I think that was Richard Prior- maybe while he was running down the street on fire.

I would agree both liberals and conservatives shoot for the lowest common denominator to collect their core of partisan support.   Liberalism has come to mean permissiveness for instance, not the insight that comes from broad experiences and/0r serious intellectual studies, the arts, leadership.   While that should mean elite in a positive way, it doesn't attract people whose lives don't value the same things (which is the majority).  

So both sides give lip service to populist views.   It's politics, it's superficial, it wins elections.  I have to wonder if Americans  really want exceptional/elite leadership or, if they would trust them.   Success is often burdened with jealousy and resentment.