Acknowledge Truths to Strengthen Opposition

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Recognizing the merits of opposing viewpoints can strengthen one's position in a debate. Acknowledging that Donald Trump presented some valid points regarding China policy, specifically his skepticism and tariffs on Chinese goods, establishes a basis for constructive criticism rather than outright dismissal. While Trump's broader tariff approach may have been flawed and economically misguided, the Biden administration's strategic alignment over China, including keeping some of Trump's tariffs and advancing further measures, indicates an evolution in policy. This shift, while a critique of Trump's approach, requires the acknowledgement of his impact on the political discourse surrounding China. Admitting that Trump successfully shifted perceptions about China, even if his methods were questionable, creates a stronger argument against his overall policies. A nuanced understanding of the specificities within trade policies, such as targeting particular industries instead of applying broad tariffs, presents a more credible and informed stance. Enhancing one's argument through recognition of an opponent's valid contributions can ultimately foster a more persuasive dialogue.

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.