I agree with the general sentiment of it being closer than expected. People don't mind Turnbull, but there aren't just question marks about most of his team - there is damning evidence of their incompetence.
If Malcolm responds to that and moves all the Abbott nuts out he will both have an inexperienced team and a bunch of angry Abbott ants undermining him. I suspect that's why he's gone so quiet. It'll be a budget followed by an election and he needs to shut up now so people aren't sick of his waffle in 6mths time.
It won't be hard for Labor to point out their fierce critics are the same people who backed Abbott - i.e. They were people who didn't know what they were talking about. On the angry internet you'll find people hating on Plibersek, Wong, etc. but in hindsight they can very easily look measured and experienced relative to a much-changed LNP. I see it being all about Shorten and how he presents himself, but I'm (eternally) hopeful that it will be about policy and both sides appear to be lining up to offer a proper policy portfolio for the election. In theory, that means Australia should win.
The days of elections being fought over policy are long gone.
The mass media arent interested in policy, neither are many of the punters, who'd rather watch the footy or days of our lives on TV.
Its all presidential & negativity now days.
The idea is to look good, smile, ignore the facts, except the ones you make up yourself. Deny or ignore everything else. Its all about attacking the opposition. Make things up, lie, tell the public the other side will eat babies & will rape your sister if you vote for them The 'other mob.' will destroy life & the country as we know it.
This is actually the fact for both sides. The will eat babies & rape your sister!