Tim, you have hit the bullseye dead center (so to speak ;-). I admit I was surprised (and shocked) by how many fell for his obvious con (I think he was too). Had they not heard of his "university", "airline", "steaks", "wine", and other numerous scams? I assumed they would recognize a New York Con Man when they saw one, and would resent being viewed as so gullible.
When they let him get away with saying what he did about an American hero in my eyes---John McCain, I gave up all hope of them ever seeing the light.