the issues: rhetoric
In today’s highly polarized political environment, name-calling and derogatory remarks have become more frequent, playing a significant role in public discourse. Both Kamala Harris, the 2024 Democratic candidate, and Donald Trump, the 2024 Republican candidate, have been involved in this aspect of politics, though the frequency and nature of their involvement differ greatly. This essay examines the factual history of name-calling and untrue derogatory remarks made by both candidates during their political careers, highlighting how these behaviors have impacted the tone of American political discourse.
Donald Trump: A History of Name-Calling and Untrue Remarks
Donald Trump’s political career, beginning with his 2016 presidential run, has been marked by frequent use of name-calling and derogatory language directed at his opponents, members of the media, and even foreign leaders. Trump’s communication style often includes assigning demeaning nicknames to his adversaries and making unverified claims about their character or behavior. This has been a defining feature of his approach to politics, which he often frames as a way of "telling it like it is."
2016 Presidential Campaign: During his 2016 campaign, Trump became known for his use of derogatory nicknames for both fellow Republicans and Democrats. For instance, he labeled Florida Senator Marco Rubio as "Little Marco" and Texas Senator Ted Cruz as "Lyin’ Ted" during the Republican primaries. These insults were effective in drawing media attention and helping Trump define his opponents negatively. He also referred to his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, as "Crooked Hillary," suggesting without substantial evidence that Clinton was deeply corrupt. The nickname stuck throughout the campaign and was frequently repeated in Trump’s speeches, rallies, and social media posts.
Untrue Remarks About Opponents: One of the most infamous untrue remarks from Trump’s 2016 campaign was the claim that Clinton would “open the borders” and allow millions of undocumented immigrants into the country. While Clinton supported comprehensive immigration reform, this exaggerated claim misrepresented her policy position. Trump has also spread unverified conspiracy theories, such as the false assertion that Barack Obama was not born in the United States, a claim that gained traction during his early political forays.
Attacks on the Media: Throughout his presidency and subsequent campaigns, Trump has frequently targeted the media, labeling outlets such as CNN, The New York Times, and The Washington Post as "fake news." He has called journalists "the enemy of the people," a phrase that has been criticized for endangering press freedom and potentially inciting hostility against reporters. These remarks, while popular with his base, have been factually untrue in many instances, with major news organizations adhering to standard journalistic practices despite Trump’s accusations.
Name-Calling in the 2020 Election: During the 2020 campaign, Trump continued his name-calling tactics, referring to Joe Biden as "Sleepy Joe" to imply that Biden lacked the mental acuity and energy needed to serve as president. He also frequently called Kamala Harris "nasty," which he initially used to describe her sharp questioning during the Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court confirmation hearings. This term became a recurring theme in his attacks on Harris throughout the 2020 campaign, particularly after she became the Democratic vice-presidential nominee.
2024 Campaign: As Trump campaigns for a return to the presidency in 2024, his use of name-calling has not abated. He has repurposed the nickname "Crooked" for Joe Biden, referring to him as "Crooked Joe" and suggesting, without evidence, that Biden is corrupt. Trump has also taken aim at Harris, often implying that she is unqualified for the presidency, though these attacks frequently focus on her gender and race rather than substantive policy critiques. His use of such tactics continues to be a hallmark of his political style, despite widespread criticism for promoting division and misinformation.
Kamala Harris: Rare Use of Derogatory Remarks and Target of Name-Calling
Kamala Harris has not engaged in the same level of name-calling as Donald Trump throughout her political career. However, she has been the target of derogatory remarks from opponents and critics, particularly during her time as vice president and as a presidential candidate. While Harris is known for her sharp rhetoric, particularly on issues related to justice and equality, she has generally avoided personal insults or untrue derogatory statements about her political adversaries.
Senate Career and Political Rhetoric: As a U.S. senator and vice-presidential candidate, Harris was known for her tough questioning of political figures, particularly during Senate Judiciary Committee hearings. Her pointed questioning of former Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, for example, earned her both praise and criticism. While Harris’s style has been seen as aggressive by some, she generally focuses on policy-related issues and does not rely on personal insults.
