In a heated Oxford Union debate on the topic of populism, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and musician Winston Marshall clashed over their views on the impact of populism on democracy. Pelosi argued that populism in the United States poses a threat to democratic values, while Marshall contended that populism is an essential aspect of democracy and criticized the elites for distorting its meaning.

During the debate held on April 25, Pelosi expressed her concerns about certain Americans who refuse to accept the answers provided by Democrats on issues such as guns, LGBTQ rights, and religion. She warned that contemporary American populism has taken on an ethno-nationalist character, which she believed endangers democracy.

Marshall, on the other hand, challenged Pelosi's stance, accusing elites of changing the meaning of the word "populist" to equate it with negative labels such as racist and authoritarian. He pointed to former President Barack Obama's speeches, where Obama began using the term "populist" interchangeably with terms like "strong man" and "authoritarian." Marshall argued that populism is not a threat to democracy, but rather a means of keeping elites in check, emphasizing the importance of universal suffrage.

Pelosi and Marshall also debated the issue of violence and insurrection within political movements. Marshall drew attention to the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021, and compared them to the unrest in Portland, Oregon during June 2020. Pelosi dismissed any equivalence, asserting that the January 6th events were an insurrection incited by the former President, while Marshall argued that all political movements are susceptible to violence.

Marshall further criticized the left, including Pelosi herself, for aligning with the elites and becoming the establishment. He emphasized that the real threat to democracy comes from elitism and accused social media companies, mainstream media, and big tech of censoring political opponents, thereby undermining democracy.

The Oxford Union debate shed light on the ongoing debate surrounding the definition and implications of populism in democratic societies. Pelosi emphasized the importance of the rule of law, free and fair elections, and transparency, seeing the rise of ethno-nationalistic populism as a threat to these democratic foundations. Meanwhile, Marshall argued that populism is an essential aspect of democracy and warned against the elites' control over various institutions.

The debate offered a platform for differing viewpoints on populism and its impact on democracy. As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen how societies will navigate the challenges surrounding populism and its effects on democratic principles.