In a previous post we discussed how each individual has a “life script” which determines their general course through life, and how companies also have a “life script”, which determines how the company behaves at a holistic level.
In addition to the personal and company scripts, we can also identify life scripts that operate at a national level, i.e. we can identify the national script, or in other words, the script of the nation. This means that each nation operates according to a collective set of narratives, beliefs, and social practices that define its course over time. These scripts shape the nation’s internal dynamics and determine how it interacts with other countries.
Understanding the National Script
A national script encompasses the foundational myths, historical narratives, cultural values, and standardised social behaviors that together form a country’s identity. For instance, the American Dream, which promotes freedom, individualism, and the pursuit of success, is part of the United States’ national script. Similarly, Japan’s emphasis on harmony, respect, and collective well-being plays a central role in its own national narrative.
Understanding the national script provides insights into its policies, its future direction and the way it conducts itself on the world stage.
Challenges with National Scripts
While national scripts can be a source of strength, they also present significant challenges:
- Inflexibility: A rigid adherence to outdated scripts can hinder adaptation and progress. For instance, a country that clings to a narrative with a very strong sense of national self-identity may struggle to engage in a globalised world.
- Internal Disputes: As nations become more diverse, the original national script may not resonate with all groups, leading to tensions and social fragmentation.
- Misuse: Leaders may knowingly exploit the national script for political gain, misleading the public about their true intentions.
Being aware of the national script and the way it is playing out in the modern environment is essential to understanding the foundational health and durability of a country, just as understanding a person’s personal script is essential to understanding the practicability of their intended life direction.
Presidential Politics
In order to be a successful, a president must align their own personal life script with the dynamism expressed in the country’s life script, according to the current milieu and circumstances. In this way, the life of the president becomes synonymous with the national pulse of living, so that both are able to progress concurrently in the same direction.
Therefore, if we want to understand why someone would or would not be a good president, we need to understand the degree of alignment between the presidential candidate’s personal life script, and the nation’s life script, as expressed currently.
Based on this thinking, let’s ask ChatGPT why Donald Trump and Jo Biden may or may not be suitable for the presidency of the USA.
Shared chat link.
ChatGPT’s Assessment of Donald Trump
You
Explain the confluence between Donald Trump’s script and the script of the USA as a whole.
Script Analyst
To explore the confluence between Donald Trump’s personal life script and the national script of the USA, we need to consider both from the perspective of Transactional Analysis (TA). TA, developed by Eric Berne, offers a way to study and understand individual behavior and group dynamics through the analysis of scripted life plans and interactions.
Donald Trump’s Personal Script
Donald Trump’s life script, as observed through his actions, speeches, and decisions, seems to align with a narrative of assertiveness, ambition, and a strong desire to be recognized as successful and influential. This script is characterized by a strong “I’m OK – You’re OK” position when it comes to those who support or affirm his actions and ideologies. However, this can switch to an “I’m OK – You’re not OK” stance in adversarial interactions, demonstrating a win-at-all-costs mentality. His script appears to involve themes of overcoming obstacles, defeating opponents, and establishing dominance, which are reinforced by his frequent portrayal of himself as a self-made success, despite external challenges.
The Script of the USA
The national script of the USA, though diverse and complex, often features themes of individualism, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. It is a script that values democracy, the rule of law, and capitalism. The American Dream, a core component of this script, posits that anyone, regardless of background, can succeed through hard work and determination. This script also has elements of manifest destiny and exceptionalism, which have historically encouraged a proactive, sometimes interventionist, stance in global affairs.
Confluence and Conflicts
Confluence:
- Achievement and Success: Trump’s script resonates with the American value of success and achievement. His narrative of business success and overcoming barriers aligns with the American Dream.
- Dominance and Influence: His approach to leadership—assertive, decisive, and often unilateral—mirrors America’s historical script of global dominance and leadership.
- Resilience and Self-Reliance: Trump’s portrayal of his business career as a testament to personal resilience and self-reliance echoes a broader American admiration for these traits.
Conflicts:
- Inclusivity vs. Exclusivity: While the broader American script includes themes of equality and inclusivity, Trump’s often divisive rhetoric and policies may seem at odds with these values.
