You'd think the membership of Labor would have learned after Mitzna. So how can they be surprised that Peretz isn't received any better?

A large part of Labor's voters have gone over to Kadima so by stressing their intention to be a junior partner in a Kadima led government they present the best argument possible to bringing it's voters back home. BTW, this is also good for the Likud since it will reemphasize that Kadima is the head of a left wing block.

was tried unsuccessfully for over seventy years. Go home Sheli and Amir, and Ami, your place is in goverment with your friends in Kadima, move camp now and admit you made a mistake, people will respect you for it, the public will gain.

Could it happen in reverse?

No party runs for 2nd place or a 'junior position' to a competitor, that's defaitist. Amir Peretz has an image problem so much is clear. His policies at the Histadrut weren't always in sinc with the electorate. As mayor of Sderot he has gained respect. His social policies are necessary(1 in 4 children grows up in poverty, 12 % unemployment, 1,5 million below the poverty line etc.) but in Israel "it's not the economy, stupid".

Destroyed the economy with his strikes, we don't want him to destroy the country as well!

Peretz used to shout twice a week as Gen. Sec. Labor Unions. Do not forget this when coming to the polling both. He is a commie and will set the country back fifty years. He did in fact shut the country down a few times causing millions of dollars in damage and countless millions in reputation.

They are the only ones with any grasp on reality lately.