Jennifer Mercieca

Joining the discussion is Jennifer Mercieca, a Texas A&M University professor and expert on rhetoric, especially right-wing and fascist tropes. She dives into the alarming implications of Donald Trump’s recent incendiary remarks about military force, threats to public figures, and expansionist nationalism. Mercieca highlights how such rhetoric normalizes authoritarian tactics, reshapes public perceptions, and could lead to a troubling future for American democracy. Her insights underscore the serious risks of capitulating to coercive language in political discourse.

Dr. Jennifer Mercieca, a communication and journalism professor and author of "Demagogue for President," delves into the power of political framing. She explains how politicians and the media manipulate language to shape public perceptions and influence opinions without our awareness. The conversation highlights the subtlety of framing, using examples like tax discourse and historical instances from the Federalist Papers. Jen offers insights on countering these narratives and explores the ethical implications of framing strategies in political communication.

Jennifer Mercieca, a political communications professor, discusses the bold campaign ad by Kamala Harris that uses Donald Trump's own quotes on abortion to highlight the grim consequences of GOP policies. They explore how this ad resonates with women’s experiences and taps into a cultural moment that could significantly boost voter motivation. Mercieca emphasizes the potential for mobilizing women in the post-Dobbs era, illustrating the powerful intersection of misogyny and political rhetoric in shaping voter engagement.