- Globalism vs. Nationalism: Whereas the traditional American script includes elements of international leadership and cooperation, Trump’s “America First” doctrine emphasizes nationalism, which can conflict with the roles expected by the international community.
- Rule of Law: The USA’s script heavily leans on the rule of law and democratic norms, but some of Trump’s actions, particularly those that challenge electoral and judicial processes, have raised concerns about adherence to this script.
Conclusion
The confluence between Donald Trump’s personal script and the USA’s national script is complex, marked by both alignment and discord. His narrative intersects with America’s historical themes of success, influence, and resilience but diverges in the interpretation of values like inclusivity and global cooperation. This analysis helps in understanding how individual leaders can both shape and be shaped by broader national narratives, and the tensions that arise when personal scripts and collective scripts interact.
ChatGPT’s Assessment of Jo Biden
You
Now explain the confluence between Jo Biden’s script and national script of the USA.
Script Analyst
To analyze the confluence between Joe Biden’s personal life script and the national script of the USA, we again turn to Transactional Analysis (TA) for a structured perspective. In TA, life scripts represent a series of unconscious relational patterns and beliefs that are predicted on early experiences and decisions, guiding future behavior and interactions.
Joe Biden’s Personal Script
Joe Biden’s life script can be characterized by resilience in the face of personal tragedy and a longstanding commitment to public service. His narrative often includes themes of empathy, perseverance, and dedication to collective well-being, reflecting a strong “I’m OK – You’re OK” dynamic that emphasizes cooperation and mutual respect. His approach is largely conciliatory and aimed at fostering unity and healing. This is particularly evident in his frequent calls for bipartisanship and his focus on restoring what he describes as the “soul of America.”
The Script of the USA
The national script of the USA, as previously mentioned, is steeped in ideals like freedom, individualism, democracy, and the pursuit of happiness. It is a narrative that champions the American Dream, suggesting that individual effort can lead to success and upward mobility. It also values resilience, innovation, and leadership on the global stage.
Confluence and Conflicts
Confluence:
- Empathy and Unity: Biden’s emphasis on empathy and healing aligns with America’s aspirational values of inclusivity and unity. His script resonates with the American ideal of forming a “more perfect union,” especially in times of division.
- Resilience and Recovery: His personal and political narratives of overcoming hardships resonate with the American script of resilience, reflecting the national ethos of bouncing back stronger from crises.
- Democratic Ideals and Rule of Law: Biden’s commitment to democracy, transparency, and the rule of law underscores core American constitutional values, reinforcing the script of a nation governed by laws rather than by individuals.
Conflicts:
- Progressivism vs. Tradition: While the American script includes progressive ideals, it also has deep-rooted conservative elements that may see Biden’s more progressive policies (e.g., on climate change, social justice) as a departure from traditional values.
- Globalism: Biden’s script includes a strong component of international cooperation and alliance-building, which, while traditionally American, contrasts with recent trends towards nationalism and isolationism that have also been part of the national discourse.
- Inter-generational and Cultural Divides: Biden’s approach and style might sometimes be at odds with younger, more radical elements within the broader American script that demand rapid and substantial changes, especially on issues like racial justice and economic inequality.
Conclusion
Joe Biden’s personal script of empathy, resilience, and dedication to democracy closely aligns with many aspects of the broader national script of the USA. His narrative complements traditional American values of unity, resilience, and adherence to democratic principles. However, as with any leader, there are areas of tension and divergence, particularly regarding the pace and scope of change, reflecting the diverse and evolving nature of the national script itself. This analysis highlights the dynamic interplay between a leader’s personal history and beliefs and the broader cultural and political narratives at play.
Swing Voters
On average, we can identify three types of voters in any election: voters who will always vote for one candidate, voters who will always vote for the other candidate, and swing voters, who may change their minds one way or the other.
Often, the majority of a politician’s efforts to win people over are directed at these swing voters. This is because the voters who will always vote for the politician are a given win, and there is virtually no point aiming rhetoric at the voters who will never vote for the politician, because nothing will change their minds. Therefore in order to get ahead, the politician must try to win votes from the swing voters who can indeed be persuaded to vote one way or the other.
