… In the immediate post-debate analysis, observers concluded that Clinton had played the policy wonk, more comfortable discussing the specifics of her proposals than articulating broader rhetorical themes. …
Trump brought no laundry list. He repeated the central theme of his campaign — “I want to make America great again” — but demonstrated little command of facts and policies. …
Clinton and Trump were playing to type. In our new book, “Asymmetric Politics: Ideological Republicans and Group Interest Democrats,” we show that Democratic candidates run by appealing to group identities, emphasizing policy specifics and promoting a pragmatic approach to governing. Republicans, on the other hand, rely on broad ideological themes and vow to stick to their principles rather than compromising with the opposition. CONT.
Matt Grossmann (Michigan State ) & David A. Hopkins (Boston College), The Monkey Cage