Abbott more popular, Labor slides Labor need to snap out of its denialism and accept its fatal flaw was not merely disunity but its policy and performance. And who cares if the Leftist media continues its hysterical attacks on Tony Abbott as a rort-riddled, fire-starting climate change denier? Let it have it's hissy fits. They make no difference - other than to delegitimise the Left and provide material for this blog. Now that Abbott is Prime Minister, his performance can more easily trump the media's perception. Because observe: In the first Newspoll since the September 7 election, the Prime Minister has recorded his best net satisfaction rating since he took over as Liberal leader in December 2009. Mr Abbott has also opened a commanding 47 per cent to 28 per cent lead over new Opposition Leader Bill Shorten on the question of who would make the better prime minister... The Newspoll survey ... reveals Labor's primary vote has slipped to 31 per cent compared with its September 7 election day result of 33.3 per cent... Based on preference flows at the August 2010 election, the Coalition has opened up a 56 per cent to 44 per cent lead over Labor after preferences. Labor is in far more trouble than it convinced itself. Here's a handy checklist. Real issues: Debt and spending: surviving the next world recession Welfarism Restoring community: tackling tribalism and connecting the disconnected - poor, immigrant, welfare and under-parented families. Cutting immigration to more sustainable levels Jobs and managing a likely decline in China's growth Aboriginal poverty Freedom - restoring free speech and cutting the reach of big government and state media/ Putting people first: restoring the rule of reason, and rolling back the global warming hysteria and green religion. Excellence in education Restoring honor and trust Public incivility - reversing the rise Unreal issues Global warming More handouts Being too tough on "asylum seekers" by not letting in more Gender or identity politics of any kind Constitutional recognition of indigenous Australians