"Populism is the will of the people"

Indeed it is. 

It was the will of the people when Hugo Chavez implemented policies that have bankrupted Venezuela; It was the will of the people when Greek voters simultaneously voted no to austerity and yes to continued Euro membership; it was the will of the people when Bernard Landry ran up Quebec's credit card to try and buy votes for independence....

Promise enough people unicorns and pixie dust, or that you will "Make them Great Again" , and they will follow you anywhere.