Populism is a foundational element of democracy, manipulated by demagogues, argues Oscar Whittle 4/6

Summary

The speaker challenges the notion that populism is inherently a threat to democracy, arguing instead that it is a fundamental aspect of democratic processes. They contend that populism, at its core, is about ensuring the people have a voice in their government. The speaker calls for embracing populism to reclaim it from demagogues and to restore democracy, urging a fight against the dangers of unchecked populism with the same populist tactics, advocating for a system that works for all.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The speaker begins by acknowledging the importance of populism and the need to address its negative connotations.
• 🤔 The speaker admits a personal bias against populism, influenced by historical figures and political commentators.
• 🌐 Populism is described as not inherently evil but rather a force that has been co-opted by demagogues for negative ends.
• 👥 Populism is defined as the belief that the people should have a say in their government, not as a pitting of groups against each other.
• 🏛️ The speaker argues that populism is fundamental to democracy, citing examples from American and British political systems.
• 📚 Historical references are made to the importance of populism in the foundation of democratic principles.
• 🚫 The speaker warns against the dangers of trying to quell populist instincts, suggesting that it could lead to further division and discontent.
• 🤝 The speaker proposes embracing populism to reclaim it from demagogues and restore it as a positive force in democracy.
• 💪 The call to action is to fight against the negative aspects of populism by using populist tactics, such as simple messages and addressing systemic issues.
• 🌟 The final takeaway is a call to 'make populism great again,' emphasizing the need to restore populism to its core democratic ideals.

Q & A

What is the speaker's initial stance on populism before the debate?

The speaker initially believes that populism is a threat to democracy and views it as an inherent evil.

Who does the speaker credit as the ultimate source of all political knowledge?

The speaker humorously credits Rory Stewart and Alister Campbell's politics podcast as the ultimate source of all political knowledge.

What does the speaker argue is the core of populism?

The speaker argues that the core of populism is the notion that the people should have a say in their government.

How does the speaker describe the current form of right-wing populism globally?

The speaker describes the current form of right-wing populism as having an iron grip on politics, often leading to close-mindedness, hostility, and intolerance.

What examples does the speaker provide of politicians who have been influenced by populism?

The speaker provides examples of Liz Truss, Jeremy Corbyn, and Donald Trump as politicians influenced by populism.

What does the speaker believe is the fundamental principle of the world's most powerful democracy?

The speaker believes that the fundamental principle of the world's most powerful democracy is 'government of the people, by the people, and for the people.'

What does the speaker suggest is the danger of labeling all populists negatively?

The speaker suggests that labeling all populists negatively can alienate the electorate and provide ammunition to demagogues who exploit populist sentiment.

What is the speaker's proposed method to fight against the negative aspects of populism?

The speaker proposes embracing populism and fighting on the turf of the populists, using their tactics to restore democracy and ensure it works for all.

How does the speaker define the term 'populism' in the context of the debate?

The speaker defines populism as not pitting groups against each other but as the belief that ordinary people should be represented by their government.

What historical reference does the speaker make to support the argument that populism is fundamental to democracy?

The speaker references the government of Ancient Greece, considered the cradle of democracy, to argue that populism is a vital constituent pillar of the democratic process.

What does the speaker conclude about the relationship between populism and democracy?

The speaker concludes that populism is not a threat to democracy but a foundational component that has been manipulated by demagogues.

Outlines

00:00

🤔 The Complexity of Populism in Democracy

The speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to debate and commends the committee for organizing the event. They admit to an initial bias against populism, viewing it as a threat to democracy, influenced by historical and political scholars Rory Stewart and Alister Campbell. The speaker acknowledges the negative connotations associated with populism, such as xenophobia and racism, and cites examples of divisive political figures like Liz Truss, Jeremy Corbyn, and Donald Trump. However, they argue that populism at its core is not inherently evil but rather a belief that people should have a say in their government. The speaker challenges the audience to consider populism as fundamental to democracy rather than a threat, suggesting that embracing populism could help reclaim it from demagogues.

