36 ms·
In history classes in the US, Mussolini is often cast as a minor sidekick of Hitler, but Hitler was following in Mussolini's footsteps but had much greater mili
by fatfingerd 3y ago
In history classes in the US, Mussolini is often cast as a minor sidekick of Hitler, but Hitler was following in Mussolini's footsteps but had much greater military capabilities. If history is an indicator then it is hard to exaggerate how bad a new populist strategy originating from Italy may end up being once it infects other nations.
- gpderetta 3y agoI'm still surprised that the Comedian-bootstrapped Internet-driven populist party idea hasn't taken a foothold in other countries.
- pjc50 3y agoArguably that's the Trump version (although he was a gameshow host rather than a comedian).
- gpderetta 3y agoTrump followed the rich tycoon playbook of Berlusconi, I think. He also did work within the framework of existing politics. Grillo wasn't particularly rich and bootstrapped a new party through his internet reach. Although it is possible that Casaleggio was the real mastermind behind it.
- red-iron-pine 3y ago> He also did work within the framework of existing politics. I mean sorta? He didn't have any particular allegiance to one or the other, and famously ran as a Democrat before. He clearly has nothing but distain for either party and is mostly there out of his own ego, or because foreign intelligence was goading him (one way or the other) to.
- hunglee2 3y agoFamously, Zelensky was a comedian and won an election on a populist ticket. I think also Italy had a left wing comedian type become a party political leader. It's happening, Joe Rogan an in independent ticket
- Apocryphon 3y agoJimmy Dore grinning
- Apocryphon 3y agoWell, the Italians invented Rome, after all.