Maybe outright lies are more effective at getting followers than you suggest.
That being a distasteful reality doesn't make it incorrect.
The key is: will the bulk of the people, who are in the center, go for it?
And the answer is: if they perceive the idea as being cynical, or purposely deceptive, then no. Even if politicians temporarily get away with lies, every lie does long-term damage to a movement.
The truth will out.
> Have you ever rolled your eyes at someone going on and on about communists in the deep state?
Not really, I'm indifferent to those that I'm not interested in what they have to say.