The New York Times/Siena College poll found that a majority of men, 54 percent, believe that former President Trump respects women either “a lot” or “some.” In contrast, only 31 percent of women share this view. This difference in perception is important in an election that is likely to hinge on the gender gap between Trump, who garners more support from men, and President Biden, who leads among women. Trump currently has a 20-percentage-point lead among men, while Biden leads by 16 percentage points among women. Winning over women who are as anti-Trump as men are pro-Trump is crucial for Democrats in close races.
Interestingly, the perception of Trump’s respect for women has actually decreased slightly in recent years, as revealed by Times polling. While voters view Trump more positively on issues such as the economy and law and order, his standing on the matter of respecting women has dropped by four percentage points compared to the last time the question was asked in 2016. This decline could be an indicator of how voters’ opinions of Trump may change as he receives more news coverage, particularly regarding his treatment of women, which has been prominent in headlines recently.
Despite Trump’s controversial history with women, he continues to maintain strong support among male voters. In the most recent poll, 57 percent of men support Trump, with only 28 percent believing he does not respect women at all. Men like Ryan Canaday, an independent voter from Ohio, do not see Trump’s past behavior as a deterrent, with Canaday expressing his belief that Trump’s wealth may have influenced his actions. Casey Bates, a chef from Michigan, defended Trump by pointing to his appointments of women to high positions, indicating respect for women in his staffing choices.
The gender gap between Trump and Biden persists even among Republicans, with a significant disparity in how male and female Republican voters view Trump’s respect for women. While 85 percent of Republican men believe Trump respects women, only 72 percent of Republican women share that view. Some Republican voters, like Riley Glissendorf from Missouri, are turning toward Biden due to concerns about Trump’s treatment of women and his policies on issues like abortion rights. The Democrats hope to capitalize on these sentiments by focusing on issues like abortion rights and family care subsidies to attract anti-Trump voters, which are essential for their success.
As the Supreme Court considers Trump’s claim of presidential immunity, the outcome will determine if Trump faces trial for his actions in trying to overturn the previous election. Jack Smith, the special counsel, argues that a former president can be prosecuted for official conduct, presenting a significant legal challenge for Trump. The Court’s decision on this matter will also impact the possibility of a trial before the 2024 election. Expert observers are listening for clues from the justices on the complexity of the issue and whether a ruling will allow for a swift trial. The practical question looms of whether a trial can take place before the election, depending on the Court’s decision timing and the intricacies of the case.
