Had dodgy dave any inkling that the peasants would revolt, I have no doubt the referendum would have been kicked into very long grass.
As had been said by many the referendum was very poorly explained.
Not only was it's true status glossed over(advisory) but also the implications of a leave vote were not even up for discussion. The media merely regurgitated a bunch of fairy tales/horror stories put out by the Powers that Be. No analysis just bullsh**t.
Just like the pre election coverage in the States constantly demonising Trump and putting angel wings on Clinton.