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The Politics of Self-Rationalization: How Trump and Harris Justify Their Campaign Narratives.

Self-rationalization is a psychological process in which individuals maintain a positive self-image by interpreting their actions and beliefs in ways that align with their identity. Instead of acknowledging biases, people often deny or downplay external influences, viewing their perspectives as logical and unbiased. This behavior is especially visible in the high-stakes realm of U.S. presidential campaigns, where candidates justify their actions to appeal to voters. The 2024 campaigns of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris offer prime examples of this, as both candidates rationalize their beliefs while denying biases that may influence their decisions.

Donald Trump’s Rationalization: Immigration and Legal Troubles.
Donald Trump has consistently rationalized his immigration policies by framing them as necessary for national security. During his presidency, Trump advocated for building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, portraying immigrants as threats to jobs and safety. He frequently embellished the severity of immigration problems, framing his policies as patriotic and essential for protecting American interests. Critics accused him of xenophobia, but Trump denied these claims, insisting his views were driven solely by the need to safeguard the country
In the 2024 campaign, Trump continues to justify his strict immigration policies, emphasizing the importance of securing borders and protecting the economy. He frames mass deportations and stricter laws as essential, downplaying accusations of racial bias by rationalizing these measures as vital for national survival.
Trump’s rationalization extends to his personal legal challenges as well. He frequently casts himself as a victim of political persecution, portraying the numerous investigations into his personal and financial dealings as part of a broader "witch hunt" aimed at silencing him and his supporters. During his 2024 campaign rallies, Trump has framed these legal troubles as unjust attacks from the "deep state" and Democrats, insisting he is "the most innocent man in the history of our country." By rationalizing these legal issues as politically motivated, Trump sidesteps accusations of wrongdoing and bolsters his image as a martyr fighting for the people.

Kamala Harris’ Rationalization: Criminal Justice and Immigration.
Kamala Harris also exhibits self-rationalization in defending her political record, especially regarding her time as a prosecutor. Harris has been criticized for her tough-on-crime policies, which some argue contributed to systemic racial inequality. However, she rationalizes her decisions as necessary for public safety, denying that they were influenced by the racial biases inherent in the justice system. By framing her past actions as essential for law and order, Harris presents herself as a balanced leader, avoiding acknowledging the racial impact of her policies.
Harris’s stance on immigration reform reveals a similar pattern of rationalization. In her 2024 campaign, she has emphasized her commitment to humane immigration policies, such as pathways to citizenship. When criticized for her administration’s handling of immigration crises, Harris reframes the issue, focusing on the challenges of balancing border security with compassion. She denies that her administration’s failures are due to mismanagement, instead attributing the problems to broader systemic issues. By rationalizing these shortcomings as a product of larger challenges, Harris maintains her image as a compassionate and competent leader.

Rationalization in Campaign Rhetoric.
Both Trump and Harris demonstrate the tendency to embellish their beliefs while downplaying the biases that influence their perspectives. Trump frequently rationalizes his policies and personal conduct as efforts to protect the country and fight political corruption. His portrayal of himself as a victim of political persecution allows him to frame his legal troubles as politically motivated, further strengthening his narrative.
Meanwhile, Harris rationalizes her past and current policies by emphasizing her commitment to public safety and compassionate reform. She portrays her positions as virtuous, dismissing opposing viewpoints as obstructionist or oversimplifying the complexities of policy debates. By rationalizing her actions in this way, Harris avoids fully engaging with the legitimate concerns of her critics.

Conclusion: The Power of Rationalization in Politics.
The 2024 presidential campaigns of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris illustrate the powerful role self-rationalization plays in politics. Both candidates rationalize their beliefs in ways that allow them to maintain a positive self-image, denying the biases and external influences that shape their views.