Normal vs. Weird: Political Messaging in Campaign Dynamics

This week, Matt and Brian delve into the new discourse, ignited by vice-presidential shortlister Tim Walz, about the inherent weirdness of MAGA leaders.

* What do Democrats mean when they say Republicans like Donald Trump and JD Vance are “weird”?

* How normal are Democrats, actually?

* Having drawn this line, can Democrats now concede anything to “weird” Republicans as they appeal to swing voters?

Then, behind the paywall, a wide-ranging discussion about whether this salvo, which has put Republicans back on their heels, entitles Walz to special consideration as Kamala Harris considers her running mate. Would Walz’s gruff, non-nonsense vibe more effectively balance the ticket than other, more moderate contenders? Does he offer lasting coalition unity, or just a bandaid on factional rifts that are bound to burst back open? Do data-rooted, Pennsylvania-centric considerations dwarf hazier ideas about which ticket makes the best avatar for the Democratic Party?

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Further reading:

* Greg Sargent on how the politics of immigration don’t all work to Republicans’ advantage.

* Brian on the downward (and likely very weird) spiral Republicans will enter if Harris claims a meaningful lead.

* Matt on how Harris can and should position herself as more moderate than Biden.