The People, No

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From the prophetic author of the now-classic What’s the Matter with Kansas? and Listen, Liberal, this eye-opening account explores populism, a crucial yet misunderstood movement. Thomas Frank reveals that much of what we believe about populism is incorrect. Today, it is often viewed as a frightening term associated with the racist ideologies of figures like Donald Trump and European extremists. However, Frank argues that the true narrative of populism is one of enlightenment and liberation, integral to the story of American democracy and its promise of a decent life for all. He traces the movement from the radical left-wing Populist Party of the 1890s, which challenged Gilded Age elites, to the significant reforms achieved under Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman. Frank highlights the consistent disdain elitist groups have shown towards populism, attacking working-class concerns throughout history. The current anti-populist rhetoric from Washington centrists is merely the latest iteration of this trend. By revisiting the movement’s provocative politics, Frank asserts that true populism embodies hope and optimism. This work serves as a powerful affirmation that populism is not the problem of our times but rather a potential solution to the challenges we face.