In a discussion about Grover Cleveland and Donald Trump, Russell Berman highlights how both former presidents used their electoral losses as opportunities to position themselves as political outsiders. Trump capitalized on his absence from office by critiquing Biden's policies and promoting a rosier view of his first term. Similarly, Cleveland's four-year gap allowed him to reclaim an outsider identity in his subsequent campaigns, despite his established political career. This narrative resonates with working-class voters and illustrates how losing can paradoxically enhance political appeal.
Trump was able to stand on the sidelines for four years and criticize former President Biden... He positioned himself as an outsider.
Cleveland, by not being in office for four years, was able to run as an outsider... he had done earlier in his political career.
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