05:01

🗳️ Populism as a Pillar of Democracy

The speaker continues to explore the concept of populism, asserting that it is not a new or inherently dangerous phenomenon. They argue that populism is not about pitting groups against each other but about the idea that people should be represented by their government. The speaker references historical and political systems, including the American and British democracies, and Ancient Greek democracy, to illustrate that populism is a foundational element of democracy. They contend that attempts to suppress populist instincts have largely failed and suggest that embracing populism is the key to fighting against demagogues who exploit it. The speaker warns against the dangers of complacency and calls for a proactive approach to restore democracy by engaging with populist sentiments.

10:02

🛡️ Fighting Populism with Populism

In the final paragraph, the speaker emphasizes the need to confront the rise of populism head-on by embracing its principles. They argue that simplistic messages and introspection are required to address the system's flaws that have allowed dangerous populism to emerge. The speaker calls for a direct confrontation with demagogues using populism as a weapon, suggesting that this approach can help restore democracy to a system that works for all. They conclude with a call to make populism great again, implying a reclamation of populism's original intent to serve the people rather than divide them.

Keywords

💡Populism

Populism is a political approach that seeks to appeal to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups. In the video, it is discussed as both a threat and a fundamental aspect of democracy, illustrating the complex nature of populism as it can be harnessed for both democratic representation and demagogic manipulation.

💡Democracy

Democracy refers to a system of government where power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or through elected representatives. The video argues that populism is not a threat but an inherent part of democracy, emphasizing the importance of the people's voice in governance.

💡Xenophobia

Xenophobia is the fear or hatred of strangers or foreigners, often associated with populist rhetoric that can target immigrants or outsiders. The script mentions xenophobia as one of the negative connotations associated with populism, highlighting its potential to divide rather than unite.

💡Racialism

Racialism is the belief in the inherent superiority of one race over others, often used in the context of populist movements to stir up support based on racial divisions. The video script warns of racialism as a component of the negative aspects of populism.

💡Demagoguery

Demagoguery is the art of influencing people by appealing to their prejudices, especially in politics. The speaker in the video criticizes certain populist figures for using demagoguery to gain power, thus distorting the true essence of populism.

💡Representation

Representation in a political context means the act of speaking or acting on behalf of a group of people, ensuring their interests are considered in decision-making. The video emphasizes that populism, at its core, is about ensuring that people are represented by their government.

💡Elitism

Elitism is the belief that power and status should be held by a select few, often perceived as being out of touch with the needs of the majority. The script contrasts elitism with populism, suggesting that the latter is a response to the former's perceived failures.

💡Intolerance

Intolerance refers to an inability or unwillingness to accept views, beliefs, or behaviors that differ from one's own. The video associates intolerance with certain forms of populism, indicating how it can lead to hostility and division within societies.

💡Political Constraint

Political constraint refers to the limitations imposed on political actions, such as legal frameworks, social norms, or practical considerations. The script uses this term to criticize politicians who make promises without considering the constraints of governance, leading to policy failures.

💡International Order

The international order refers to the established system of global governance and norms that guide relations between countries. The video suggests that unchecked populism can threaten this order by promoting nationalism and isolationism.

💡Reclaim

To reclaim means to take back or restore control over something that has been lost or taken away. In the context of the video, the speaker argues for reclaiming populism from demagogues and using it to strengthen democracy, rather than letting it be a tool for division.

Highlights

Populism is fundamental to the operation of democracy, not a threat to it.

Populism at its core is the notion that people should have a say in their government.

Populism is not inherently evil, but has been manipulated by demagogic figures.

The Western establishment's attempts to quell populist instincts have largely failed.

To fight populism, we must embrace it and reclaim it from demagogues.

Populism is not about pitting groups against each other, but about representation.

Democracy cannot exist without populism, as it is a vital constituent pillar.

The proposition's view of populism as a unique phenomenon and tool of the radical is flawed.

Populism is not new and is not inherently dangerous in itself.

