Introduction
The word populism has taken center stage in modern political debates, prompting an increasing number of scholars to delve deeply into its meaning. Although there is no universal agreement on populism, many analysts see it as a “political style” used by politicians seeking to connect with various socioeconomic subgroups. Based on their various tactics throughout the 2024 presidential race, this article examines whether Joe Biden and Donald Trump could be labeled populists. To do so, we explore Moffitt’s basic features of populist politics and determine their three primary components. Following that, we will look at how these factors influenced Biden and Trump’s political approaches and actions during the campaign. We want to know whether Biden and Trump have populist attributes based on their actions and commitment to a “populist political style.” We shall investigate what characterizes populism in America’s unique political system; this article intends to add to the continuing debate over populism and its role in modern politics.
Populist political style
Populist politics include actions and communication tactics that appeal to ordinary folks while challenging those in authority. Populism is a “thin ideology,” according to Cas Mudde and Cristobal Rovira Kaltwasser. It does not propose an all-encompassing viewpoint, but rather an approach that people from varied ideological backgrounds might use. Moffitt also identified three elements of populism: anti-establishment rhetoric, charismatic leadership abilities, and contrasting people vs elite stories. AntiestablishmentThis specific political tactic is based on anti-establishment rhetoric. It entails criticizing both parties in authority, media representatives, and other organizations for their inattention to commoners’ problems. Politicians that support this style of politics frequently portray themselves as outsiders seeking to improve the present system while defending the interests of people.
Charismatic leadership is an important component of populist politics that should not be overlooked. Populist leaders usually have enticing traits that allow them to build deep emotional connections with their audience via emotive tales told in plain language. They value communication that is simple and connects with voters’ values and ideals (Kriesi & Pappas, n.d.). Furthermore, populists must analyze how they construct narratives based on “the people versus the elites.” These tales depict politicians who fight for common people against establishment corruption, serving as protectors rather than representing elites who benefit unfairly from ordinary people’s misfortune.
In summary, populism has distinct qualities that emphasize topics that are most important to individuals on a daily basis, as shown by charismatic leaders that utilize approachable language loaded with passion. The people vs elite narrative is an important feature of this political approach because it unites supporters behind a common aim of change toward a better society that benefits the average person. As a result, understanding these components is critical for determining if politicians are engaging in populism or addressing voters’ daily concerns.
Each component’s related behaviors
“Populism & Mobilization,” an essay by Cas Mudde and Cristóbal Rovira Kaltwasser, provides insights on the nature of populism and its link with mobilization. Populism has been a hot issue in political science study in recent decades. Populism, according to the writers, is an ideology and a systematic method that tries to mobilize “the people” against an elite establishment. This movement arose from popular grievances and a desire for more significant political representation/participation while rejecting traditional institutions or elites’ influence on decision-making processes through the use of highly charged emotional language as well as appeals based on popular sentiments and values – all while being led by charismatic figures who claim to represent people’s interests. This essay gives useful insights into the workings of populist movements and their influence on current politics in general.
To further understand the populist political style, it is necessary to deconstruct its three major components: charismatic leadership, anti-establishment rhetoric, and a narrative that pits commoners against elites. The fundamental characteristics of anti-establishment discourse often entail calling into question current political structures while advocating significant changes to fix them.
Populist leaders, according to Mudde (2022), generally accuse power institutions as being false, unsympathetic to people’s concerns, and subservient to certain interests. They may also advocate for an altogether new method to correctly and authentically meeting the demands of ordinary individuals. For example, Donald Trump’s repeated denunciation of the “Washington swamp” and his rallying cry “drain the swamp campaign,” or Bernie Sanders’ attack of the “billionaire class,” both resemble antiestablishment rhetoric.
Establishing a strong personal connection with individuals who support you while seeming trustworthy and accessible is required for effective charismatic leadership. Populist leaders often use personal tales to exhibit empathy for common people’s hardships while portraying themselves as outside personalities free of extreme interest influence inside political institutions. During vital occasions in speeches or rallies, these same persons use simple language that simplifies essential themes aimed at emotional appeal mechanisms for audiences supporting for them.
Examples of such leadership styles can be found in various political landscapes around the world; Barack Obama’s speeches used uplifting aspirational goals fused with personal accounts that connected him even more with his audience, while Donald Trump’s direct communication style laced with constant opponent attacks was visible at his rallies.
