
The Four Biggest Myths About Political Persuasion
Plain English with Derek Thompson
Repetition Alone is Not Enough
While repetition can enhance message retention, it is insufficient for effective persuasion in political contexts. People exhibit a negativity bias, leading them to remember negative information more clearly than positive. This suggests that continuously attacking an opponent may seem advantageous. However, familiarity with a well-known figure, such as Donald Trump, can make it challenging to shift voters' perceptions through repeated negative messaging. In contrast, less well-known candidates, like Kamala Harris, may be more susceptible to persuasion because voters possess less preconceived information about them. Hence, the effectiveness of strategy involves not just repetition but also the level of familiarity voters have with the subjects being discussed.