The amazing thing is that they seem to be unable to do it even though it is the easiest thing in the world. Moderately charismatic figure, enough bread and circus, a little bit of competence.
Evil, racist, and corrupt but also just "nice" enough to 65% of the population.
Reasons in the UK and US differ a bit. Reasons why the leading conservatives aren't competent. Why they are unable to be "nice" to a decent majority of the population while shitting on the rest. But same general issue.