For years, the explanation for the growth of populisms was based on a simple formula: if life gets worse, voters punish those in power. Analysts and commentators used this logic to try to predict and explain voter behavior and the success of certain political movements.
However, the article suggests we are witnessing a new political phenomenon. Currently, it is the "vibes" — impressions, diffuse feelings, and states of mind — that seem to have supremacy over concrete facts, governance conditions, or specific policies. This new paradigm facilitates belief in promises that solve inconveniences, even when these are immaterial and lack concrete foundation.
Given this reality, democrats and liberals face a renewed challenge. The article argues they need to understand that the political game has changed and that traditional methods of communication and argumentation may no longer be sufficient to compete with this new way of appealing to voters.
The central question the article raises is how democrats and liberals will be able to face this phenomenon without adopting the same tactics they criticize in their populist adversaries, risking becoming what they intend to fight.
