Sucker Populism

A hallmark of right-wing populism is a phenomenon know as Producerism:

Producerism is defined as:

"An ideology of populist economic nationalism which holds that the productive forces of society-the ordinary worker, the small businessman, and the entrepreneur, are being held back by parasitical elements at both the top and the bottom of the social structure." "In nativist rhetoric illegal immigrants are viewed as a threat to the prosperity of the middle class, a drain on social services, and a vanguard of globalization that threatens to destroy national identities and sovereignty."

These movements are all (throughout history) based upon the psychology of celebrity worship. These movements convince working-class people that these celebrities have their best interest at heart and are fighting for them. (See Sarah Palin, Rush, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, O'Reilly, and briefly Joe the Plumber) As usual, only the wealthy benefit and that is why they underwrite the movement.

Yesterday Fox News had to force Hannity off the air and would not let him broadcast from the Tea Bagger pouting party. He lied to the assembled crowd about a "family emergency" and quickly kowtowed to his corporate bosses at Fox. He was charging $20 bucks for tickets, was hocking his book and wanted to broadcast live. Hannity was going for the hat-trick to cash in on his celebrity, just like the former half governor who quit her job to cash in on her fame. All that is accomplished is having suckers line up, pay money, and make these celebrities rich.