Syag can I try?
1) it is
2) 2part answer
2a) they don’t really believe the first half, they are afraid of the second half, and they need to say something.
2b) they honestly believe the average American is as dumb clueless and naive as can be. So they DO believe what they are saying.
I know 2a and 2b are at odds with each other. It’s a choice.