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Rise of the Trumpenvolk

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  • J. Eric Oliver
  • Wendy M. Rahn

Abstract

Despite the wide application of the label “populist†in the 2016 election cycle, there has been little systematic evidence that this election is distinctive in its populist appeal. Looking at historical trends, contemporary rhetoric, and public opinion data, we find that populism is an appropriate descriptor of the 2016 election and that Donald Trump stands out in particular as the populist par excellence. Historical data reveal a large “representation gap†that typically accompanies populist candidates. Content analysis of campaign speeches shows that Trump, more so than any other candidate, employs a rhetoric that is distinctive in its simplicity, anti-elitism, and collectivism. Original survey data show that Trump’s supporters are distinctive in their unique combination of anti-expertise, anti-elitism, and pronationalist sentiments. Together, these findings highlight the distinctiveness of populism as a mechanism of political mobilization and the unusual character of the 2016 race.

Suggested Citation

  • J. Eric Oliver & Wendy M. Rahn, 2016. "Rise of the Trumpenvolk," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 667(1), pages 189-206, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:667:y:2016:i:1:p:189-206
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716216662639
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Weifeng Zhong, 2016. "The candidates in their own words: A textual analysis of 2016 president primary debates," AEI Economic Perspectives, American Enterprise Institute, April.
    4. Benjamin Moffitt & Simon Tormey, 2014. "Rethinking Populism: Politics, Mediatisation and Political Style," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 62(2), pages 381-397, June.
    5. Takis S. Pappas, 2012. "Populism Emergent: A Framework for Analyzing its Contexts, Mechanics, and Outcomes," RSCAS Working Papers 2012/01, European University Institute.
    6. Takis S. Pappas, 2012. "Populism Emergent: A framework for analyzing its contexts, mechanics, and outcomes," EUI-RSCAS Working Papers 1, European University Institute (EUI), Robert Schuman Centre of Advanced Studies (RSCAS).
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