Harris vs. Trump: Contrasting Campaign Speaking Styles

In the lead-up to the presidential elections, the communication strategies of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have been starkly contrasted. This analysis examines their unique speaking styles and how these reflect their respective campaign messages. Kamala Harris maintains a disciplined delivery, repeatedly emphasizing her slogan of moving forward with 'Let’s not go back.' Her approach demonstrates a commitment to clarity, as she sticks closely to her script with very few diversions. By contrast, Donald Trump’s speaking style is marked by improvisation and fluctuation, as he often deviates from his prepared remarks. Recent analysis utilizing AI has shown these differences significantly manifest in their rhetoric. Over a month’s worth of speeches, both candidates showcased varied repetition in phrases, with Harris utilizing over 80 instances concerning the Affordable Care Act, while Trump refrained from such repetition, instead opting for riffs on the same theme without exact repetition. This improvisational style, however, has drawn scrutiny for often leading to exaggerations about statistics related to crime rates, particularly in Venezuela, where he cites unverified figures without evidence. Meanwhile, Harris has faced backlash regarding her evolving stance on fracking, which reflects the pressures politicians may face in adapting to public opinion. These contrasting styles not only reflect their individual backgrounds but also the nature of their campaigns as they strive for voter support in a polarized political environment. Understanding these dynamics provides crucial insights into the changing landscape of political communication.