In "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," Michael Wolff explores the surprising evolution of Donald Trump from an unserious candidate to one recognized as a serious contender in politics. Despite his history as a businessman filled with bankruptcies and controversial ventures, Trump’s straightforward persona and prior lack of seriousness seemingly shielded him from thorough scrutiny by the media and political insiders.

This unexpected rise indicates a shift in how political candidates are evaluated, where traditional vetting processes may fail against a candidate as unconventional as Trump. His unique approach and visibility helped him navigate the political landscape without facing the rigorous examinations typically expected of serious contenders for high office.