of the 21-year-olds is quoted in the Ipsos report of December 2012: 'I think there are lots of people out there who I think are bad role models. Sometimes I see Tony Abbott and I think 'I'm glad I'm not Tony Abbott.''"
Enough said. Well done David Marr.
March 14, 2021
Another solid piece by David Marr, this time covering Tony Abbott, the strange and often frustrating former prime minister of the Liberal Party. While he lets his personal bias show through in places, this was still a very fair assessment of the man, all things considered. It has made me neither like or dislike him any more than I already did - with said opinion being kind of on the fence. He's a Catholic and is on the right side of politics, but at the same time he is unflinchingly awkward and hard to entirely like.
October 11, 2012
I think David Marr is a great researcher and tries very hard to be be fair and balanced in his approach in this book. He tells Tony Abbott's story in an easily comprehensible and capable manner, leaving plenty of space for the reader to draw their own conclusions. The two Tony's is a neat way to try and present the two versions of the man Marr shows us. It reminds us, of course , of the questions re the REAL Julia.
Having read this first, followed by several articles in The Age and several reviews I must say I do believe the wall punching incident and that really worries me. I think men who punch walls beside women's heads clearly want to punch the woman, if they dared. Calling the same woman Chair thing for a year seems to show an ongoing disrespect. I know a little about University politics and I think it does matter the way we behave throughout our lives, particularly if their are clear patterns which do not seem to change. The pugilist, sexist, mysogynistic young man has little changed over the years. Also, the same pattern of failing to compromise and build alliances, plus his overwhelming negativity - wanting to destroy structures rather than following due process - is interesting. His vile activities against student unionism stand today as a dreadful indicator of the real Tony Abbott to me.
Margie, his daughters and sisters may all love him and think he's great, why wouldn't they?. But I'm not so sure. In the 30th June 2012 quote which starts the book, Tony Abbott invites us to look at "the record of a lifetime", to examine "the student president, trainee priest, Rhodes scholar..." etc, because in this record we are meant to see his "instinct to serve ingrained long before..." he "...became opposition leader". He asks us to judge him and our trust of him on this record. Well I've examined it and I urge every Australian eligible to vote to read this book because I think it shows us elements of Tony Abbott which should make us very wary to ever see him become PM of Australia.
As a woman, feminist and atheist I already admit to being convinced he puts his muscular, fundamentalist religious beliefs even before his political party - I'm sure he confers with Pell on a regular basis. I think it is likely he is a Catholic Warrior locked into Santamaria's views of the world. Abbott wants to control women's bodies, he's anti-women in powerful positions (despite his protestations)homophobic etc.
I am sure he cares about all kinds of people and may well be charitable, generous-hearted and even kind to the "poor and needy". I wish we had heard everything - even the bits Abbott did not want revealed - itmay have balanced the picture even more.
But overall I think he is a dangerous, aggressive, angry man who wants power for its own sake - possibly to finally prove his mother was right - either Pope or PM!
Having read this first, followed by several articles in The Age and several reviews I must say I do believe the wall punching incident and that really worries me. I think men who punch walls beside women's heads clearly want to punch the woman, if they dared. Calling the same woman Chair thing for a year seems to show an ongoing disrespect. I know a little about University politics and I think it does matter the way we behave throughout our lives, particularly if their are clear patterns which do not seem to change. The pugilist, sexist, mysogynistic young man has little changed over the years. Also, the same pattern of failing to compromise and build alliances, plus his overwhelming negativity - wanting to destroy structures rather than following due process - is interesting. His vile activities against student unionism stand today as a dreadful indicator of the real Tony Abbott to me.
Margie, his daughters and sisters may all love him and think he's great, why wouldn't they?. But I'm not so sure. In the 30th June 2012 quote which starts the book, Tony Abbott invites us to look at "the record of a lifetime", to examine "the student president, trainee priest, Rhodes scholar..." etc, because in this record we are meant to see his "instinct to serve ingrained long before..." he "...became opposition leader". He asks us to judge him and our trust of him on this record. Well I've examined it and I urge every Australian eligible to vote to read this book because I think it shows us elements of Tony Abbott which should make us very wary to ever see him become PM of Australia.
