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The article explores the political influence of Donald Trump, likening it to the 18th-century career of Congressman Matthew Lyon from Vermont. Despite his controversial behavior and legal troubles, Trump is expected to be a strong contender for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election, a phenomenon similarly seen with Lyon, who maintained his political career despite his incarceration. The piece argues that labelling political opponents as distasteful or illegal and ostracising their followers can backfire, resulting in increased popular support, as seen with both Lyon and Trump.
The Irresistible Appeal of Trump, Lyon, and Populist Candidates
The 2024 presidential campaign season has begun with Donald Trump poised to capture the GOP’s nomination despite facing 91 felony counts in four different cases. This unusual political situation brings to mind the 18th century’s Matthew Lyon, a Congressman who attacked the establishment and held his seat despite jail time. Like Trump, Lyon appealed to voters as an anti-elitist who would counter the agenda of the government’s “aristocrats”.
Lyon started as an indentured servant and became rich during the War of Independence by buying up Loyalist-surrendered property. He campaigned as a political outsider and won his seat in Congress in 1797. At Congress, Lyon bypassed rituals and traditions, dismissed ceremonial proceedings as “vain adulation”, and earned a reputation as a man of the people.
His outrageous behavior, including spitting in a colleague’s face during a break in the official proceedings, was condemned by his opponents but applauded by his supporters. Even after being attacked on the House floor by the insulted Congressman, his popularity did not wane. Indeed, the more his opponents criticized him, the stronger he became.
When Lyon was arrested for criticizing President John Adams’ preference for pomp and avarice over public service, his popularity surged. His supporters saw him as a martyr who refused to sacrifice their interests to the elite. He eventually won re-election from jail and returned to Congress as a hero in the eyes of his followers.
The story of Matthew Lyon hints at the dangers of ridiculing and mocking populist opponents and their supporters. His opponents’ reactions only reinforced the belief that Lyon was fighting for his constituents against the establishment. This underlines the need for those who oppose Trump to understand his appeal rather than resort to outrage and banishment.
For more context on this topic, visit this article on historical perspectives on Presidential pardons and this interview on how MAGA hijacked the conservative movement. Trump’s critics often express outrage and demand his banishment, echoing the responses to Lyon’s antics. But to defeat Trump, his opponents need to understand what makes him appeal to voters.
Eighteenth-century Americans couldn’t tame Lyon; will 21st-century Americans tame Trump? Time will tell. This report draws on research from Shira Lurie, assistant professor of History at Saint Mary’s University and author of ‘The American Liberty Pole: Popular Politics and the Struggle for Democracy in the Early Republic.’ Her chapter on this topic can be found in ‘A Republic of Scoundrels: The Schemers, Intriguers, and Adventurers who Created a New American Nation.’
The Made by History series provides insights into contemporary issues by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here.
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