Although populism may be either ideologically left or right, libertarian or statist, it is always hated and feared by the political center. The reason is that the center is occupied by those individuals and groups comprising the "moderate" left wing and right wing who are allies in defending the political status quo and take turns ruling and operating the levers of power to distribute privilege and wealth to themselves and their cronies.
-Joseph Salerno
Read on:
https://www.lewrockwell.com/2016/10/joseph-salerno/populism-magnificent-strategy-liberty/