Quote:
Originally Posted by Ducay
The point being made by Scott Adams wasn't that Trump's plan is better for the national debt, but rather in people's perceptions. If they see the current debt levels as unsustainable, then sticking with the status quo is perceived as risky in people's emotions. The candidate that promises change has the perceptual upper hand in such a case. This overaching reaction is why the incumbent party often loses the White House after a 2 term president.
Perhaps I misquoted in my follow-up, but his point has nothing to do with the actual impact of anyone's proposed plans, but all about emotion and perception. He makes it very clear he has no ability to accurately assess the outcome of policies, proposals, etc, just like every layman voter, but rather, looks at how perception and perceived risk play into people's decision making. His underpinning belief is that human's are not rational and will ignore facts and instead follow their emotions in voting.
A great example is the NDP in Alberta, and to a certain extent, Liberals in Ottawa. People voted with their emotions, not based on specifically which parties policies were best long term. People knew they wanted change and voted for it, even though to many, it made no sense based on policies and now regret it when those policies come to fruition (see: minimum wage battle, carbon tax).
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I agree with the point you are making. And I think its the very reason that Trump voters get piled on all the time. The implication is that people are going to vote for Trump based on feeling and perception and not fact. And I think that's what just about all of us agree on. If anything, that is what the republican party and Trump should be given credit for. Being able to stay on message no matter how absurd the message is. I often drop in these threads with small tidbits of things I hear from here in red 'murica. And they pretty much always revolve around those talking point type things. Rarely are they rooted in any substance or fact.
But lots of Americans (and seemingly everyone I interact with here in Okie land) have convinced themselves that Hilary is a very bad candidate and that Trump is the breath of fresh air that this country needs. It just leaves me speechless as I see Trump as the epitome of what is wrong with the country and Clinton as someone that while flawed has at least tried to make the country a better place over the last several decades.