The New Reality of Political Messaging: Populism, AI, and the Seven-Second Rule
- Cactus Crossfire
- Sep 5, 2025
- 3 min read
Politics in America has never been for the faint of heart, but today’s landscape is more combative, fragmented, and technologically advanced than ever before. In our latest episode of Cactus Crossfire (out Monday, September 8), we dig into how Donald Trump’s populist style, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the collapse of civil discourse have completely upended the rules of political engagement. What does this mean for voters, candidates, and the future of democracy? In the words of our podcast host, Eddie Ableser, "let's call it what it is."
Trump’s Influence: When Populism Becomes the Playbook
Donald Trump didn’t just disrupt the Republican Party; he rewrote the playbook for political messaging across the spectrum. His approach—aggressive, rhythmic, and unapologetically populist—has shaped not only his own base but even his opponents.
“Trump’s rhythmic, aggressive tone has influenced both Trump and Biden’s rhetoric,” observes Sisto Abeyta.
This isn’t just anecdotal. According to Pew Research Center, 65% of Americans say politics is more divisive than in the past, and a majority believe political leaders are more likely to use “harsh, negative language.” The demand for leadership that “cuts through the noise” is real. But at what cost?
The Seven-Second Rule: Why Civil Discourse Is Dying
Attention spans are shrinking. As Eddie Ableser points out, “If you don’t capture them for seven seconds, it’s over, right? Trump is the master of that, and certain Democrats are now getting into that space as well. But this is the new reality in which we live in.”
Research from Microsoft and TIME notes that the average human attention span dropped from 12 seconds in 2000 to just 8 seconds in recent years—less than a goldfish. Politicians aren’t adapting—they’re being forced to adapt. The result? Short, punchy, and often polarizing sound bites dominate the airwaves and our phones.
Machismo and the Crisis of Leadership
Americans are “starving for leadership,” Sisto argues, and they’re responding to assertive, even macho, messaging. The popularity of characters like Yellowstone’s John Dutton isn’t a fluke—it’s a reflection of what voters crave. But there’s a catch.
“How far can this macho rhetoric really carry, especially with women voters?” Eddie asks.
Data from the Brookings Institution shows that while men shifted toward more conservative, “strongman” candidates, women voters were turned off by the same tactics, leading to a significant gender gap in party identification.
The Democratic Dilemma: Adapt or Die
The Democratic Party faces a crossroads. Gavin Newsom’s aggressive tactics and use of AI are “catching fire,” according to Sisto, but the party as a whole risks being outmaneuvered.
As Eddie notes, “Democrats are going out here in fragmented sections, talking about what? Bathrooms. That’s what they talk about... That’s not the national narrative needs to be: why are our schools failing our children?”
Research from Gallup indicates that education and the economy are the top concerns for voters, yet Democrats’ focus on social issues is perceived as “tone-deaf” by many swing voters.
AI: The Double-Edged Sword
AI is transforming everything—from campaign flyers to social media posts. Sisto shares, “What AI has done is less than a minute. What used to take us 20, now it takes AI less than a minute.” But with this efficiency comes risk.
“Ultimately, AI will be that conspirator assassination of ideas and values upon the American public. It is our new Ides of March.” — Eddie Ableser
A recent Pew Research Center study found that 52% of Americans have difficulty distinguishing AI-generated content from real news, and a MIT study confirms growing confusion and mistrust.
What’s Next? A Call for Unity and Substance
The Cactus Crossfire team agrees: America needs leaders who can unite us around core issues—education, economic opportunity, and national identity. The era of sound bites and AI-generated spin is here to stay, but it’s up to voters and candidates alike to demand more.
“The Democratic Party needs to adapt its messaging to remain competitive, emphasizing the importance of national pride and identity.” — Sisto Abeyta
Conclusion
The new reality of political messaging is fast, aggressive, and technologically turbocharged. But it’s also an opportunity. As we said on the show, “Stay engaged, stay skeptical, and don’t settle for easy answers.” The future of American democracy depends on it.
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