Beware of our own biases

In a polarized environment, we’re all drawn to information that confirms our beliefs. For campaigns and political observers, this creates a risk of tunnel vision, ignoring the broader electorate’s realities. Put another way, public affairs professionals can get so focused on the details that sometimes we miss the big picture.

Our pre-election research highlighted the stark prioritization of the economy. It wasn’t just a top issue, it dominated voters’ concerns in swing states. Recognizing this required stepping back from assumptions and closely examining what motivated voters.

As economist Daniel Kahneman reminds us, overcoming cognitive bias requires “slow thinking”—a deliberate effort to question assumptions, analyze findings critically, and avoid snap judgments. This approach can help campaign stay grounded in voters’ realities.