In the early stages of Donald Trump's campaign, a well-known political strategist and former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, made a statement that struck a chord with many onlookers. Manafort was well-known for his ardent support of Trump throughout the campaign, but he later voiced doubts about anti-Trump sentiment in some Republican circles.

Manafort's remark implies that attempts to oppose or distance oneself from Trump were probably pointless and unsuccessful. This statement reflects the opinion of some insiders who thought that criticizing or separating from Trump would not significantly change the political climate at the time. It's similar to trying to swim against a strong river current: although it's possible, it's usually an uphill battle with little progress.

Manafort's relationship with Trump and his campaign has been complicated. Once considered a pivotal figure and strategist for Trump, Manafort's legal issues caused him to leave the campaign. In addition to expressing his viewpoint on political scheming, his statement emphasizes the difficulties of opposing a growing wave of support for someone like Trump.

This quotation demonstrates how firmly established some political figures can become, making it challenging for others to disagree with them without suffering serious repercussions. It serves as a reminder that political tactics aimed at separating oneself from a powerful person may not always work as planned.