Chapter 13: How Trump radicalizes debate to sway opinion

"According to the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, where Overton served as vice president, the concept is a model that explains how ideas can change in societies over time and influence policy. The window represents the space in which proposals are considered acceptable and legitimate, so they do not cause alarm. However, this space is not fixed; it can shrink or expand over time depending on the debates and issues introduced into public discourse."

"Since entering politics, Trump has understood that to implement unconventional measures, it is important to radicalize popular debate with proposals and statements that shock. This initial exaggeration is the first step before gradually convincing the public. If he ultimately executes only part of what he proposes, the negative impact is greatly reduced or can even cause for relief. I will build a wall, and I'll have Mexico pay for it. That was one of Trump's first experiments to expand the Overton Window in 2016."

"He pushed the immigration debate to such extremes that it was hardly surprising when he entered the White House banning citizens from several Muslim-majority countries or when 451 miles (727 kilometers) of wall were constructed in his first four years (with the U.S. ultimately paying for the entire project). In his second term, Trump has once again used the Overton Window to shape public debate before taking economic, foreign policy, domestic, and homeland security measures."

Overton Window represents the range of policy proposals considered acceptable and legitimate and can expand or contract depending on public debate. Radical, shocking proposals can intentionally expand that window, making previously unacceptable measures seem plausible. Trump has repeatedly used exaggerated promises and provocative statements to shift debates, exemplified by the 2016 pledge to build a wall and have Mexico pay, which reframed immigration discussions and preceded travel bans and construction of 451 miles of wall funded by the U.S. In later terms he employs jokes, gaffes, stop-start measures, offhand official remarks, and disinformation to normalize extreme proposals before enacting partial or moderated policies.

Read at english.elpais.com