With an election looming one thing we can be certain about: populism will be more popular with politicians than almost any other form of political activity except alliteration.

The BP Gulf of Mexico oil spill is not only creating a mess in Florida and nearby States – it’s also creating a massive mess with BP’s decades-long campaign to work with NGOs on environmental issues.

Already the spin is in – John Howard got knocked back for the ICC job because he opposed the Zimbabwean Government. Sadly, it is much more complicated than that.

In science, getting closer and closer can lead to revelations. In political science, it often makes things darker and harder to see.

People with influence and money have much better access to Canberra than ordinary Australians and interest groups.

In the space of a month we have had two major national campaigns launched. What is odd about them is that they are sending precisely opposite messages.