How the Harris Campaign’s Messaging is Driving Voter Engagement on the Economy
October 28, 2024
November 19, 2024
In the final Election '24: Stories That Win report of the series, GROUND Media, in collaboration with Swayable, examined how the Harris campaign is addressing economic messaging to resonate with voters. The analysis focused on two ads that approach economic issues differently: one highlighting personal economic stories and the other centered on policy achievements. The findings reveal critical insights into what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to connecting with voters on this key issue.
Key Insights from the Analysis
- Personal Stories Outperform Policy Wins
One of the standout findings was the impact of personal storytelling. An ad featuring relatable, personal narratives about economic struggles and triumphs proved more effective than one focused solely on Harris’s economic policy record. Voters responded strongly to empathetic messaging that connected with their lived experiences, particularly in economically vulnerable regions. - Engagement Across Demographics
The personal storytelling ad resonated with a diverse range of voters, showing broad appeal across key demographics. It moved sentiment in swing states where economic anxiety remains a pressing concern. This suggests that relatable messaging is crucial for engaging voters who might otherwise feel disconnected from the campaign's broader economic platform. - Challenges with Policy-Centric Messaging
In contrast, the ad emphasizing Harris’s policy achievements on economic issues had a limited effect on voter sentiment. While it conveyed her qualifications, it failed to inspire the same level of engagement as the personal stories. This highlights the importance of balancing credibility with emotional resonance in campaign messaging.
What This Means for Campaign Messaging
These findings underscore the power of connecting with voters on a human level. Campaigns seeking to address complex issues like the economy need to prioritize empathy and relatability in their messaging. Data suggests that even in policy-heavy areas like economic reform, personal stories can cut through and drive engagement.
Take the Next Step
Curious about how these insights can inform your own strategies? Please reach out to Maddison Hughes at maddison@ground.media to set up a time to discuss how our methodology can be applied to your organization or cause. Let’s explore how research backed, authentic storytelling can help achieve your campaign's goals.
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