As a woman, feminist and atheist I already admit to being convinced he puts his muscular, fundamentalist religious beliefs even before his political party - I'm sure he confers with Pell on a regular basis. I think it is likely he is a Catholic Warrior locked into Santamaria's views of the world. Abbott wants to control women's bodies, he's anti-women in powerful positions (despite his protestations)homophobic etc.
I am sure he cares about all kinds of people and may well be charitable, generous-hearted and even kind to the "poor and needy". I wish we had heard everything - even the bits Abbott did not want revealed - itmay have balanced the picture even more.
But overall I think he is a dangerous, aggressive, angry man who wants power for its own sake - possibly to finally prove his mother was right - either Pope or PM!
January 15, 2024
"Political Animal" by David Marr is a compelling exploration of the life and career of Australian politician and former Prime Minister, Tony Abbott. Marr's biography delves into Abbott's persona with meticulous research and critical analysis, creating a thorough portrait of a controversial political figure. However, the book falls short of reaching exceptional heights, presenting both strengths and weaknesses in its approach.
One of the notable strengths is Marr's thorough research and attention to detail. The author delves into Abbott's personal and political history, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the man behind the public figure. Marr's writing style is engaging, and the book successfully captures the complexities and contradictions within Abbott's character.
The critical analysis offered in "Political Animal" adds depth to the narrative, examining Abbott's policies, political maneuvers, and personal beliefs. Marr doesn't shy away from addressing controversies and contradictions, contributing to a more nuanced portrayal of the subject. The book serves as a valuable resource for readers interested in Australian politics, offering insights into the inner workings of the political landscape.
However, some readers may find Marr's analysis leaning towards a critical perspective, potentially leading to a less balanced portrayal of Abbott. While the book covers significant aspects of Abbott's career, there are moments where a more in-depth exploration of certain events could enhance the reader's understanding.
In conclusion, "Political Animal" stands as a commendable biography that delves into the complexities of Tony Abbott's political journey. Marr's thorough research and critical analysis make it a worthwhile read for those interested in Australian politics. However, the book's potential bias may affect its appeal to readers seeking a more neutral and comprehensive exploration of Abbott's life and legacy.
One of the notable strengths is Marr's thorough research and attention to detail. The author delves into Abbott's personal and political history, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the man behind the public figure. Marr's writing style is engaging, and the book successfully captures the complexities and contradictions within Abbott's character.
The critical analysis offered in "Political Animal" adds depth to the narrative, examining Abbott's policies, political maneuvers, and personal beliefs. Marr doesn't shy away from addressing controversies and contradictions, contributing to a more nuanced portrayal of the subject. The book serves as a valuable resource for readers interested in Australian politics, offering insights into the inner workings of the political landscape.
However, some readers may find Marr's analysis leaning towards a critical perspective, potentially leading to a less balanced portrayal of Abbott. While the book covers significant aspects of Abbott's career, there are moments where a more in-depth exploration of certain events could enhance the reader's understanding.
In conclusion, "Political Animal" stands as a commendable biography that delves into the complexities of Tony Abbott's political journey. Marr's thorough research and critical analysis make it a worthwhile read for those interested in Australian politics. However, the book's potential bias may affect its appeal to readers seeking a more neutral and comprehensive exploration of Abbott's life and legacy.
May 20, 2013
Perhaps I'm one of the few reviewers to read this book from a conservative viewpoint. I didn't really warm to David Marr's writing style to begin with but he definitely has an agenda here. It seems he's trying to say look at this... see... the man's a monster, but I actually only really came away with an understanding that David Marr has an axe to grind. I guess many of us thought the world was black and white when we were at university - and passions boiled? How things have changed since then! It's pretty easy to conform to your value system if you don't really have any values. David Marr has presented a flawed but principled man who above all things is a fighter and a leader, and he's stuck with his guns and won just about every personal and political battle that he's taken on. Overall this book has given me a better impression of Mr Abbott than when I started.
July 20, 2013
An interesting insight into the Australian leader of the opposition. I didn't really enjoy the construction of this essay. I would have enjoyed the read more if it had been set out in a more linear way, as events took place. At times I found it a little difficult to follow, but the overall insight into the man, Tony Abbott was enlightening and worrisome.
I must admit, I have never really been a fan of the guy, but was interested to read this account to learn more about him and his motivations as a politician. In reflection, I can see he is a very driven, focused man who truly lives by his own values, however hard right-winged and draconian they might be. The essay did cement my concerns that we will one day be lumbered with this joker as our Prime Minister, in our not too distant future - God forbid!
