What is a Demagogue?
Answer
dem⋅a⋅gogue [dem-uh-gog, -gawg]
–noun
A politician who seeks to win and hold office by appeals to mass prejudice. Demagogues often use lies and distortion.
Demagogy is a strategy for gaining political power by appealing to the prejudices, emotions, fears and expectations of the public — typically via impassioned rhetoric and propaganda, and often using nationalist, populist or religious themes.
–noun
- a person, esp. an orator or political leader, who gains power and popularity by arousing the emotions, passions, and prejudices of the people.
- (in ancient times) a leader of the people.
- to treat or manipulate (a political issue) in the manner of a demagogue; obscure or distort with emotionalism, prejudice, etc.
A politician who seeks to win and hold office by appeals to mass prejudice. Demagogues often use lies and distortion.
Demagogy is a strategy for gaining political power by appealing to the prejudices, emotions, fears and expectations of the public — typically via impassioned rhetoric and propaganda, and often using nationalist, populist or religious themes.
In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.
- Thomas Jefferson