Right-wing populism has driven some of the wildest political moments in recent history.

Left-wing populism can be as problematic as the right, as seen with Jeremy Corbyn.

Populism should not be dismissed as 'fruitcakes, loonies, and closet racists'.

We must fight populism on its own turf, not try to drag it onto our terms.

There are dangers in embracing populism, but greater dangers in allowing incompetent government.

Populism is a means of expressing discontent with the established order.

Politicians must accept that populism is a foundational component of democracy.

We must use populist tactics to restore democracy and make it work for all.

The call to make populism great again, using it as a weapon to fight demagogues.

Transcripts

it is possible to be a populist and

still believe that there is more that

unites us than divides

us uh Mr President uh I would like to

begin by thanking you for giving me the

opportunity to speak tonight in the

first of many great debates this term uh

I would also like to uh Echo the words

of of gentleman who spoke before me in

uh in congratulating the whole of the

committee for putting together what

promises to be an excellent Trinity

term however this being said Mr

President I do have somewhat of a

confession to make uh while I was

absolutely beside myself with delight

when you asked me to speak in this

debate I admit that having finished our

conversation it occurred to me that I

had somewhat of an issue I did not

believe that populism is orever could be

anything but a threat to democracy uh

indeed as any good student of history

and of history and politics such as

myself knows the ultimate source of all

political knowledge is without a shadow

of a doubt Rory Stewart and aliser

Campbell the rest is politics

podcast uh I myself am an avid listener

and as they seem to be rather firmly in

the anti-populist category I I confess

that I took it for granted that populism

is an inherent evil indeed having

recently read Mr Stewart's Memoir it

seems the poor chap has spent his entire

career fighting the forces of populism

and falling rather short so what is it

about populism that makes it so worthy

of fighting whenever populism is

mentioned today it comes loaded with

negative connotations xenophobia racism

bigotry parano demagoguery these are all

terms that come hand inand with most of

the attacks on populism and honorable

members uh I am sure as as you already

have heard that the proposition will use

many of them tonight to some extent this

is with good reason uh the particular

form of right-wing populism which is an

iron grip on politics across the globe

today often begets a shameful level of

close-mindedness hostility and

intolerance it is the force which has

driven Britain and America to some of

its wildest and wackiest of political

moments over the last decade or so look

at Liz truss a politician so caught up

in pandering to the swashbuckling

fantasies of certain voters that she for

got basic economic competence and who in

the process reduced the Premiership to a

competition with a leafy green

vegetable look at Jeremy Corbin a

politician who demonstrates how just

like the right the left can be equally

as guilty of becoming so enamored with

making wild Promises to the electorate

and fostering their

antagonism that they forget the

Practical constraint of politics and

drive the country towards division look

at Donald Trump a man who C to the

electorate by setting his grubby fingers

on every climate and International

Security agreement that he can and

tearing them apart a man who is perhaps

admired outside of America only by

Vladimir Putin and his cronies at first

glance honorable members I cannot blame

those of you whose instincts Ally you

with the proposition um I confess Mr

President that so far I have not

delivered much of a case against the

dangers of populism uh however these

issues must be laid bare uh before I

delve into the foundation of my argument

I insist that while what we are seeing

across the globe today does demonstrate

the demagogic dangers of rampant

populism that this is not what

popularism either represents at its core

or is all that it offers to politics

today so what is populism it is not as

the proposition would have you believe a

unique phenomenon nor is it simply the

tool of the radical it is not Allied to

one party or another nor to either side

of the political debate it is not new

and it is not dangerous in itself

honorable members instead of being a

threat to democracy I would argue

firstly that populism is fundamental to

the operation of democracy and secondly

that is only through the embracing of

populism that it can be reclaimed from

the clutches of the demagogues I argue

this because populism at its very core

is not the pitting of the elite versus

the mass nor is it the Immigrant versus

the non-immigrant or the Republican

versus the Democrat it is not the Le

voter versus the rer nor is it the

educated versus the uneducated populism

is simply the notion that the people

should have a say in their government it

is possible to be a populist and still

