This is an odd article because the main "demagogue" featured is John Bright who was more regarded as an economic and social reformer and great parliamentary orator.

He may have aroused strong passions but was far from a populist having lost his seat opposing the then popular Crimean War.

Just because a newspaper - presumably a politically opposed newspaper- once called him demagogue doesn't make him so. Especially odd as the article ends by defining demagogues as unable to face their opponents in debate - the very talent that John Bright is historically remembered for.