Gordon Grech

'You two have a lot in common. You both are moderate, wealthy, and not very popular in your own parties but very popular among people…Many Labor voters are very disillusioned with the influence of the factions and unions. Many Liberal voters are disappointed with the influence of big business and the far right wing. Why don't you two join and establish a new party that can open a new chapter in politics in Australia?'

Yes and Turnbull's most enlightening and defining answer was

'Kevin and I could never agree on leadership.'

Stuff the policy, stuff the truth, stuff the people it's all about me and the leadership!

The turnbull style would see stable govt; for some time. As opposed to the Abbott far right, would in no time have the populace against him.
From one extreme to the other , is not what is needed, we need middle ground to move forward. If we had another choice of prospective govt; to choose from, this would no doubt rub on the two major players.
We have a definite risk of having another hung parliament, as happens overseas. I believe AU is looking for middle ground, and Turnbull would deliver that.
Howard had the right ideas until he went off the rails with ill thought out work related rules, being subject to big business is always going to be a coalitions downfall.

It wasn't that long ago that Malcolm Turnbull was portrayed as a mega rich, out of touch and wealthy elitist. Funny how things change.

Rudd and Turnbull combined could make a completely unelectable Party. Both are obsessed with their own popularity, neither is a team player and both have the unenviable ability to back losing ideas at critical times.

Mr Abbott may be a good bloke, a good father,
but once he enters the political arena his
ambition over-rides his ability to serve.
Not a good look for a politician.
Abbott can't help himself. As he told (or rather
begged - Tony Windsor) - he would do anything
to be PM short of sell his a*se. And his tactics
of bare knuckles and barred teeth don't impress
many voters.

Mr Turnbull keeps his ambition gloved, he's stuck
by his values, and spoken intelligently since
he lost the Liberal leadership by one vote. He
has genuine economic credentials and is respected
by the business community. He is not an embarrassment
or scary and is statesman-like enough to represent
us on a global scene. Still there's always
the swinging voters - our hope lies with them. Afterall
Mr Abbott is the least popular Opposition leader in the
history of this country and if the polls continue to
slide for him - perhaps a nervous party just may replace
him. Time will tell.

The ABC and latte sippers in their Howardphobia backed Latham, Rudd and Gillard. Now the same want to back Turnbull simply due to abbottphobio. Quite pathetic!