Zelensky's candidacy came as quite a surprise, both to Ukrainians themselves and to political scientists and other experts around the world. At first, few took seriously the candidature of the man who until recently entertained people by performing in a cabaret.
Some even thought it was another joke by a famous comic. In response to the initial criticism, Zelenski said: "First people will throw mud at me, then they will respect me, and when my term is over they will weep with grief that I am leaving." At first, Zelenski polled at 5-10% support. Gradually that support grew.