believe that there is more that unites

us than divides us and well yes if you

Google what is populism which I confess

I did do in preparation for this

debate it it brings up results

concerning the pitting of groups against

each other it also simultaneously notes

how populism is the view that people

should be represented by their

government it also curiously brings up

articles from 2018 uh from the Sun about

how populist members of the European

Parliament was set to engage in a rap

battle in order to promote the EU to

young people uh I confess I I didn't

follow up on this and find out whether

this rap battle did take place uh but

but make of that what you

will however if we are to evaluate

populism not by how it has been co-opted

today but by what it means at its very

core who really disagrees that Ordinary

People should who have to spend their

lives under the Yoke of the state often

with little say in how the government

actually operates should not be

represented by their government indeed

as I'm sure speaker Pelosi would agree

alongside any American members of the

audience tonight is it not the doctrine

of government of the People by the

people and for the people that underpins

the foundational principle of the

world's most powerful democracy is

America not therefore a populist Nation

by its very essence for those

unconvinced or perhaps unimpressed by my

references to the American system which

I do

understand is it not the no thanks

uh is it not the British Parliament

which is so frequently Ted as the mother

of all parliaments

[Applause]

is it not uh uh upon the government of

Ancient Greece the Cradle of democracy

which so much of our political

philosophy and institutions are

constructed it is clear that populism

far from being a threat to democracy it

is in fact one of the most vital

constituent pillars of the democratic

process to eradicate populism would be

to eradicate the very notion of

democracy itself in spite of what the

proposition would have you believe you

cannot have democracy without populism

what we strive to do instead of trying

to squash the Natural Instincts of the

electorate to want to be represented is

to reclaim populism indeed even if you

are unconvinced by my account of the of

populism it does not take a political

genius to recognize that the Western

establishment attempts to quell the

populist Instinct and squash populist

leaders have almost all failed in Europe

Le Pen seems set never to give up

running for the presidency and indeed

look at how close she was in both of her

uh previous

attempts uh in Britain those who

attempted to beat the populism of Nigel

farage by ridiculing his mission have

been swept from office in America the

support for those so-called populist

members of Congress such as Ted gruz or

or margerie Taylor green uh show little

sign of wavering so long as they adhere

to Trump's particular form of populism

we cannot simply brand populism the idea

of fruit cakes loonies and closet racist

to borrow from the words of illustrious

foreign

secretary because by doing so we place

ourselves at odds with the electorate

itself and we provide those seeking to

Shepherd the electorate into their

corrupted camp with the ammunition that

their campaign requires so in order to

fight populism we must embrace the fight

on their Turf not try and drag them onto

our own there are dangers in this of

course we could slip into the same for

of antagonistic quarreling and

destructive policymaking that has led

the Democratic world to where it is

today however honorable members I

implore you to consider the greater

dangers no uh the greater dangers of

allowing another decade of disarray

discontent and damningly incompetent

government if we allow the drum of

populism to be beat by the likes of

Donald Trump and his band of Corner Shop

knockoffs then the world will follow we

need only to look back at the the

attempt by supporters of bolsonaro to

recreate well a rather attempt at

recreating the January 6th Riot of 2021

democracy is sick across the world

people are rebelling against the

established order and populism is the

means by which this discontent is being

expressed however it is not the job of

populists of politicians to arrogantly

dismiss this Instinct they work for the

voters not the other way around they

must accept that populism is a

foundational component of democracy

which has been allowed to be manipulated

by demagogic figures into becoming a

powerful tool which seeks dismantle the

international order we cannot allow this

to happen but we cannot prevent it uh by

trying to rise above it we must instead

use the tactics of the populist to

restore democracy to a system which

seeks to work for all once more we must

clamber into the trenches with the

demagogues and fight them headon with

populism being our weapon of choice

simple messages and a willingness to

look inward at the features of the

system which has allowed dangerous

populism to emerge must be tackled head

on honorable members I put it to you

this way we must make populism great

again

[Applause]