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After his 2024 win, Trump has solidified his legendary status in political history. Even leftist comedian Bill Maher has been forced to acknowledge that Trump is "one of the most effective politicians." So how did Trump earn that praise?
Maher said recently on his podcast that Trump’s effectiveness stemmed directly from the fact that he’s such an authentic person—a sentiment echoed by GOP consultant Matt Mackowiak.
Mackowiak said of Trump, "He’s very different from what I think the caricature is of who he is. He is very authentic; he is very real. He says what he thinks; he’s naturally funny."
He went on to say that it’s that exact authenticity that’s allowed Trump to build up such strong support among blue-collar voters. He said, "That’s how he’s built the MAGA agenda; it’s been built over 30 or 40 years of listening, learning, watching, and seeking to understand how others live their lives."
Mackowiak pointed to Trump’s history as a New York City developer, working closely for years with blue-collar folks, as the source of Trump’s authentic personality. While Trump’s straightforward approach has made him no shortage of enemies, it’s also endeared him to his supporters, and it’s been seen as a breath of fresh air in the political world.
Mackowiak said, "A lot of people in politics are fake. They think they have to be fake; they think they have to try to be perfect. They think they need everyone to like them, and Trump doesn’t approach things that way. He actually, I think, doesn’t mind that some percentage of the country doesn’t like him."