No, Tony, I did not write the Misogyny Speech! — Speechwriter Michael Cooney on working for Prime Minister Julia Gillard, 2010-13

Between 2010 and 2013, Michael Cooney was speechwriter for Australia's 27th Prime Minister, Julia Gillard who was also its first female Prime Minister. Michael has written an excellent book about this experience, called 'The Gillard Project: My Thousand Days of Despair and Hope'. In this episode he talks about what a Prime Ministerial speech writer does, and shares interesting and funny yarns from the coalface of political power, including his trip to Washington for the Prime Minister's meeting with President Obama.  Episode contains clips from Prime Minister Gillard's address to Congress, her speech at the Gallipoli Dawn Service 2011, The Misogyny Speech, and her remarks on losing the leadership ballot to Kevin Rudd in 2013.  Michael now works at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers as the General Manager of Public Affairs.  Join Speakola newsletter here.  It's just $5 a month to be a paid subscriber.  Thanks also to those who are donors or Patreons.  This episode is sponsored by DocPlay. Sign up here for 45 days free on the world's best documentary streaming site, then if you choose to continue, $7.99/m.  Tony's personal writing blog is Good one, Wilson!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.