Populist politics is based on forming collective identities among followers via compelling narratives like “The People Versus Elite.” This frame depicts politics as a never-ending battle between ordinary folks and affluent corrupt elites who cling to power while dismissing dissident voices from below. Populists often consider themselves as people’s heroes, the only ones capable of fighting for and bringing about constructive social change (Judis, 2016). Elizabeth Warren and Donald Trump are attempting to solve social imbalance concerns by appealing to a “people versus elite” approach. While Warren seeks to reduce wealth disparities, Trump criticizes globalists and elites for failing to understand the problems of ordinary Americans.
Populist political conduct includes criticizing the political system, forming personal bonds with followers, and portraying politics as a war between the people and the elite. Politicians may appeal to ordinary people and establish themselves as agents of significant change by using these strategies.
Using the principle with Biden and Trump
When determining if Joe Biden and Donald Trump are populists, it is critical to assess their political style and conduct in the 2024 presidential election in light of Moffitt’s three components of the “populist political style.” Joe Biden’s political approach is known for tackling economic disparity and ardent support for the working class, both of which are essential tenets of populist politics. His campaign speeches and legislative ideas underscore how his modest beginnings as a blue-collar worker buffer him from excessive influence by big interests in the face of average Americans’ misery. As a result, he suggests policies that emphasize improving labor union fortunes, boosting minimum wage requirements to living wages, and investing in job training programs alongside infrastructure projects–all of which are populist ideas. Biden knows the importance of making personal connections with ordinary Americans. He tells anecdotes about his personal experiences while showing sympathy for people who are suffering financially, emphasizing the need of national reconciliation even in the face of divided politics – important aspects of effective populist government.
Unlike Trump’s divisive brand of populism, which singled out marginalized groups and used dangerous rhetoric to incite hatred against them, Biden’s brand is based on inclusive principles and an unconditional commitment to unifying the country regardless of political divide or background difference–essential ingredients for genuine populism governance success. Biden’s approach is more in line with progressive values than with rigid populism since it prioritizes the development of economic opportunities for all Americans and resolving chronic structural injustices. As a result, although Biden’s campaign has components of the populist political style, it is not entirely populist in the same way that Trump’s was.
The debate is whether Biden and Trump are populists.
Donald Trump’s political style, according to Norris and Inglehart’s (2019) definition of populism, is considerably more closely connected with it. Throughout his campaigns, Trump has focused “draining the swamp” while campaigning for individuals who have previously been overlooked by politicians. He positioned himself as an outsider in politics against an elite class that sought to exploit common people. His communication style was likewise largely populist, using simple language and often repeated slogans or catchphrases to convey his message.
He regularly employed hyperbole or exaggeration, which made him look bigger than life; anecdotes or personal tales were frequently given to connect him with his audience on a deeper level. Trump’s populist approach, however, includes aspects such as xenophobia and nativism that are not always associated with this political style. He stressed the construction of a border wall and a travel restriction for inhabitants of Muslim-majority countries, as well as heated statements about immigrants or refugees that underlined their otherness in comparison to American residents. These measures represent a departure from what defines populism as progressive and inclusive. Although Trump’s political strategy has been termed populist, it is important to note that because of its exclusive and divisive components, this sort of populism fosters controversy and animosity.
Conclusion
Finally, the idea of “populist political style” offers a useful framework for examining political activity inside America’s governance structure. We can determine how politicians interact with common people while challenging entrenched power structures by deconstructing Moffitt’s three-component approach. Examining Joe Biden’s and Donald Trump’s actions throughout the 2024 presidential campaign demonstrates that both candidates exhibit characteristics associated with this form of politics. However, no candidate entirely incorporates all three elements; also, their populist results vary greatly. Regardless of whether populism is an ideology, method, or style in and of itself, it is useful in understanding how politicians court people’ favor and earn support, particularly as social and economic injustices rise in society. As America’s political arena evolves, it becomes vital to pay careful attention to how candidates and parties use populist language and appeals.
References
Judis. (2016). Populism in the United States, 1. https://doi.org/https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Jn3zYkrjva.
Kriesi & Pappas. (n.d.). European Populism in the Shadow of the Great Recession. Kriesi & Pappas edited “European Populism in the Shadow of the Great Recession.” https://ecpr.eu/news/news/details/161
Mudde, C. (2022). The far-right threat in the United States: A European perspective. The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 699(1), 101–115. https://doi.org/10.1177/00027162211070060
Mudde, C., & Kaltwasser, C. R. (2017). 3. populism and mobilization. Populism: A Very Short Introduction, 42–61. https://doi.org/10.1093/actrade/9780190234874.003.0003
Norris, P., & Inglehart, R. (2019). The Cultural Backlash Theory (Chapter 2) – cultural backlash. Cambridge Core. https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/cultural-backlash/cultural-backlash-theory/D435798214C7CC3D52F7083398DF8B39
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