The media, particular Network 7, is getting a whole lot of its own "shit" thrown for its airing of Tony Abbott's "shit happens" comment.

We all know the heights and depths that the media is capable of, so there should be no surprise that Network 7 aired the comment.

The issue is not the comment, per se, but that Abbott clearly froze when asked a legitimate question requesting clarity regarding the context of his statement. The question now being raised is whether Abbott has got what it takes under pressure. Apparently "his people" were pre-warned of the question so surprise is not an excuse.

The incident reminds me of George W Bush being told of the 9/11 incident. He sat there staring at a kid's book which was upside down - stunned, alone and vulnerable and not knowing what to do or what to say. Certainly this can happen to anyone, but you expect your leaders, or potential leaders, to be a bit more robust and resilient to such situations.