Policy Speaks Louder Than Words

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Policy presentations in political discourse serve not just to inform, but to shape voter perceptions of candidates. Kamala Harris's strategic positioning during her public appearances highlights the importance of signaling identity to an unfamiliar electorate. By framing her stance on policies like abortion and fracking in a manner that aligns with centrist values and the prevailing sentiments of local constituents, she aimed to connect with moderate voters and transmit a message of trustworthiness and relatability. This approach reflects a deliberate effort to distance herself from the extremes, echoing Joe Manchin's centrist philosophy. Harris utilized policy discussions to establish a moderate image, aligning her economic proposals with familiar Democratic themes while subtly acknowledging bipartisan elements. This method illustrates how policy communication can function as a tool for electoral strategy, focusing on building a recognizable identity that resonates with key demographics, particularly in swing states like Pennsylvania.

Tuesday night was the first — perhaps the only — debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. And it proved one of Harris’s stump speech lines right: Turns out she really does know Trump’s type. She had a theory of who Trump was and how he worked, and she used it to take control of the collision. But this was a substantive debate, too. The candidates clashed on abortion, health care, the economy, energy, immigration and more. And so we delve into the policy arguments to untangle what was really being said — and what wasn’t.

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This episode of “The Ezra Klein Show” was produced by Claire Gordon. Fact-checking by Michelle Harris, with Kate Sinclair and Jack McCordick. Our senior engineer is Jeff Geld. Our senior editor is Claire Gordon. The show’s production team also includes Annie Galvin, Rollin Hu, Elias Isquith, Kristin Lin and Aman Sahota. Original music by Isaac Jones. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The executive producer of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.