COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES OF KAMALA HARRIS AND DONALD TRUMP IN THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES AND IMPLEMENTATION

Abstract

The 2024 presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump provided a striking example of the use of diverse communication strategies in political discourse. This study examines in detail the rhetorical and linguistic tools used by both candidates, focusing on their methods of persuasion, audience engagement, and strategic argumentation. Kamala Harris emphasized empathy, consistency, and policy detail, which allowed her to portray herself as a compassionate and grounded leader capable of addressing complex social and economic challenges. Donald Trump, in turn, relied on the power of populist rhetoric, confidence, and simplicity of expression, which allowed her to effectively appeal to voters’ emotions and strengthen their loyalty. The analysis of the Donald Trump and Kamala Harris debates not only demonstrates the contrast between these two approaches but also allows us to identify key aspects of effective political communication in high-stakes situations. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the strategic use of language to influence public opinion. In addition, the study highlights important areas for further analysis, such as the long-term impact of rhetorical devices on voter behavior, as well as their role in shaping political culture, which allows us to assess how different approaches to communication can affect the stability of democratic processes and public trust across society.