Why It Makes Sense to Call Donald Trump a Demagogue

What is it about?

The paper takes up discussions of demagoguery, and suggests that the term might be better used in concert with an appreciation of the unequal distribution of power in American society, especially along axes of race and gender. Looking at the case study of Donald Trump's campaign rhetoric, the piece argues that what was central to his demagogic appeal was his capacity to make audiences feel aggrieved, even if they had little objective cause to feel oppressed.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

This essay helps to clarify what the term "demagogue" means and when its appropriate to use the word. It also helps to explain the behavior of voters who supported Donald Trump despite seeming being possessed of a conservative political ideology, which contrasted with Trump's policy programs. In fact, Trump's identity politics, based around an idea of being white, male, and wounded, resonated for these audiences.