Demagogues Quote by John Avlon
“Demagogues always do well in economic downturns.”
About This Quote
Source Article: The Atlantic, 2019
Economic crises boost demagogues because people seek simple, scapegoating explanations.
In simple terms: Crises empower demagogues.
Key Takeaway
Critically evaluate leaders’ claims.
Themes
politics
economics
populism
crisis
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
informative
critical
When to use this quote
- campaign speeches
- media commentary
- public debates
Key Concepts
propaganda
social psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens discern genuine solutions from fear‑mongering?
- What role does media play in amplifying demagoguery?
A Different Perspective
Demagogues can also propose viable solutions.
![“I think we will have continuing danger from these markets and that we will have repeats of the financial crisis - [they] may differ in details but there will be significant financial downturns and disasters attributed to this regulatory gap, over and over, until we learn from experience” quote by Brooksley Born](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a67/brooksley-born-224899_continuing_i-think-we-will-have-continuing-danger-f_1588451.jpg)
![“You [demagogues] are like the fishers for eels; in still waters they catch nothing, but if they thoroughly stir up the slime, their fishing is good; in the same way it's only in troublous times that you line your pockets.” quote by Aristophanes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4f7/aristophanes-3340_demagoguery_you-demagogues-are-like-the-fishers-for_87488.jpg)
