When did populism become a dirty word?

In the U.S. “populism” does not always refer to a leader or a movement. However, the word has an uplifting connotation.

 The word “populism” has a reviving connotation in the United States, even though it is n’t always used to laud leaders or movements. The word “populism” has a reviving connotation in the United States, even though it is n’t always used to laud leaders or movements. 

In the U.S. “populism” does not always refer to a leader or a movement. However, the word has an uplifting connotation.