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Yes, Khaki electioneering has been the go-to for every conservative federal leader struggling in the polls since Federation. Most recently the shock AUKUS announcement was an attempt at wedge politics by Scott Morrison on the back of poor polling but its political effect was negated by Albanese simply saying it had his full support.

But this time, for the first time in the lives of anyone under 90, the US can no longer be portrayed as Australia's great protector from the evil commie threat to our north.  The core principles that underpin our strategic military alliance with the US since WW2 are now under serious threat.

It leaves Dutton in a wedge of his own making.  Just a matter of weeks ago he was applauding Trump's election and mimicking Trump policies.  But now, as those policies undermine Australia's trade and strategic foundations, he is left resorting to personal attacks on Albanese for not being tough with Trump - calling him 'weak as water'. 

As for Albanese, he too is in a 'damned if he does/damned if he doesn't' bind when it comes to criticising Trump.  So he seemingly has chosen to just ignore it as an issue in his campaigning -despite it being the elephant in the room in terms of Australia's immediate economic and strategic future.  The three monkeys approach to the biggest international relations and defence existential crisis in Australia's recent history.