No wonder the campaign is lagging in the outlying states. But a fair number of us recognize Malcolm Turnbull. It also potentially alienates some non-Labor voters. True, Howard's tactical abandonment of the field to his lieutenants is a political gambit as well, but will not be read as such. There is also the question of campaign discipline.
Political campaigns are generally a conversation between two large opponents.
Supporters stand on the sideline and barrack, but they don't tend to get involved. In this campaign, the two teams are fragmented to start with, and there are all sorts of well-wishers on both sides who want to run on to the field and see their names in the headlines. While it initially looked like being more fragmented the Monarchists and Direct Election Republicans have settled down well together. Their slogan is flexible enough to accommodate both of them. The 'No' case has also been more successful in finding common ground between its various factions.