Not so sure - what are his successes? Another interpretation is that he panders to his own base by talking tough in public, but then pleads in private with his

Not so sure - what are his successes? Another interpretation is that he panders to his own base by talking tough in public, but then pleads in private with his supposed opponents. For example, his tough talks on refugees contrasted with his private begging to Malcolm Turnbull after he was elected.