Polls say Trump lost the debate. What’s his strategy now?
Sep 13, 2024
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Aaron Blake, a senior political reporter, teams up with Isaac Arnsdorf, a political reporter focused on Trump and the MAGA movement. They dissect Trump’s post-debate strategies and the fallout from misleading statements about Haitian migrants. The duo examines how misinformation can shape political narratives and influences voter behavior. They also discuss the significance of celebrity endorsements, like Taylor Swift's, and how they impact Trump’s outreach, especially among younger male voters.
Endorsements from figures like Taylor Swift could influence conservative voters, possibly bolstering support for Kamala Harris in the upcoming election.
Trump's use of misinformation about Haitian migrants reflects a strategy to galvanize his base but raises concerns about societal implications.
Deep dives
Impact of Endorsements on the 2024 Campaign
Endorsements from notable figures like Taylor Swift and Dick Cheney could significantly influence the 2024 presidential campaign, particularly for Kamala Harris. These endorsements may encourage conservative voters to re-evaluate their stance, potentially leading some to support Harris or abstain from voting if they feel uncomfortable with Donald Trump. The discussion highlighted how these endorsements might be providing a 'permission structure' for voters to consider alternatives. As a result, there is a growing interest in voter registration linked to this momentum, which may bolster Harris's campaign.
Debate Aftermath and Its Implications
The recent debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump revealed contrasting performances and expectations, with polls indicating a strong showing for Harris. A CNN poll indicated that 63% of viewers considered Harris to have won the debate, marking one of the largest margins seen in decades. Despite Harris's positive momentum, Trump's core support and favorable views on issues like the economy remain intact, raising questions about the debate's actual impact on the race. The post-debate analysis underscores the challenges both campaigns face in moving public opinion in a polarized political environment.
Controversial Statements and Misinformation Strategies
The podcast addressed the controversy surrounding Trump's claims about Haitian migrants, which stemmed from unsubstantiated sources, leading to widespread misinformation. Trump's rhetoric has increasingly dehumanized immigrants, aligning with a broader strategy to galvanize his base by portraying them as threats. While this tactic has not yielded positive electoral results for Republicans in the past, the Trump campaign continues to emphasize such narratives in hopes of rallying support. The potential consequences of utilizing inflammatory language were underscored by real incidents linked to this rhetoric, highlighting the serious societal implications.
Senior political reporter Aaron Blake talks with Isaac Arnsdorf, a political reporter covering Trump and the MAGA movement, about what Trump advisers have been saying in the days after the debate. They also dig into whether misinformation Trump is spewing about Haitian migrants eating domestic pets in Springfield, Ohio – claims which are not true – is a useful talking point for his campaign.
Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and Mary Jo Murphy.
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