[zArtLaffer]

That was populist pandering based on some sensationalist fictions. Getting personal political gain by capitalizing on outrage ginned up through the activities of several yellow journalists. Some of the worst (not the only!) behavior in the name of progressivism in our (American) history.

For the record, I used to really like this guy, until I read more about the era from some real (not high-school) history books and analysis pieces.