How effective is political speak?

Political speech can be highly effective, but it often involves complexities and misrepresentations. Jeremy Weber, in conversation with Russ Roberts on the EconTalk podcast, explains that political speech frequently presents several factors as equivalent contributors to an issue, even when one factor is significantly more influential than the others. For example, he notes how rising oil production in 2018-2019 was primarily driven by higher energy prices, yet deregulatory efforts were also mentioned equally, despite being less impactful.

Roberts adds that the effectiveness of political speech often doesn't depend on the factual accuracy or the magnitude of the impact but rather on its salience and political impact. He cites the example of trade with China being blamed for cultural issues in the U.S. This claim, whether true or not, resonates powerfully with voters due to its emotional and political effectiveness, even if it is only a minor factor among many.

Thus, political speeches are tailored for their impact on the audience rather than their factual rigor, often emphasizing certain factors to sway public opinion 1.