Gillard confirmed her lobes were unchanged. ''I have always thought that I had pretty big ears,'' she said. Nitpicking over her appearance left her untroubled. ''Obviously, what matters to me are the policies and plans and making a difference for the future of the country. I do accept it's inevitable that you're going to get a bit of commentary on your hair, your shoes and, apparently, your ear lobes.''

The host pointed out her opponent was even more well-endowed in the ear department anyway. Gillard agreed. ''If you're looking for a prime minister with small ears, this is not your election.''

For more of the Today column, see the print edition of the Canberra Times.