My book What Follows is True: Crescent Hotel chronicles the rise and fall of a notorious demagogue, Norman Baker who built a following through lies, conspiracy claims, simple answers to complex problems, and emotional appeals that encouraged people to trust him over facts and institutions. He divided the world into loyal supporters and enemies. His downfall came when journalists, experts, courts, public officials, and ordinary citizens worked together to expose falsehoods and hold him accountable. The lesson is simple: demagogues are defeated when people stay informed, defend independent institutions, reject misinformation, and act together to uphold truth and accountability.
