Smolar argues that the defeat of the Republicans in the US Midterm Elections stems from their inability to respond to societal issues and present solutions in a time where societies remain fearful of their future existence. According to Smolar, this shows that populists also fail at presenting specific and knowledge-based solutions. Rather, they present radical and ideological promises they cannot come after. Furthermore, these populist streaks of the Republicans stem from them having no current alternative than being Trump’s hostage.