It's impossible for Little to present Key as arrogant and incompetent when Clark calls on his help and he agrees. It looks good for Key. In 2008 voters were forced to choose between the two but now they are a team. It makes Key middle-of-the-road and attractive to the former Labour voters he won in 2008.
And while Key is helping Clark scale the Mt Everest of politics, Little is left aimlessly throwing rocks. It's not a good look, not when Key and Clark are arm-in-arm winning the vote of the world.
But what can Little do? He can promise better and he can throw rocks. There's not much else for the Leader of the Opposition.
Clark's current profile also reminds us of what she achieved and the comparison is not flattering.
Labour under Clark was disciplined, cohesive and competent. Labour under Clark won three elections and the trust of middle voters. Little is the fourth Labour leader since her departure and the party still lacks the drive and traction she provided. Labour appears unfit for Opposition, let alone Government.
Clark had New Zealand's top job, has gone even higher on the world stage and is now after the UN's top job. Her political fortunes have risen higher and higher since she departed Parliament; those of her party have sunk lower and lower.
Key has already spoken to his mates Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron. We are reminded he has built personal relationships with world leaders that no other New Zealand Prime Minister has enjoyed.
He and his family had a weekend at Balmoral Castle. He plays golf with the President of the United States. He chats to the British Prime Minister.
Little has no power and little influence. Sadly for him the polls have him and his party stuck resolutely in Opposition.
Clark didn't ask Little for help. He can't provide her with any. Or if she did, no one noticed. In politics you must not only be good, you must also be lucky. Key has proved he's lucky. Little has yet to do so.
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