Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are competing to win over voters in the U.S. Presidential race. In this episode, I explore how these two politicians use persuasive techniques in their speeches to position themselves and their opponents in voters’ minds.
Ethos (Credibility):
- Trump highlights defeating ISIS and working with respected figures to enhance his credibility.
- Harris draws on her role as Attorney General and her work on behalf of middle-class families to build trust.
Arete (Moral Virtue):
- Trump emphasizes his resolve and commitment to serving Americans.
- Harris speaks about standing up for justice and democracy.
Phronesis (Practical Wisdom):
- Both candidates present policies that sound like practical solutions, from Trump promising economic recovery to Harris advocating for job creation.
Goodwill (Eunoia):
- Harris uses inclusive language, promising to be “a president for all Americans” regardless of party, race, gender, or background, extending goodwill toward the entire electorate.
- Trump echoes a similar sentiment, stating, “I’m running to be a president for all of America, not half of America,” in an attempt to unite the country under his leadership.
Storytelling (Narrative Techniques):
- Trump uses vivid imagery, as seen when he recounts raising his clenched fist and the crowd roaring with pride, which engages listeners emotionally and builds a connection with his audience.
- Harris shares personal stories about her family, particularly her mother’s journey to the U.S. from India, which paints her as someone with relatable, inspiring roots and builds emotional resonance.
Anaphora (Repetition at the Beginning of Clauses):
- Trump frequently uses repetition to drive his points home, such as in phrases like “We will restore patriotism to our schools; we will restore law and order to our streets.”
- Harris similarly repeats phrases like “We are not going back, we are not going back,” to emphasize her commitment to progress and highlight the stakes of the election.
Hyperbole (Exaggeration for Effect):
- Trump describes his term as producing “the greatest economy in the history of the world” and claims that his leadership will bring “the four greatest years in American history.”
- Harris uses hyperbole when she calls America “the greatest democracy in the history of the world” and promises to write “the next great chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told.”
Contrast (Highlighting Differences):
- Trump paints a stark contrast between his leadership and Biden’s, stating, “We rise together, or we fall apart,” emphasizing the urgency and framing his opponent as leading the country into decline.
- Harris contrasts her leadership with Trump’s, stating that while she offers tax cuts for the middle class, Trump offers tax hikes, presenting herself as the candidate for working families.
Patriotism (Appeal to National Identity):
- Trump constantly invokes patriotism, stating, “Together, we will lead America to new heights of greatness,” appealing to the idea of restoring America’s national pride and identity.
- Harris, similarly appeals to patriotism by talking about building a future defined by freedom, opportunity, and fairness, emphasizing shared American values and ideals.
Positioning and Contrast:
- Both candidates contrast themselves with the other, positioning themselves as protectors of American values and accusing the other of being a threat.
- Trump positions Democrats as corrupt and dangerous, while Harris paints Trump as a threat to democracy and justice.
Conclusion:
- The episode emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and understanding the techniques used in political rhetoric to avoid falling into biases like confirmation bias.
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