Beck, Gold and Andy Griffith

[edhopper]

There is a great movie called "A Face in the Crowd". Andy Griffith is a local radio guy who becomes a national "populist" figure, like Beck. At the end he is shown to have distaste for his fans who he sees as rubes to be exploited and told whatever he wants.
Unlike the movie, today when we get this revelation, the "rubes" keep on listening and embrace their leader.
Apply H.L.Mencken quote.

[Kalyke]

1. Yes, and Keith Olbermann noticed that months ago.

That's why he called him Glen "Lonesome Rhodes" Beck.

[NYC_SKP]

2. Great Movie... n/t

[KittyWampus]

3. There's a longggg history of hatemongers taking to the airwaves. And it isn't just America

DU'ers seem to think we're an exception when it comes to having demagogues and willing rubes.

A while ago, a DU'er posted info on Father Coughlin.

[ananda]

4. Mencken

H.L. Mencken said "the practical goal of politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence, clamorous to be led to safety), with an endless series of hobgoblins all of them imaginary."

[Vidar]

5. Wonderful movie Andy was superb in it, acting against type.