No, John Howard was not literally "Lazarus with a triple bypass"; it was a famous and vivid metaphor he used to describe the improbable nature of his return to political leadership in Australia.
The Genesis of a Memorable Quip
The phrase "Lazarus with a triple bypass" originated from John Howard himself following a period of political setback. After becoming the leader of the Liberal Party in 1985, he was subsequently replaced in 1989. During this time, he famously quipped that his return to leadership would be akin to "Lazarus with a triple bypass." This colorful metaphor perfectly conveyed the perceived unlikeliness of his political resurrection. The "Lazarus" part refers to the biblical figure miraculously raised from the dead, symbolizing an unexpected revival, while "triple bypass" adds a layer of extreme medical intervention, suggesting an almost impossible recovery from a critical state.
John Howard's Political Resurrection
Despite the highly improbable scenario suggested by his own words, John Howard did indeed achieve a remarkable political comeback. He returned to the leadership of the Liberal Party in 1995, proving his own metaphor to be prescient in its "Lazarus" aspect. His return culminated in leading the Coalition to a decisive victory in the 1996 federal election, subsequently becoming the Prime Minister of Australia. This sustained period of leadership cemented his place in Australian political history, making his earlier self-deprecating quip all the more iconic.
Key Milestones in Howard's Political Journey
The following table summarizes the pivotal moments related to John Howard's leadership, illustrating the context of his famous quote and subsequent political success:
| Event | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| First Party Leadership | 1985 | John Howard first became the leader of the Liberal Party. |
| Replaced as Leader | 1989 | He was replaced as party leader, a period during which he coined the "Lazarus with a triple bypass" phrase to describe the perceived impossibility of his return to leadership. |
| Return to Leadership | 1995 | Defying expectations, Howard regained the leadership of the Liberal Party, marking his political "resurrection." |
| Federal Election Victory | 1996 | He led the Coalition to a significant victory in the federal election, becoming the Prime Minister of Australia, a role he held for over a decade. |
For further details on John Howard's career, you can refer to information available from the Parliament of Australia.
