Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán once again won favor in the United States. His half-hour speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Dallas, Texas, was cheered with standing ovations among Americans.

Good communication techniques and approaches can explain his success. Equally important, however, is that populism and threats to democracy from politicians fascinate voters on both sides of the Atlantic.

Orbán addressed American conservatives at the Dallas conference, which is 36% of the US population - a significant part of society and a large electorate.

Conservatives tend to be primarily Republicans. In particular, three-quarters of Republicans call themselves conservatives (only 12% democrats). And not least important, Donald Trump represents the Republican Party.

American conservatives are mostly older, less educated, and more susceptible to populism and propaganda. A recent study found that American conservatives are worse than liberals at distinguishing truth from fake news.

Mainly conservatives perceive the world in the "friend or foe" system.

Viktor Orbán aimed at the very heart of conservatives from the very beginning of his speech, clearly outlining where he belongs: "I am an old-fashioned freedom fighter. I am also the longest serving Prime Minister in Europe, the only anti-migration political leader on our continent, a father of five, and grandfather to five grandchildren."

Donald Trump headlined the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) and spoke for nearly two hours. He won a comfortable majority of the vote in the straw poll, maintaining his position as the favorite for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. He received 69% of the votes at the convention, with a 10% lead from the last CPAC straw poll in February.

Donald Trump is getting ready for the 2024 election and is building support. Orbán, imitating his behavior, was able to become a "friend" to Trump's voters.

At the conference, Orbán repeated Trump's rhetoric, identifying the liberal media as the main enemies (for both him and American conservatives).

Viktor Orbán also mentioned the war in Ukraine, dedicating a separate block to it in the final part of his speech. The Hungarian Prime Minister seriously blames the West for the long war and the death of Ukrainians. He sees the only way to end the war - an agreement between the leaders of the USA and Russia.

Actually, Orbán joined the 2024 US election campaign alongside his idol Donald Trump, who is seeking the presidency again.

Orbán's speech at the Dallas conference was also soaked with the pro-Kremlin narratives. It undermines trust in Western values ​​and democracy and offers a world order in which great powers can decide the fate of others. He feeds people's intolerance and directs it against his enemies.

But most importantly, he is counting on Donald Trump's win in the 2024 presidential elections.

In this case, Viktor Orbán will automatically become his main, proven, tested ally in Europe. And the White House will get a "partner" whose ideas are sometimes openly directed against Ukraine.