The 2007 general election wasn't just critical for the politicians. It has irrevocably placed Australia on a path for the future. The critical decisions that shaped the contest were taken in the lead-up to the poll - first by the Liberals, when the party choose to stick with John Howard; then by Labor, when its members decided to unite behind Kevin Rudd. Now Rudd's biographer, Nicholas Stuart, takes us behind the scenes and into the back rooms where the plotting and planning took place. This book dissects the electoral contest, examining the vital moves taken by both sides as they jostled for control of the country. Crisp portraits of key electorates show the vital issues that finally swung the result. Finally, a vision of what the result means for the future of Australia is clearly outlined. If you want to understand where Australia is going, you need to read this book.