Is being an 'honest liar' a big thing in politics.

Opponents of Boris Johnson and Donald Trump seem confused as to why people support politicians who seem like such blatant charlatans.

Perhaps though, this is the wrong way of thinking about it. When trust for politicians is low and people acceot that politics is a cynical game, maybe its an advantage to be seen as more obviously cynical.

Labour's leader Keir Starmer is now tanking in the polls in spite of making 'integrity' a big part of his pitch and people wonder way this isnt working but I think part of the answer lies in thw question. People know they are being sold a brand and find it patronising whereas Johnson is an entertaining blag artist.

People have a strange admiration for people who blag things and get away with it. If all politicians are liars, why not go with the one who tells the best lies? Do you want your bullshit bland and technocratic and sold to you via focus group or do you prefer your bullshit to have a human face?

I am not saying any of this is good but I think the centre left really suffers through following the polls and its focus group orientated politics.