In "The Assault on Reason" by Al Gore, he contrasts the roles of leadership and demagoguery. He defines leadership as the ability to inspire individuals to confront and manage their fears, encouraging a positive, constructive approach to challenges. This form of guidance fosters resilience and thoughtful decision-making among people.

In stark contrast, Gore describes demagoguery as the manipulation of public fear for political purposes. This exploitation often leads to division and simmering tensions, undermining rational discourse. By highlighting this difference, he emphasizes the importance of true leadership in creating a thoughtful and engaged society rather than one driven by fear and opportunism.