Newspoll

The Newspoll exclusively conducted for The Australian this weekend revealed support for Prime Minister Kevin Rudd sinking to its lowest level since his return as prime minister and as low as his percentage when he was ousted as prime minister three years ago.

Voters were now more dissatisfied at PM Rudd with its percentage at six points higher at 54 per cent while his satisfaction rating plummeted at four points to 35 per cent. Since his first week of reclaiming the seat from ex-PM Julia Gillard, Mr Rudd's satisfaction rating had fallen consistently by eight points and his dissatisfaction soared at 18 points. Compared to that of the month of July, Mr Rudd's net satisfaction rating was now dismal at -19 as compared to +7 in July.

The wheel had turned around for Liberal Party leader Tony Abbot as his support ratings was now at its best against Mr Rudd.

Satisfaction with Mr Abbott increased three points at 41 per cent, with seven points increased earned during the beginning of the campaign period. Dissatisfaction rating for Mr Abbott had decreased at 52 per cent, with five points decrease credited to his effort during the period of campaigns.

Interestingly, this is Mr Abbott's highest level of support in more than two years, The Australian reported. His net satisfaction rating dropped at -10.

As for the question of who would make the better prime minister, Mr Rudd's support dropped dramatically at 43 per cent from 46 per cent while Mr Abbott's increased by four points at 41 per cent.

However, Mr Rudd's high spirit remained undeterred as there is still a long way to go until the Sept 7 election. he said.

"There are many things worth fighting for. This is a fight worth having, If you look at my political past, it hasn't alway been easy and I've been written off many many times before." Mr Rudd said during an interview with Seven News.

PM Rudd's Hate Ad "If he wins, you lose."

Meanwhile, Mr Rudd's camp had launched a large-scale hate ad against Mr Abbot with its "If he wins, you lose" campaign ad. The ad had been airing from Sunday night. However, while the Australian Labor Party was enthusiastic about the new ad, voters, however, felt that they are being insulted and their logic being undermined by Mr Rudd.

The ad was presented with a close-up picture of the Opposition leader in his suit and infamous blue tie. It alleged that the Abbott government, if it happens, will cost Australia 12,000 jobs. The Abbott government will be about "cuts cuts cuts" said the campaign ad. Mr Rudd explained that the ad was aimed to reveal "accountability not negativity."

The Australian Labor Party was hoping that as the campaign ad aired longer, the voters will realise their message about voting against the Abbott government.

The campaign ad was circulated with a mass email from Labor Secretary George White, emphasising that Mr Abbott will "cut, cut, cut and cut to the bone."

"Tony Abbott wants to coast through this election without being subject to any scrutiny about his cuts to the bone," according to the mass email.

Rudd-Abbott Second Round of Debate

Mr Rudd and Mr Abbot had agreed to the schedule for their second debate. The debate will happen on Wednesday, Aug 21, 2013, in Brisbane in a town hall-style forum, The Courier Mail reported.

The Labor party admitted that Mr Abbott had out-campaigned Mr Rudd, but not for long.

A Labor insider said that they were already set to "get our range on Abbott".

"We are taking the gloves off. We are not going to allow Tony Abbott to get away with flying under the radar. We will be reminding the Australian public every day of the week right up to September 7 there is $70 billion in cuts coming your way - that means cut to health, education and jobs," the insider said.