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Today's word: demagogue

demagogue /ˈdɛməɡɒɡ/ (from Greek dēmagōgos, dēmos ‘the people’ + agōgos ‘leading’) or rabble-rouser is a political leader in a democracy who gains power by appealing to the passions, prejudices, and ignorance of the common people, tending to undermine democratic procedures and the rule of law. Demagogues usually oppose deliberation and advocate immediate, violent action to address a national crisis; they accuse moderate and thoughtful opponents of weakness. Demagogues have appeared in democracies since ancient Athens. They exploit a fundamental weakness in democracy: because ultimate power is held by the people, nothing stops the people from giving that power to someone who appeals to the lowest common denominator of a large segment of the population.

How do you define demagogue into your perception?

Posted - July 24, 2016

Responses


  • 17261
    It's taken from Wikipedia, and yes I think it rather well sums it all up. You should by the way look up the last video I've uploaded to this site. It does show why Trump is a demagogue, and should be a warning to have in mind before the election in November. Link: http://answermug.com/video/burns-trump-is-all-over-the-map?xg_source=activity
      July 25, 2016 4:13 AM MDT
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  • 17261
    It's a bit longer, over 8 minutes but worth listening.
      July 25, 2016 5:01 AM MDT
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  • 17261
    It is sadly not only an isolated thing which makes it even more important how the US voters vote in November; for the world!
      July 25, 2016 6:53 AM MDT
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  • 17261
    I think you're right. Unfortunately. :-/
      July 25, 2016 7:33 AM MDT
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  • 17261
    I'm not aware if Putin is the worst demagogue. He certainly is one, and we have several more around the world. It will escalate an unstable world should we get one more demagogue, and this time with his finger on the red button of the largest military of the world. The establishment also thought they could control the one who came into power by democratic elections back in the thirties in Germany. Btw, I don't think anyone is looking at Trump as the only demagogue in politics, or in the world.
      July 26, 2016 3:53 PM MDT
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  • You are right Sapphic. I will delete my comments.

      July 27, 2016 1:32 AM MDT
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  • 17261
    Thank you.
      July 27, 2016 1:39 AM MDT
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  • 17261

    And size. The same would Trump get, only bigger. Not his hands. Hmm.

    The really scary picture are both in power and disagreeing!!

      July 27, 2016 4:16 AM MDT
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  • 17261
    Anyone is powerless without someone else. Goes for Putin too. Would have been the same for Hitler too.
      July 28, 2016 3:54 PM MDT
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  • 17261
    So did Hitler back in the thirties. Don't trust your democracy blindly. Look where it's taken you this far. Btw, Trump and Putin got a common goal to keep HRC away from becoming next POTUS. Trump is ready to sell out old allies and NATO for his own win. Make his motto should be "make Russia great again."
      July 29, 2016 2:09 PM MDT
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