On Campaigning on Climate Change

From the perspective of a member of the blue team, nothing makes Trump look more ridiculous than his argument that climate change is a Chinese hoax. It would be both truthful and emotionally satisfying, therefore, to run commercials juxtaposing natural disasters with Trump throwing paper towels and making absurd statements about the weather. But is that an effective campaign strategy?

As a device to motivate wavering members of Gen Z to go to the polls, maybe. Most swing voters, however, are going to make their November decision based on self-interest. If you want to reach them, you have to explain concisely how climate change drives up their costs and risks, and how fighting it is consequently in their best short-term financial interests, not just an act of altruism for future generations.