Demagogue

ˈdɛməˌɡɒɡ

noun

a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument

The term 'demagogue' often carries a negative connotation, implying manipulation of the public rather than genuine leadership qualities.

Ask that demagogue of a Marius if he is not the slave of that little tyrant of a Cosette.

Victor Hugo

Les Misérables

Do you know that the orange lodges agitated for repeal of the union twenty years before O’Connell did or before the prelates of your communion denounced him as a demagogue?

James Joyce

Ulysses

There is in the world a very aged rioter and demagogue who breaks into the most refined retreats with the dreadful information that all men are brothers, and wherever this leveller went on his pale horse it was Father Brown’s trade to follow.

G. K. Chesterton

The Innocence of Father Brown

The Church in this instance adopted the usual tactics of the demagogue, and appealed to the stupidity and the cupidity of the masses, frightening them with the bugbear of another Mohammedan invasion aided by these aliens, and pointing out that the Morisco by his industry, frugality, skill, and businesslike qualities was everywhere taking the bread out of the mouth of the Christian Spaniard.

Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

Don Quixote

It’s demagogue-prone.

Frank Herbert

Chapterhouse: Dune