and they'll all be convinced that, even if our Buzzy maybe has got a few faults, he's on the side of the plain people, and against all the tight old political machines, and they'll rouse the country for him as the Great Liberator {and meanwhile Big Business will just wink and sit tight!} and then, by God, this crook-oh, I don't know whether he's more of a crook or an hysterical religious fanatic-along with Sarason and Haik and Prang and Macgoblin-these five men will be able to set up a régime that'll remind you of Henry Morgan the pirate capturing a merchant ship.
In Sinclair Lewis's "It Can't Happen Here," the narrative explores the rise of a charismatic leader who presents himself as a champion of the common people, despite his apparent flaws. This leader, referred to as Buzzy, is depicted as someone who fights against the established political systems, thereby gaining popular support. His ability to connect with the masses is seen as pivotal in rousing the nation behind him, while powerful business interests remain untroubled by the political upheaval.
As the story unfolds, the leader and his associates, who are characterized as morally ambiguous, appear poised to create a governance reminiscent of piracy, where the rule is enforced not by justice but by manipulation and self-interest. The text raises concerns about the potential for democracy to be undermined by such figures who promise liberation while actually serving their own interests. This dynamic reflects a deeper commentary on the fragility of democratic ideals in the face of demagoguery.
