Federal election - Why K Rudd has lost round one ...

John Howard, the wily old fox is back.

With one deft move, he has Krudd on the defensive.

Howard has decided one debate is sufficient and it will be on Sunday night.

Excerpt from the Sydney Morning Herald:

16 October 2007

"I will be at the Great Hall of Parliament House at 7.30 on Sunday night," Mr Howard said today while visiting a joinery factory in the marginal seat of Eden-Monaro.

"That's our offer, I'll be there and I'll be ready to debate," Mr Howard said.

"I'm sure there will be at least 200 strong supporters of the Coalition there to comprise our half.

"If he doesn't turn up, I'll still talk for an hour and a half."

See - Howard takes control.

Rudd is in a corner.

Go to the debate and he accepts that there will only be one debate and Howard's debate rules.

(KRudd has a fascination with the worm - "And why punish the worm?" Mr Rudd said. "Everyone in Australia likes the worm. Let's be friends of the worm.")

Boycott the debate and he'll spend Sunday night watching Howard get a free 90 minute commercial on TV.

Can't really win either way.

Howard's plan could backfire if he looks too arrogant in only permitting one debate.

But that's a risk he's probably prepared to take in taking control of the election campaign.

If you were KRudd, what would you do ...