We all know the drill.
The politician steps up to the press conference microphone delivering the policy announcement or the party line.
We see them daily – more in some cases when they blitz the breakfast, lunchtime, and evening news.
They beam into our living rooms or onto our devices. We hear them on our radio from morning until night. And as the election edges closer, the announcements and photo opportunities come thick and fast.
READ MORE: Biden says Putin 'cannot remain in power'
Politicians become familiar faces. We see them so often we feel like we know them.
But how much do we really know?
What drives them? How did they get into politics? What are their interests – sport, cooking, rock and roll?
That's what I'll be delving into as part of a new podcast series launching this week in the lead up to the Federal Election, called Pollie Waffle.
READ MORE: Storms, floods forecast for Queensland's south-east
I've done my fair share of serious political interview over the years, and I'll keep grilling pollies of all stripes on the major issues that require answers.
But in the Pollie Waffle podcast I'll find out about the people behind the political spin, and I'll be ramping up the degree of difficulty.
I don't want to hear the waffle they always trot out. I'll force them to be honest and upfront – over a plate of waffles, which they won't be allowed to tuck into until they've opened up.
Each of the politicians let me know their favourite waffle which is plated up as they sit down in front of the microphone. Some try to be healthy with berries or fruit. Others embrace a more decadent option like salted caramel and lashings of ice cream.
The temptation of a warm, delicious waffle can wear down even the most seasoned politician.
And they do reveal more than even they expect. Their biggest regrets. How failure is a major driver. Why they're a disappointment to their families. And the funny stories, like the pollie who popped like a champagne cork from a children's water slide. Perhaps he should lay off the waffles.
This Federal Election will be close, and there'll be plenty of opportunities to hear the policy announcements to inform a decision on which way you want to vote.
The Pollie Waffle podcast will give you a taste of the people behind the spin, with a tasty waffle inspiration on the side. Enjoy!
The Pollie Waffle podcast can be found online here.
