Discourse Strategies in Action: Unpacking Wodak's Framework in the 2024 Presidential Debate between Trump and Harris

Abstract

This research employs Ruth Wodak's Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA) to analyze the linguistic strategies utilized in the 2024 US presidential debate featuring Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. This study utilizes a qualitative approach to scrutinize how candidates employ references and discussion techniques to secure public acceptance. The findings indicate that both candidates utilize references and communicate in a manner that establishes their identities and policies to engage with their targeted voter demographics. Harris emphasizes themes such as unity, reform, and inclusive governance, whereas Trump leverages populism and critiques the existing system, utilizing fear-based rhetoric to enhance his support. This analysis illustrates how their individual speaking methods reflect their unique historical contexts and approaches to securing public support in a difficult political environment.