Populism and SOTU

A study of U.S. history reveals that many themes and ideas from the past are still prevalent in our society today.  The President's recent state of the Union brought up many populist ideas: lower taxes for the lower- and middle-class and increase taxation on the wealthy, increase education funding, creating jobs, and others.  The People's Party, created over a century ago, was based around similar ideas.  Populism is all about appealing the masses and providing legislation to secure their American dream because the wealthy already have the tools at hand to access theirs.  Likewise, Obama's speech was about appealing the masses.  With the Republican Primaries in progress and their campaigns beginning, Obama's speech was one of his first forays into the 2012 election campaign season.  By talking about what he can do for the little guy he is trying to secure, or push, people towards voting for him.  Republicans have also used populism in their campaigns, making it clear that populism isn't just a liberal tactic like it was in the past.  Studying U.S. history reveals connections like these between the past and the present.