“Populism may not place a high premium on honesty, but it is all about authenticity. Virtually every Trump voter I know loves that he speaks his mind and says what other people are thinking but are too afraid to say. Lots of people have lived rather messy lives, and they can see themselves in the politician who doesn’t hide his warts — and sometimes even in the politician who revels in his transgressions.
They’re seen as real, while even the most honest politician can seem fake for coming across as too polished.
(I remember once being in a room with Mitt Romney during his second run for president, in 2012, and listening to a number of activists and consultants urging him to “show America the real you.” Exasperated, Romney responded, “This is the real me!” He was authentically polished and polite.)