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The Press Box

How Donald Trump Won With Semafor’s David Weigel

Nov 7, 2024
David Weigel, a Semafor journalist known for his insights on presidential candidates, dives into the dynamics of Trump's victory. They discuss how Twitter became a pro-Trump platform and its role in shaping campaign narratives. The conversation touches on the missed opportunities for Kamala Harris and the significance of podcast appearances in modern campaigning. Weigel emphasizes the need for Democrats to adapt their media strategies to engage effectively with voters in this evolving political landscape.
51:03

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Donald Trump's success was significantly influenced by his strategic manipulation of economic perceptions, framing Democrats as responsible for voters' struggles.
  • The campaign effectively utilized non-traditional media platforms like podcasts to create a personal connection with voters, bypassing mainstream media scrutiny.

Deep dives

Economic Perceptions as Key to Trump's Victory

The perception of the economy played a crucial role in Donald Trump's success during the election. Voters' memories of the economy were influenced by Trump's narrative, framing immigration as a primary cause for economic hardship. He claimed that economic conditions were improving, despite evidence to the contrary, which resonated with voters who felt neglected. This strategic manipulation of economic perceptions, combined with a story that painted Democrats as responsible for ongoing struggles, consolidated Trump's support among a diverse voter base.

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