demagogue

is given to appealing to the unthinking masses by wantonly oversimplifying the solution to problems which in reality are far more complex.

simplicity is a hallmark of much political rhetoric. This is an understandable approach, since most members of the mass audience are neither sophisticated nor well-educated. But the demagogue takes this prudent idea one step further he oversimplifies the solutions to complex problems (Fisher 109-110). This has the double advantage of making the demagogue's oversimplified solution understandable to the mass audience, and making that solution seem preferable to the more complex, realistic solutions offered by mainstream politicians.

Randall M. FisherThinkers

Randall M. Fisher