On November 8th, 2016, the world stood in disbelief. Pundits and regular citizens alike could not believe that the next president of the United States would be Donald J. Trump. Trump had executed one of the most successful contemporary right wing populous campaigns in recent memory. In this essay, I will explore the psychological roots behind Trump’s success in populism, and how his narrative spoke and resonated with Americans more than expected.
Defining Populism:
In its most rudimentary form, populism is defined as a movement of the people, often against an elitist, privileged class. (https://www.britannica.com/topic/populism). It is rooted in rebellion, collecting citizens against a united cause; challenging current status quo establishment politics and currently accepted societal morals and values. (Trust the People). A populous movement is often seen as bigger than the election itself, it is a direct revolt against an elitist subsection such as upper economic class or the educated that seemingly leaving behind the common class. (Trust the people).
Defining Populism:
In its most rudimentary form, populism is defined as a movement of the people, often against an elitist, privileged class. (https://www.britannica.com/topic/populism). It is rooted in rebellion, collecting citizens against a united cause; challenging current status quo establishment politics and currently accepted societal morals and values. (Trust the People). A populous movement is often seen as bigger than the election itself, it is a direct revolt against an elitist subsection such as upper economic class or the educated that seemingly leaving behind the common class. (Trust the people).