A major focus is the critique of 'faux populist' movements within mainstream political parties.
The concept of populism is discussed, particularly in the context of the Never Trumpers' opposition to both right-wing and left-wing populist movements.
The episode touches on the rise of populist rhetoric and its influence on the political landscape, particularly in the context of the Reform UK party.
The National Rally is portrayed as a populist party appealing to a broader base, including young people and farmers, making populism a relevant topic.
The guests express concerns about the potential rise of populism in the UK and the risk of the government using its majority to erode the rights of unpopular or marginalized groups.
Farage's populist rhetoric and positioning as a voice for the 'little people' against the establishment is extensively discussed, along with his ability to connect with disaffected voters.
Calvello discusses the campaign's embrace of left-wing populism, contrasting Fetterman as a fighter for working families against wealthy elites like Oz.
The potential rise of populism within both the Republican and Democratic parties is discussed.
The history, meaning and legacy of populism as a political movement and ideology is the central focus of the entire discussion.
The rise of populist, ostensibly pro-worker rhetoric on the right is a central focus, with the hosts critiquing its often superficial and contradictory nature.
The podcast episodes cover the rise of populist movements and parties across the political spectrum, both in Europe and the United States. These populist forces are often characterized by their criticism of the political establishment, embrace of anti-immigration and nationalist rhetoric, and promises to empower the 'common people' against the perceived elites.
The episodes explore the various factors driving the growth of populism, including economic anxiety, cultural backlash, and dissatisfaction with the perceived failures of mainstream politics. They also analyze the impact of populist movements on the political landscape, the challenges they pose to liberal democracy, and the strategies employed by established parties and leaders to counter or co-opt populist sentiment.
Several episodes focus on specific populist figures and parties, such as Nigel Farage and the Reform UK party in the UK Labour wins UK election by a landslide, the National Rally in France #France:The National Rally's 28 year old Jordan Bardella, and the role of populism in US politics Has Clacton fallen for Nigel Farage? and How Fetterman Won (w/ Joe Calvello).