Populism, in the American context, was a proto-leftist movement with a “fuck the bankers” vibe. I believe it had the most traction during the depression with dust bowl era farmers, but someone can correct me if I’m wrong on that. Regardless, it was a popular bottom up political movement, which is why it’s been vilifed by the ruling class and media ever since.
Yes, I know there are people who label themselves as right wing reactionary populists, but letting them freely co-opt that political movement is akin to letting the National Socialists co-opt a socialist movement.
One of those things is not like the others.
Populism, in the American context, was a proto-leftist movement with a “fuck the bankers” vibe. I believe it had the most traction during the depression with dust bowl era farmers, but someone can correct me if I’m wrong on that. Regardless, it was a popular bottom up political movement, which is why it’s been vilifed by the ruling class and media ever since.
Yes, I know there are people who label themselves as right wing reactionary populists, but letting them freely co-opt that political movement is akin to letting the National Socialists co-opt a socialist movement.