One of the earliest lessons I learnt in polling public opinion was that the public wanted politicians to be honest, but didn't expect them to be, and that describing a politician as honest was a contradiction in terms. Against this is the strange case of  Tony Abbott where "honesty" is a core characteristic that is one of the two that define him - fitness being the other.

The Leximancer map shows "honesty" as a theme which overlaps with "seems" which is the largest theme. "Seems" indicates some level of doubt, but is linked with phrases like "seems to have some standards", "seems like an ordinary guy", or "seems more authentic than many politicians".

Unlike Gillard there are a number of terms which indicate emotional warmth. Abbott's occasional verbal stumblings are also mentioned approvingly. At the same time he also invokes great hatred in some respondents, so even while they were asked to nominate what they liked about him, many said there was nothing to like. Most of those are collected under the theme "Abbott". The Liberal Party name also cuts both ways. Some are approving, perhaps reflecting a weakness in the ALP brand. And others can't stand the Liberal Party.

The hate factor comes into stronger play when we ask respondents what makes them hesitate in thinking of voting for Abbott.

Interestingly the theme which is most closely associated with Liberal voters is "Needs". This is a general sense that Abbott needs to improve in a number of respects, often to do with "thinking before he speaks" or a variation on that. Many respondents don't like him because he is right wing ("Wing"), or "Conservative". Trust is also an issue for Labor voters. So, while his positive characteristics include honesty, his detractors accuse him of a lack of honesty.

Verbatims

"I think he says what he thinks without fear or favour."

"His honesty, straight forwardedness and I think humanity and a sense of some benign ability, that is not pushed to the forefront."

"He has strong core beliefs and you know what sort of policy and direction he will take."

"He is fit and young."

"Abbott is a far-right nutcase. I will emigrate if he becomes PM."

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