Its as irrational and moronic as voting for a bar bouncer over an economist or someone with a resume thinner than the steak in a Subway sandwich over someone with a resume of real and relevant accomplishments or someone who says shockingly dumb and uniformed things over someone who even out of power is in international demand as a strategic adviser and global affairs speaker. 

In other words, people can be fooled partly because they are entertained by a new kid on the block with a smooth delivery oozing phony empathy, partly because they can be suckers for irresponsible promises that cater to their fears (as in this case) or their aspirations or their greed, and partly because most voters do less due diligence when choosing a politician than they do when choosing a new laptop or suit.

The watchword should be "fool me once, shame on you ... fool me twice, shame on me".

Turkey has turned a dark and dangerous corner.  Islamism is incompatible with secularism and democracy.