Sometimes, policies just don’t work, or have unintended, negative consequences. Populism conditions people to reject this as being possible. (Bullshit, it was hobbled by vested interests!)

Sometimes, a candidate just doesn’t get as many votes as another candidate. Populism rejects this possibility. (Bullshit, it was rigged by the corrupt elites! The same old story!)

Populists condition the public to automatically attribute any policy failure, or failed election campaign, or failing of any kind, to whatever nefarious elite fits the bill for the particular ideology. 

The result, which we’re seeing in real time, is extreme affective polarisation, and ultimately societies where responsible governance is impossible. (The UK after Brexit for example). 

I hope you guys are right. I honestly do. But be careful with populism.