How have Populists been viewed in America in the past?

by jcaseys34

This election cycle is the first time in my lifetime at least that we've had a mainstream candidate(s) in Sanders and Trump be called populists. However, when I hear them called this it's commonly meant as an insult, saying that they're running on a bunch of feel good speeches instead of honest, realistic policies. Has the term "populist" always had such negative connotations?

WARitter

Please note that while this question was prompted by contemporary politics, the 20-year rule remains in effect. Please discussion -historical- populist movements in America rather than discussing whether Sanders or Trump are actually populists, etc.