I must admit, I have never really been a fan of the guy, but was interested to read this account to learn more about him and his motivations as a politician. In reflection, I can see he is a very driven, focused man who truly lives by his own values, however hard right-winged and draconian they might be. The essay did cement my concerns that we will one day be lumbered with this joker as our Prime Minister, in our not too distant future - God forbid!
October 16, 2015
I think I hoped for a psychological explanation of Abbott's character. I guess I'm left with the impression that he was idolised within his own family - destined for Pope or Prime Minister according to his mother. Being ordinary was never an option. He was brutal and bigoted at university and his values went out the window if there was ever a clash between politics and values, particularly in his ministerial years. He seems to have taken on all the conservatism of Catholicism and left behind the compassionate teachings. He seemed to only ever admire other very conservative, older men. Maybe now it's all over and he's in mid life he'll do some reflection and become a more compassionate human being? Now that's an ending I'd like to read. Good job David Marr. I just feel a bit depressed.
December 15, 2013
Don't believe any of the tripe that has been printed about this essay. David Marr is fair and balanced in his background to Tony Abbott as you would expect of a journalist of his calibre. Abbott is neither the monster nor saint he is variously portrayed as.
I went into this book not being a fan of his (Abbott) and I came away liking him more than I did. But most importantly I felt I understood him more than I previously had.
Like it or otherwise he is now our PM, so it pays to understand the man, and this essay certainly goes a long way to helping you do that.
I went into this book not being a fan of his (Abbott) and I came away liking him more than I did. But most importantly I felt I understood him more than I previously had.
Like it or otherwise he is now our PM, so it pays to understand the man, and this essay certainly goes a long way to helping you do that.
October 19, 2012
Interesting account of the man who "would be" if he could be.
Beautifully written, illustrative of the path Tony Abbott took to the Opposition leader - how Santamaria and Howard indelibly shaped him, as well as the Church.
And how he has learned to be more subtle projecting his views and morals in among his policy or politics.
If this is to be the next PM of Australia, it behooves us to get to know him. It will be the Howard years part 2, that's for certain.
Beautifully written, illustrative of the path Tony Abbott took to the Opposition leader - how Santamaria and Howard indelibly shaped him, as well as the Church.
And how he has learned to be more subtle projecting his views and morals in among his policy or politics.
If this is to be the next PM of Australia, it behooves us to get to know him. It will be the Howard years part 2, that's for certain.
September 14, 2012
The most frustrating thing about Marr's essay is that he does not reveal the things Tony Abbott said to him since it was all 'off record'. Whilst this essay does add some limited new information to the public record, it doesn't fundamentally change the public understanding of Tony Abbott.
One wonders if Tony Abbott said anything of interest at all when interviewed.
Competently written.
One wonders if Tony Abbott said anything of interest at all when interviewed.
Competently written.
February 19, 2013
Dripping with eloquence and wit. Marr's brilliantly entertaining essay exposes how such an unpopular politician has managed to become the Leader of the Opposition via employing two ignoble strategies. Firstly, consistently employing bullying tactics and, secondly, concealing his true beliefs, so as not to alarm voters.
May 10, 2013
Remarkably, this concise overview of Tony Abbott's political career is quite fair. Whilst there is, in certain areas, a distinct leftist bias, "Political Animal" doesn't seek to condemn Abbott as an outdated relic (as does the vile "Tony Abbott: A Man's Man") but nor does it laud him as a statesman extraordinaire.
September 1, 2013
Makes for a revealing read on the verge of the Australian Election. Most likely the political fate of the nation rests in his hands.
Just what this will mean for Australia and Tony Abbott himself remains to be seen. In the result of unprecedented power and support of the people, Political Abbott vs Values Abbott remains an internal battle to unfold.
Just what this will mean for Australia and Tony Abbott himself remains to be seen. In the result of unprecedented power and support of the people, Political Abbott vs Values Abbott remains an internal battle to unfold.
September 1, 2016
Excellent analysis of Tony Abbott. I read this long after Tony Abbott won the Prime Ministership, and the words of David Marr almost read as a prophecy. Although this book was written prior to Tony Abbott becoming Australia's Prime Minister, I highly recommend this book and encourage all to read - especially those interested in the man behind the mask. I hope David Marr writes a follow-up book.
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