this is why “popularism” was so misguided. you can do “popular things” but that doesn’t mean voters will be moved by them.

Right. To use a wildly exaggerated example, allowing free tours of the White House is probably popular, but I doubt it would move a single vote either way.

Perfect example is biden and afghanistan. Everyone wanted it for so long. All he got out of it was permanent political damage. It's not good when good things don't get the credit they deserve and even worse when they actually end up hurting you.

lots of stuff is popular but low salience. giving everybody a coupon to go bowling once a year would be popular but meaningless