Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi argued at an Oxford Union debate that populism in the United States is posing a threat to democracy. She described certain Americans as “poor souls” who refuse to accept answers from Democrats on issues like guns, gays, and God. However, musician Winston Marshall, opposing the motion that populism is a threat to democracy, argued that elites have changed the meaning of the word “populist” to align with their own narrative. He stated that populism is a voice for the voiceless and that the real threat to democracy comes from the elites rather than populists.
Marshall contended that the word “populist” has been turned into a negative term synonymous with racism, ethno-nationalism, and other derogatory labels. He criticized elites for displaying contempt towards ordinary people and suggested that populism actually serves to keep elites in check. He pointed out the evolving usage of the term, noting that even President Barack Obama had redefined it in a negative light. Marshall also drew attention to the violence and insurrection associated with political movements, highlighting events such as the Capitol riots and the unrest in Portland, Oregon in June 2020.
During the debate, Pelosi asserted that populism in America has taken on an ethno-nationalist character and that it is being used to show contempt for ordinary individuals. Marshall disputed this and argued that populism is not a detriment to democracy but is actually a reflection of democratic principles. He pointed out that all political movements are susceptible to violence and insurrection, emphasizing the need for universal suffrage to keep elites in check. Marshall expressed surprise that Pelosi, a self-proclaimed Catholic and Democrat, was in favor of the motion and suggested that she would be arguing herself out of a job by aligning with the establishment.
Pelosi and Marshall also clashed on other issues such as the legitimacy of the 2016 election results, the influence of social media companies in censoring political opponents, and the role of mainstream media in shaping public opinion. While Pelosi emphasized the importance of democratic values, including free and fair elections and an independent judiciary, Marshall criticized the actions of elites in power and accused them of undermining democracy. Ultimately, the motion that populism is a threat to democracy received a passing vote at the Oxford Union event, indicating a division of opinion among attendees on the topic.
