I think we need to be a little careful with assuming the level of populism. Here is some math I heard about the last set of American primaries:

1. Many Americans do not vote in the D and/or R primaries. Therefore the primaries are indicative of the American population.
2. About 4% of American thought Ms. Clinton was the best choice in the D primary. They voted in the primary.
3. About 4% of Americans thought Mr. Trump was the best choice in the R primary. They voted in the primary.
4. When the primaries were all over, average Americans who were not part of the primary process had two choices: Clinton or Trump.
5. These two only got a collective 8% approval rating. 92% of Americans would have preferred someone else.
6. The primary system is far from the will of the people.