Jason Stanley, author of the much praised How Propaganda Works, takes a look at the current political season and how demagoguery is getting points for “plain speaking,” and the rhetoric of unity and common purpose is losing ground.

“The desire for politicians who are sincere [and not hypocritical] explains not only the strategic value of demagoguery (and hence the campaign choices of candidates like Trump who may not in fact believe their own demagogic bombast). It also explains the desire for politicians who will not compromise or bend; that is, it explains the attraction of the “true conservatives” of the Tea Party movement.

…

The fragmentation of equal respect is a clear alarm for the United States. We must heed it by categorically rejecting politicians who seek to gain office by exploiting the mistaken belief that democratic values are weaknesses

As Trump and Carson see their poll numbers rise with every demagogic comment, this is very important essay. Recommended.

And his book: