Definition of Populist

What is a "populist"? What is the definition of the term "populist"?

In politics, a "populist" is a person who claims to represents the interests of the "common man".

A populist will claim to represent the "people" and will rail against the wealthy and "ruling elite".

The populist will claim that most politicians are extremely out-of-touch and indifferent to the plight of the common man. The populist will claim that the people need to take the government back and that it is currently being run by big corporations and special interests.

Many politicians will obviously claim to be for the "common man". Some will run on a populist platform, get elected and then become part of the out-of-touch ruling elite that they spent months and years ruling against.

Populists usually seek to pit themselves against "big government" and special interests.

--

Davemanuel.com Articles That Mention Populist:

President Obama: I Could Have Won a Third Term