Facebook is interesting this week. I’ve had people tell me that they are terrified of Trump being elected and others say they are worried about Harris winning. I think they’re being honest . But what are they afraid of? I asked ChatGpt to compare talking points to better understand the effect that political narratives have on people. The following is the response from ChatGPT to my question .

Why so afraid ?

Both political parties often use fear-based messaging to rally supporters, though the specific issues they focus on differ. Here’s a look at some common talking points from each side and how they compare:

1. Threat to Democracy / Loss of Rights

• Left’s Perspective: Many on the left emphasize that conservative policies and voter restrictions are threats to democracy, arguing that disenfranchisement, gerrymandering, and restrictive voting laws suppress voices, particularly among minorities and younger voters. They argue this could lead to authoritarianism.

• Right’s Perspective: Conservatives often argue that “left-wing radicalism” and policies like packing the Supreme Court, expanding the role of government, or undermining traditional institutions threaten freedom and democracy. Many also claim that measures like mail-in voting compromise election integrity.

• Comparison: Both sides are framing their narratives around the idea of democracy being at risk—either from restrictions that hinder free elections or from perceived overreach and changes in democratic processes. Both sides use this argument to emphasize the urgency of voting for their party to “preserve democracy.”

2. Economic Stability / Collapse

• Left’s Perspective: Progressives argue that unchecked corporate power, income inequality, and tax policies favoring the wealthy will erode the middle class and increase poverty, leading to economic collapse. They often emphasize fears about healthcare costs, student debt, and minimum wage stagnation, suggesting that conservative policies exacerbate these issues.

• Right’s Perspective: Conservatives typically argue that left-leaning economic policies, such as high taxes, increased regulations, and government spending, will lead to debt, inflation, and even a fiscal collapse. They frame progressive policies as a path to socialism, which they suggest would destroy economic freedoms and lead to government control of the economy.

• Comparison: Both sides highlight fears of economic instability—progressives focus on the need for fairer wealth distribution and protections for workers, while conservatives warn of the dangers of overregulation and debt. Each side argues that the other’s economic approach will ultimately harm Americans’ financial security.

3. Crime and Safety

• Left’s Perspective: Progressives argue that reducing systemic issues, such as poverty, mental health issues, and lack of community resources, is crucial to lowering crime. They often suggest that conservative “tough on crime” policies fail to address these root causes and can lead to police violence and injustice.

• Right’s Perspective: Conservatives focus on rising crime rates, arguing that progressive policies on policing and criminal justice reform (such as defunding the police or lenient bail reform) create environments where crime can thrive, thus endangering communities.

• Comparison: Both sides are emphasizing public safety but differ on the solutions. The left attributes crime to systemic and social issues, while the right focuses on law enforcement and tougher punishment. Each side suggests that the other’s approach will lead to a less safe society.

4. Moral and Cultural Values

• Left’s Perspective: Progressives often warn of a loss of individual rights related to gender, sexuality, reproductive health, and racial equality if conservatives maintain influence. They argue that right-wing policies aim to roll back progress on these fronts and lead to discrimination.

• Right’s Perspective: Conservatives argue that progressive views, especially on issues like gender identity in schools, religious freedom, and traditional values, undermine cultural and family values. They suggest that liberal policies infringe on religious rights and promote a cultural shift that alienates traditional norms.

• Comparison: Both sides fear the erosion of values they hold important. The left fears a regression on personal rights and equality, while the right fears a breakdown of traditional societal structures and religious freedoms. Both sides position the other’s policies as extreme, shaping the narrative that the country’s moral foundation is at risk.

5. National Security / Global Standing

• Left’s Perspective: The left warns that unilateralism, weakened alliances, and failure to address climate change are national security risks that could isolate the U.S. and harm global standing. They argue that conservative resistance to international agreements and climate action could lead to long-term instability and conflict.

• Right’s Perspective: Conservatives focus on issues like border security and military strength, warning that lenient immigration policies and “globalist” views could weaken national sovereignty. They argue that progressives’ open-border policies and de-emphasis on defense make the U.S. vulnerable.

• Comparison: Both are concerned with national security but emphasize different threats. Progressives fear isolation and environmental dangers, while conservatives fear immediate physical threats, such as border security. Each claims that the other’s approach will weaken the nation.

In each case, both sides use fear to drive urgency among their followers, framing the other’s policies as immediate or existential threats. While the issues themselves vary, the strategy of creating a “now-or-never” atmosphere is shared across the political spectrum, with each side casting the other as extreme to reinforce loyalty among supporters.

What do you think? Are you anxious?