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Australians are a naturally conservative lot. They have thrown governments out at the federal level only four times since 1949. Four times in 55 years. [In 1972, 1975, 1983 and 1996]
And the bookmakers clearly agree, allowing Labor's odds to drift out to $4.50 during the week. Ominously for Labor, the same bookmakers are offering attractive odds about Labor candidates in some of the key seats, like Parramatta and Eden Monaro in NSW. Mark Latham and Labor will have to defy history - and the bookmakers - to win Saturday's federal election

Eye on Election Illustration of John Shakespeare of SMH Fame : The Russian Doll: Almost impossible for ALP to win: Ray
It was almost impossible for Labor to win the election and unseat the Howard government, Labor powerbroker Senator Robert Ray said on Saturday night.
I think at this stage of the evening it's going to be almost impossible for Labor to win this election.
We are too far behind in too many seats at this stage for victory.
Senator Ray said Labor would probably come out of the election with fewer seats in the House of Representatives.
But even if Labor lost seats, he believed Opposition Leader Mark Latham would hold on to his position.
• Let the Real Specter of the Russian Roulette Reign
• Update: ABC, the Australian National Broadcaster - at 9:31 PM on Saturday night - has headlines along the lines that Mr Howard has won a Historic Fourth Term
PS: John Howard, just like the Russian man of steel, John Stalin, knew that self-interest would prevail. Both campaigners chose their strategies well, but fear tactics on the economy won. No man or woman would give a damn about a child in little country far away such as Iraq or a strange child trying to reach the fatal shores of Australia. Mortgage is more important than truth or a touch of humanity. It is for this reason that I assumed that the Liberals would end up with at least 75 seats while Labour might end of with 70. Giving the Greens and Independents the remaining 5 seats. My webdiary entry speculated this outcome back in September 2004. It looks like I was partially right for the first time in my life on any major political issues as for example I never thought or dared to even dream that the Iron Curtain would come down in my lifetime. John Howard pleaded on Friday for mortgage belts not to kick him out ...
Electors who have experienced delays in hospitals and on railway stations voted with their feet. In my humble opinion, the Federal Liberal Party should be grateful to one and all labour state governments for the historic landslide.