By Jeffrey McCrum
In the heated run-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election, language is becoming a key weapon. Campaigns are increasingly focused on framing their opponents with powerful, loaded words. The battle of "woke" versus "weird" has become a central theme, influencing how candidates are portrayed to voters.
"Woke" as a Label
Republicans have embraced "woke" as a way to dismiss Democratic policies, using it to brand progressives as out-of-touch with mainstream America. While “woke” originally meant having an awareness of social issues, it now carries a negative connotation in political attacks; everything from corporate DEI policies to concern about climate change has been derisively described as “woke.”
Democrats’ Use of "Weird"
Popularized by Minnesota Governor and VP candidate Tim Walz, Democrats have, in turn, weaponized the term "weird" to suggest that Republicans are straying too far from the norm. By emphasizing issues like election denial and extreme policies on social matters like abortion and IVF treatment, they aim to paint the GOP as disconnected from what the public finds acceptable.
Campaign Strategy or Noise?
This name-calling, while effective for rallying political bases, raises questions about its impact on public discourse. Are these terms helping voters make informed decisions, or do they simply distract from meaningful policy discussions? In political PR, framing the narrative is essential, but campaigns must balance catchy labels with real substance to maintain credibility.
Ultimately, both sides know the power of words, and voters will be left to decide which narrative resonates.
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