Every campaign, Garry Wills once wrote, taught Nixon the same lesson: mobilize resentment against those in power. History taught the same to many conservative and reactionary populist movements, whose real attitude to those in power and authority was one of a servile, envious, vicarious adoration.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the recurring theme in politics and history of using anger and resentment against those in power as a mobilizing force. Garry Wills argues that Nixon, along with conservative and reactionary populist movements, understood the power of tapping into the frustrations and grievances of the people. It suggests that these movements had a complex relationship with authority, simultaneously exhibiting servility and envy towards it. The quote implies that throughout history, harnessing resentment has been a potent strategy for mobilizing support and influencing public opinion against established power structures.

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