Forget about rationality, reality and truth, for a moment. After all, we live in a post-truth world (sadly).

What is the message people WANT to hear?

Message "B" was "Covid is dangerous, you need to stay home, wear a mask, the economy will get worse, but in the long run it will get better and the short-term sacrifices will be worth it."

Message "T" was "Covid is not that bad, do as you please, wearing masks is a stupid socialist statement, the economy is growing again, let's just go back to work and normal life, the threat is over."

For simple minds, the choice was easy.

I'm actually (pleasantly) surprised that the majority of people voted the way they did.