When Figurative Frames Decrease Political Persuasion: The Case of Right-Wing Anti-Immigration Rhetoric

The rhetoric used by right-wing anti-immigration politicians is considered important to their political success. Such commonly contains figurative frames with metaphor and/or hyperbole. In two experiments (n experiment1 = 411, n experiment2 407), we tested when and how such add the intense emotive character of statements subsequent persuasiveness. Results showed that different voters respond differently figuratively framed rhetoric: overall, perceived populist as more than nonfigurative statements, which caused boomerang effects decreasing persuasion. By contrast, were not persuaded rhetorical variations in statements. Our findings underscore can broaden gap between put motion further polarization our society.