Nigel Farage, the leader of the U.K. Independence Party, is a true populist; Senator Bernie Sanders, the former U.S. presidential candidate who campaigned for Hillary Clinton after losing his battle for the Democratic Party's nomination, is not.

In this quote, Margaret MacMillan makes a distinction between two prominent political figures: Nigel Farage, leader of the U.K. Independence Party (UKIP), and Senator Bernie Sanders, the former U.S. presidential candidate. MacMillan argues that Farage is a true populist, while Sanders does not fit the same definition. This distinction is based on their political approaches and the way they engage with the masses. Populism typically refers to political movements or leaders that claim to represent the "ordinary people" against the elite or establishment, often using direct appeals to popular sentiment.

Farage is identified as a true populist because of his leadership in the Brexit movement, where he advocated for the United Kingdom's independence from the European Union. His political approach involved directly challenging the political elite and positioning himself as a voice for the people, particularly in opposition to the political establishment and globalism. Farage's rhetoric often involved strong, populist messages that resonated with voters seeking a shift away from traditional political structures.

On the other hand, MacMillan argues that Bernie Sanders does not embody the typical characteristics of a populist. Although Sanders campaigned on progressive ideas aimed at helping the working class and challenging economic inequality, he did so within the framework of the Democratic Party, often working with the political establishment. His campaign was centered around social and economic reforms rather than directly challenging the establishment in the way populists like Farage have. Sanders’ focus on systemic change within existing structures, rather than tearing them down, differentiates him from the more radical approach associated with populism.

Ultimately, MacMillan’s quote reflects her analysis of the different ways these leaders engage with their respective political systems. She suggests that Farage’s populism is defined by his direct challenge to the establishment and appeal to nationalistic sentiment, while Sanders focuses more on reform from within the existing system, which places him outside the conventional definition of populism.