Part 2/10:
For decades, the most energizing political movements have been populist in nature—regardless of whether they stem from the right or the left. The MAGA movement, in particular, has shown how populism can galvanize a broad, cross-sectional base of voters with anti-establishment rhetoric, nationalist sentiment, and economic grievances.
Left-leaning figures like Bernie Sanders have also invigorated sizable constituencies by channeling populist anger against elites and corporations. Meanwhile, European populist campaigns—though often right-leaning—have tapped into similar anti-globalist sentiments. Recognizing this, the cleverest strategists on the left see populism as a potent tool to regain influence, especially given the waning enthusiasm for woke ideology’s ability to win elections.