Former President Donald Trump has maintained a gendered worldview in the final days of his campaign, presenting himself as the protector of women, despite facing criticism for his sexist language and behavior. Trump has campaigned with allies who have used derogatory language towards women and has made comments implying that women need protection, whether they like it or not. He has also made controversial remarks about the Democratic vice presidential nominee, Kamala Harris, suggesting that she would be overwhelmed by male authoritarian leaders if elected as the first woman president. Despite acknowledging that his language has caused trouble with some voters, Trump has continued to espouse his paternalistic views.
Trump’s campaign has been criticized for peddling outright sexism, with prominent allies like Tucker Carlson and Charlie Kirk making derogatory remarks about women who do not support Trump. At a recent rally, Trump laughed along with a crude joke about Harris and repeated false claims about her past, fueling gendered attacks against the vice president. Trump has faced a persistent gender gap since Harris entered the race, with women showing higher support for the Democratic nominee in various surveys. The gender gap could prove decisive in the close race as women make up a significant portion of the electorate and are more likely to vote than men.
Despite the gender gap, Trump has been aggressively courting men with a focus on crime and illegal immigration as key issues to win over male voters. His campaign believes that emphasizing security and denouncing transgender rights will resonate with male voters, particularly younger men. Trump’s machismo-dominated campaign has featured appearances by figures like Hulk Hogan and themes of masculinity at his rallies. His efforts to win back women voters have often been met with criticism, especially in light of his controversial Supreme Court nominations and restrictive abortion policies. Trump’s repeated statements about protecting women have been seen as paternalistic and dated by critics.
In response to Trump’s gendered attacks, Harris has highlighted his remarks in her speeches and online presence. She has sought to address the gender gap by reaching out to Black men, a demographic where Trump is making inroads. Harris has positioned herself as a candidate for all Americans, seeking to bridge the gender divide in the election. While Trump has touted his hiring of women in his campaign, he has continued to use gendered language against Harris, questioning her ability to handle international leaders and suggesting she would “melt down” if faced with tough decisions. Despite his controversial remarks and history of sexual misconduct allegations, Trump has emphasized his support among female voters at his rallies, while also acknowledging the need to tread carefully with his language towards women.
Trump’s campaign has focused on portraying him as a protector and strong leader, particularly in the face of perceived threats to women’s safety and security. His emphasis on crime and illegal immigration as key issues to win over male voters has been met with support from some attendees at his rallies, who appreciate his promise of protection. However, his paternalistic and gendered language has drawn criticism from opponents, who see his comments as outdated and offensive. The gender dynamics of the election are at play as Trump and Harris try to rally support among women and men, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing the diverse perspectives of voters in the final days leading up to Election Day.