Let’s ask ChatGPT which demographics would comprise the swing voters in a match-off of Jo Biden against Donald Trump for the presidency of the USA.
Shared chat link.
You
So now assess which elements of the electorate who will always vote for Trump, the elements of the electorate who will always vote for Biden, and the elements of the electorate who may swing based on these assessments.
Script Analyst
To assess the different segments of the electorate in relation to Donald Trump’s and Joe Biden’s personal scripts and their confluence with the national script of the USA, it is useful to categorize the voters into three main groups: those who consistently support Trump, those who consistently support Biden, and swing voters who may vary in their support based on the candidates’ alignment with the national script and their personal life scripts.
Elements of the Electorate Always Voting for Trump
- Emphasis on Personal Success and Dominance: Voters who value strong, assertive leadership and personal success as paramount are likely to resonate deeply with Trump’s narrative. His portrayal of himself as a self-made businessman who overcomes adversity appeals to those who admire resilience and self-reliance.
- Nationalism and America First Policy: Those who prioritize national interests, including strict immigration policies and economic nationalism, find a strong echo in Trump’s “America First” approach. His stance aligns with voters who feel that global cooperation might compromise U.S. sovereignty and economic growth.
- Resistance to Globalism and Preference for Unilateral Decision-Making: Voters skeptical of international alliances and interventions likely support Trump’s skepticism of globalism and his preference for unilateral, decisive actions over multinational agreements.
Elements of the Electorate Always Voting for Biden
- Values of Empathy and Unity: Biden’s emphasis on empathy, inclusivity, and healing aligns with voters who value a compassionate, unifying presidential demeanor. His approach attracts those who see America’s strength in its diversity and its capacity for collective action.
- Commitment to Democratic Ideals and Rule of Law: Voters who place a high premium on democratic governance, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law are drawn to Biden’s commitment to these principles. His respect for these processes contrasts with Trump’s often confrontational and norm-challenging behavior.
- Progressive Policies on Social Issues: Supporters of comprehensive reforms on climate change, social justice, and healthcare reform align with Biden’s progressive agenda, seeing it as essential to advancing the broader American script towards equality and sustainability.
Swing Voters
- Economic Policies and Management: Swing voters may oscillate based on their perception of each candidate’s ability to manage the economy effectively. Trump’s tax cuts and deregulation may appeal to those prioritizing economic growth and personal finance, while Biden’s focus on broader economic equality and support systems might attract those affected by economic disparities.
- Handling of Crises: The management of crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recessions, or international conflicts can significantly influence swing voters. Those who perceive Biden’s approach as too cautious or slow might lean towards Trump’s more direct, albeit riskier, strategies.
- Cultural and Generational Issues: Younger voters or those impacted by cultural shifts may swing based on how each candidate addresses issues like racial equality, women’s rights, and climate change. Biden’s progressive stances might attract them in some elections, but a desire for more radical changes could also lead to disillusionment with both candidates.
Conclusion
Understanding these electoral dynamics requires recognizing how each candidate’s personal script interacts with the national script and resonates with different voter segments. Trump’s narrative of success and dominance appeals to voters who value strong leadership and national sovereignty, while Biden’s focus on empathy and unity attracts those who prioritize inclusivity and democratic integrity. Swing voters’ preferences are influenced by specific issues and the candidates’ responses to ongoing challenges, reflecting the complex interplay of personal and national scripts in American political life.
Advertising Dollars
The expenditure on advertising in USA presidential campaigns runs into hundreds of millions of dollars, which cost is carried by the actual candidate. Effective use of advertising dollars can mean the difference between a successful campaign and one that fails to connect with crucial voters. Since each candidate has a finite amount of money at their disposal, it is essential for them to know where to direct their advertising efforts.
Typically, the candidates will especially target swing voters, who may be swayed by persuasive messaging.
Based on the above swing voter analysis, let’s ask ChatGPT how Donald Trump should best spend the advertising funds he has at his disposal, for the upcoming USA presidential campaign.
Shared chat link.
You
Given this analysis of swing voters, in what way should Trump best use his advertising dollars?
