Donald Trump is unlike anything we've seen in U.S. politics before. He's president-elect — but for some observers, other professions pop into mind when they think of him. Here are the three that we think come closest:

1. A stand-up comedian: Trump isn't necessarily known for being funny. But Politico's Glenn Thrush studied Trump's campaign and decided on this metaphor because he noticed Trump “picked up insights and policies like a stand-up comedian collecting material for a show.”

Fix Boss Chris Cillizza thinks that's right on the money. Trump's popularity skyrocketed in conservative circles because of his penchant for saying stuff that was popular in those circles. And once he realized something was popular (a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, calling Hillary Clinton “Crooked Hillary"), he never let it go.

All politicians (and comedians) have their go-to lines, but Trump's overarching goal appeared to be to say stuff that got applause, not that was actionable and governable.

Trump in Wisconsin in April. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

2. A reality TV show host: Lights. Camera. Mitt Romney.

Awkwardness. (Andrew Angerer/Getty Images)

There were indeed lots of cameras around in November as Trump dined with his former political enemy, under consideration for the secretary of state job. A team of Post reporters revealed Wednesday that was probably by design via the former reality TV star (and soon-to-be president/reality TV executive producer):

“A Trump friend said the president-elect, who did not join Romney in talking to reporters afterward, enjoyed watching his dinner partner appear to grovel for the post.”

Trump himself appeared to encourage the idea that his Cabinet selection process resembled a sort of high-stakes rose ceremony.

3. An improv actor: This is perhaps the most important comparison to understanding Trump's presidency: He is not an ideologue. He has no grand plan to govern. He's just wingin' it.

This manifested itself on “Saturday Night Live,” the ultimate show for improv and comedy, but not in the way you'd think.

When Trump hosted last year (exactly a year and a day before he'd win election), all of his lines fell flat. The rehearsed performance was a drastic difference from his vivacious, colorful teleprompter-free rallies, The Post's lead Trump reporter, Jenna Johnson, noted at the time: “Trump lacked the charm, humor, edge and unpredictability that he usually oozes during political rallies, speeches and debates.” The performance — and the marked contrast between Teleprompter Trump and Trump Unchained — suggested he's much more comfortable winging it than he is with a plan.

The takeaway of all this: When Trump says he wants to do something — like build a wall on the border — it's safe to assume it's not because he believes a wall is the best thing for immigration policy, writes Cillizza. It's because talking about a wall gets the most applause. And that's good enough for Trump, the performer-in-chief, to make it policy.