(I tried to write this within a strict time limit - so it's got a lot of problems. But I thought it'd be good to see what I stuff up when I don't have enough time)
The recent tragedy of the Queensland floods has demanded the need for a strong and encouraging leader. Anna Bligh’s excellent leadership over Julia Gillard’s effort has lead to much discussion within the media. In Susie O’Brien’s opinion piece, “Anna Bligh outperforms Julia Gillard in the greatest leadership test of all” in the Herald Sun, she argues that Bligh’s leadership during the Queensland floods has vastly exceeded the performance of that of the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard. O’Brien’s colloquial yet passionate manner seeks to speak to those people affected or concerned about the Queensland floods and the Governments response to the tragedy.
Susie O’Brien commences her opinion piece emphasizing the word “today”, bolded and in capitals. This word is highlighted to show how current the situation is and therefore seeks to increase the reader’s interest in this issue. The large image included with the article depicts Anna Bligh speaking to a crowd. Being in focus and in front of Julia Gillard, Bligh appears to have replaced Gillard, who is behind her and blurry. This image serves to demonstrate to the reader that Gillard is inadequate to lead Queensland through these tough circumstances. O’Brien goes on to describe the floods as “unimaginable” in an attempt to present to the reader and idea of how extreme the floods really are. This contrasts to the authors use of the words “calm, composure and compassion” to describe Bligh. The subliminal messaging employed here subtly presents to the reader that Bligh is the perfect antidote to the disaster that is the Queensland floods.
Furthermore, O’Brien argues that Gillard had no “direct knowledge”
on the issue to undermine Gillard’s credibility. This serves to spark a sense of uncertainty in the readers trust in Gillard. In contrast to this, O’Brien aims to demonstrate Bligh’s direct concern about the floods in her suggestion that “[Bligh’s] tears are real”. The reader is therefore positions to accept that Bligh is the superior leader, as she understands the situation more and so is more equipped to deal with the problem. O’Brien goes on to compare Bligh’s behaviour to that of Brumby’s during the Victoria fires. By suggesting Brumby’s effort was unsatisfactory, O’Brien further attempts to persuade the reader to view Bligh as a superior leader to even Victoria’s Premier. The authors consistent praise of Bligh’s leadership cast her in a positive light. O’Brien admits Bligh may have let her grip slip on her motions but continues to portray this as a positive as “her message was all the more powerful for us”. This serves to make O’Brien’s argument appear more logical as she is addressing and refuting the alternate opinion.
Nearing the conclusion of the article, the author makes further reference to other opinions so her contention seems more reasonable. She refers to the “old-school political commentators” – the implication being that these politicians are behind the times so their opinion is now irrelevant. In concluding her arguments, the author suggests that Queensland’s response to Bligh’s leadership is that “we believe her”. This inclusive language positions the reader to accept that Bligh’s excellent leadership ought to be followed.
Susie O’Brien’s emotive and casual fashion in presenting her opinion that Bligh’s leadership vastly outperformed that of Julia Gillard’s during the Queensland floods serves to position the reader to accept this contention, alongside her selected arguments and persuasive techniques.
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