Harris, Trump, and the imaginary dog eaters

Why some lies have power, and how to respond.

Did it hurt Donald Trump to tell a false story about people eating dogs in Springfield, Ohio?

I don’t mean to ask if he was factually wrong; that question was already answered. City officials have affirmed there is no such report, and even the internet rumor that Trump claimed to have seen on TV was different from the story Trump told at Tuesday’s presidential debate. Nor do I mean to ask if he was morally wrong; the former president drew on a stereotype of immigrants that fit his narrative about them. You may draw your own conclusions.

My question is whether he was politically wrong. It’s become apparent that telling a lie or distortion has certain effects, which may include benefits for the speaker. A great deal depends on whether or how the other side responds.