During the period discussed in Steven Levitsky's "How Democracies Die," a significant and controversial figure was Father Charles Coughlin. He was a Catholic priest known for his extreme nationalist views and anti-Semitic rhetoric, which he promoted through his popular radio broadcasts. His program attracted a massive audience, reaching up to forty million listeners each week, highlighting the influence he wielded during this time.

Coughlin's prominence illustrates how media can amplify extremist views and contribute to the erosion of democratic values. His ability to attract such a large following indicates the potential for dangerous ideologies to gain traction in society, raising concerns about how democracy can be compromised when hateful rhetoric is permitted to flourish in public discourse.