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 of our time. Thomas Frank reveals that our perceptions of populism are largely misguided. Today, the term is often associated with the alarming ideologies of figures like Donald Trump and European extremists, but this view overlooks its true essence. Populism is rooted in enlightenment and liberation, reflecting the story of American democracy and its promise of a decent life for all. Frank 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. He highlights the consistent disdain elitist groups have had for populism, which has often dismissed the concerns of the working class. The current anti-populist rhetoric from Washington centrists is merely the latest manifestation of this trend. Frank critiques these elites, revisiting the provocative politics of populism and asserting 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 vital solution to contemporary issues.