It's a very Labor-friendly crowd. Every time Bennelong's results are updated (The Max Factor is taking J-Ho to the cleaners and leaving his tarnished legacy to foot the bill), there is a massive cheer and a round of applause. Kevin 07 tee-shirts speckle the public gallery like the sun spots on Laurie Oakes' head.

People are beginning to call the thing. Nick is beginning to call the thing. I am beginning to call the thing.

My mother – who has become re-engaged this election, and has thereby warmed the cockles of my otherwise cold and reptilian heart – just messaged me to say that the television stations are beginning to call the thing.

Janette is stealing the crockery and pocketing the silverware as we type.

The
atmosphere
down
here
is
electric.

As I post this, Bennelong is swinging back towards Howard.

Hold onto your hats, kids. It's going to be a stormy night.