Script Analyst
Given the analysis of swing voters and the distinct aspects of Donald Trump’s personal script that resonate with segments of the electorate, his campaign would likely benefit from strategically allocating advertising dollars to emphasize certain themes that align closely with the concerns and values of these undecided or swing voters. Here are some strategic focuses for his advertising campaign:
- Highlight Economic Leadership and Success
Trump’s narrative as a successful businessman who champions economic growth through tax cuts and deregulation should be emphasized. Advertisements could focus on his past economic policies that led to job creation and higher GDP growth before the pandemic. This appeals to swing voters who prioritize strong economic management and might be concerned about their financial futures.
- Stress Resilience in Crisis Management
While handling crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Trump’s campaign should highlight moments where his decisions were seen as beneficial—focusing on vaccine development acceleration (Operation Warp Speed) and economic measures to mitigate downturns (like stimulus checks). By portraying these as direct, effective actions, he could appeal to those voters who felt Biden’s approach might be too cautious or bureaucratic.
- Promote National Security and Border Control
For swing voters concerned about national security and immigration, Trump should reinforce his commitment to strong borders and immigration reform. Advertisements could showcase his efforts to build border barriers and enforce immigration laws as protecting American jobs and reducing crime, tapping into the concerns about U.S. sovereignty and security.
- Capitalize on Cultural and Generational Themes
Trump could also address cultural and generational issues indirectly by promoting policies that resonate with conservative values, such as support for law enforcement, opposition to radical social movements, and advocacy for free speech against what he portrays as censorship by big tech. These issues can attract swing voters who may feel alienated by the progressive left but are not fully aligned with all traditional conservative positions.
- Use Targeted Digital and Social Media Campaigns
Understanding that swing voters are not a monolithic group, targeted advertising using digital platforms can allow for personalized messaging that resonates with specific concerns of subgroups within swing voters, such as independents, moderates, or those disillusioned with political extremes. These ads can highlight Trump’s strengths in a tailored manner, depending on demographic and regional analytics.
- Address Electoral and Judicial Integrity
Given concerns about the rule of law and electoral integrity, especially after controversial elections, Trump’s campaign could benefit from promoting a narrative of safeguarding elections and enhancing transparency, aiming to restore trust among voters concerned with these issues.
Conclusion
For Trump, using his advertising dollars to focus on a narrative of strong economic management, decisive crisis response, and commitment to national security and conservative cultural values could effectively address the concerns of swing voters. These strategic focuses not only play to his strengths but also directly challenge areas where some voters might feel Biden’s approach is lacking, thereby potentially swaying undecided voters in his favor.
Practical Advice
Probably the most telling comment from ChatGPT concerning where Donald Trump should direct his advertising dollars is in point 5 above:
- Use Targeted Digital and Social Media Campaigns: Understanding that swing voters are not a monolithic group, targeted advertising using digital platforms can allow for personalized messaging that resonates with specific concerns of subgroups within swing voters, such as independents, moderates, or those disillusioned with political extremes. These ads can highlight Trump’s strengths in a tailored manner, depending on demographic and regional analytics.
In other words, the swing voters identified by ChatGPT, do not comprise a monolithic group of people that can be effectively targeted using mass advertising to the general public. Instead, ChatGPT is recommending that the bulk of the advertising campaign revenue should be spent on targeted advertising, that addresses the individuals who may swing one way or the other, for very personal reasons.
For example this could involve:
- Economic Policies and Management: Targeting swing voters interested in economic growth, by emphasizing Trump’s success with tax cuts and deregulation via a professional platform like LinkedIn.
- Cultural and Generational Issues: Engaging younger voters by highlighting Trump’s initiatives for economic opportunities and free speech protections, using youth-oriented platforms like Instagram and Snapchat.
- Job Creation: Emphasising job creation in manufacturing-heavy states like Michigan, by using targeted ads on job boards for people looking for manufacturing related jobs.
In summary, by understanding the interplay between the presidential candidate’s individual life script and the holistic national script, we can create a framework for understanding voter dynamics in U.S. politics. Using this framework effectively can provide practical advice, for example in engaging swing voters, and allow a presidential candidate to precisely target the demographics that can bring them success.