Economic Narratives in Political Campaigns

Trump constructs a narrative centered around portraying a dire economic condition, claiming that everything is fundamentally awful. This narrative resonates with voters due to their personal experiences linked to price changes during the pandemic, which evoke negative emotions every time they make a purchase. His storytelling benefits from a tangible backdrop of rising prices, making it relatable and compelling. In contrast, Harris's economic narrative is less clear and more vague. She alludes to price increases as a result of corporate price gouging but does not strongly engage with economic issues. Instead, she emphasizes the chaos associated with Trump’s leadership as a reason for her candidacy, which may cause her to avoid detailing economic policies extensively. Consequently, Trump’s narrative may have a more significant impact by tapping into the emotional landscape of voters, while Harris's refraining from a strong economic stance could dilute her appeal on these matters.