Populist Rhetorical Analysis

Populist language has been utilized by American politicians since the nineteenth century, and that trend certainly did not end during the 2016 presidential campaign. Michael Kazin defines populism as, “a language whose speakers conceive of ordinary people as a noble assemblage not bound narrowly by class, view their elite opponents as self-serving and undemocratic, and seek to mobilize the former against the latter.” The majority of Bernie Sanders speeches included this language, and this helped him gain popularity from voters throughout the country. Sanders was an ideal candidate for the so-called common man, as he was straightforward with his disgust of billionaires and the inequality of wealth in the country. His negative claims towards
Although there are few similarities between Sanders’ and Wallace’s views, both were able to connect with this population better than their opponent, which helped them gain more success than initially expected. Sanders was also in favor of increasing workers rights, and making it easier for them to join unions. Populism has revolved around workers rights since it’s beginning, and Sanders continued this viewpoint. Bernie Sanders is a Populist in every sense of the word, and his political rhetoric imitates the rhetoric used by Populists during movements which have taken place over the last hundred
Sanders believed that changes needed to be made, claiming, “Despite huge advancements in technology and productivity, millions of Americans are working longer hours for lower wages … That is unacceptable and that has got to change.” Many Americans can relate to this statement, as most people would agree that they should be paid more than they do. If he was elected, Sanders planned on enforcing the Employee Free Choice Act, which would make unions more accessible for workers. Workers rights has always been a key component of the Populists, and by making it easier for workers to unionize, Sanders is attempting to expand the rights of workers. Unionizing would likely result in an increase in wages and benefits, both of which middle class workers would happily accept. Once again representing the middle class, Sanders claimed, “We need leadership in this country which will improve the lives of working families, the children, the elderly, the sick and the poor.” Clearly, Bernie Sanders is a true Populist, as his core beliefs represent what it means to be