Target of Name-Calling: Harris has been a frequent target of name-calling and derogatory remarks, particularly from Donald Trump and his allies. Trump labeled her "nasty" during the 2020 campaign and continued to use the term after she was elected vice president. Additionally, Harris has faced sexist and racist attacks throughout her career, including conspiracy theories questioning her eligibility for the vice presidency based on her ethnicity and immigrant background. These claims were unfounded, but they were spread widely in some conservative circles.
Campaign Rhetoric: Harris’s rhetoric during her campaigns has largely focused on policy critiques rather than personal attacks. In both the 2020 and 2024 campaigns, she has emphasized differences in policy positions between herself and her opponents, particularly on issues like health care, the economy, and civil rights. While she has been forceful in her critiques of Republican policies, she has generally refrained from making untrue or personal derogatory remarks about her political adversaries. For instance, during the 2020 vice-presidential debate, she criticized the Trump administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy but avoided making personal insults toward Vice President Mike Pence.
2024 Presidential Campaign: In her 2024 presidential campaign, Harris continues to focus on substantive policy debates rather than engaging in name-calling. Her campaign rhetoric has addressed issues such as health care reform, climate change, and protecting democratic institutions. While she has criticized Trump’s behavior, particularly his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, she has done so in terms of the threat to democracy rather than resorting to personal insults. Harris’s strategy contrasts sharply with Trump’s approach, which often centers on personal attacks.
Criticism of Harris's Rhetoric: Although Harris does not engage in name-calling, some critics have accused her of being divisive, particularly when she speaks about race and justice. Harris has been vocal in calling out systemic racism and advocating for reforms, which some conservative commentators argue fosters division. However, Harris frames her rhetoric as necessary to address long-standing inequalities, and she typically avoids personal insults or untrue remarks about her opponents.
Key Differences in Approach
Frequency and Use of Name-Calling:
Donald Trump: Trump frequently uses name-calling as a key part of his political strategy, often labeling opponents with derogatory nicknames that stick in the public consciousness. His insults range from "Sleepy Joe" for Joe Biden to "Crooked Hillary" for Hillary Clinton, and he often targets the media and other critics with similar language.
Kamala Harris: Harris has largely refrained from name-calling, focusing more on policy differences and systemic issues. While she has been criticized for her strong rhetoric on certain issues, she has avoided assigning derogatory nicknames to her opponents.
Untrue Derogatory Remarks:
Donald Trump: Trump has frequently made unverified or outright false claims about his opponents, contributing to misinformation and deepening political divisions. His claims about Hillary Clinton’s corruption or Joe Biden’s mental fitness, for example, have been widely debunked but continue to be repeated in his speeches.
Kamala Harris: Harris has not made a habit of spreading untrue or derogatory remarks about her opponents. While she is critical of her adversaries' policies, her critiques are typically grounded in policy disagreements rather than personal attacks or misinformation.
Public Perception and Criticism:
Donald Trump: Trump’s use of name-calling has been both criticized and celebrated, depending on the audience. His supporters often see his style as refreshing and authentic, while his critics argue that it degrades political discourse and contributes to division.
Kamala Harris: Harris’s avoidance of name-calling has helped her maintain a more professional tone, though she has faced accusations of divisiveness when addressing issues like race and justice. However, she has been the target of derogatory attacks far more often than she has issued them.
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris represent two starkly different approaches to political rhetoric when it comes to name-calling and untrue derogatory remarks. Trump’s political style is defined by his frequent use of personal insults and unverified claims, which has both energized his base and drawn widespread criticism for lowering the tone of political discourse. In contrast, Harris has largely refrained from engaging in personal attacks, focusing on policy critiques and systemic issues instead. While both candidates have faced criticism for their rhetoric, the nature and frequency of name-calling and untrue derogatory remarks clearly differ between them. Ultimately, these contrasting styles highlight broader differences in their political approaches and how they seek to connect with the American electorate.