What’s really behind America’s men v women election

In the United States, there is a significant divide between how men and women view the upcoming presidential election. Donald Trump has a strong following among male voters, while Kamala Harris is favored by a considerable number of women. This gender gap in political preferences is not just a minor detail; it could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the election. Kamala Harris, who is making history as the first woman of color to secure a presidential nomination, is striving to present herself as the best candidate for the job. In a recent interview with CNN, she stated, 'I am running because I believe that I am the best person to do this job at this moment for all Americans, regardless of race and gender. ' Despite her efforts to downplay her identity, the issue of gender is becoming increasingly prominent in this election cycle. The idea of having a woman president is exciting for many voters, but it also makes some people uncomfortable. The Harris campaign is aware that there may be 'hidden sexism' influencing some voters' decisions, which could prevent them from supporting a female candidate. In 2024, it is not socially acceptable for someone to openly admit that they do not believe a woman is fit for the presidency, yet many individuals still express their biases through social media. A Democratic strategist pointed out that when voters claim Harris is not 'ready' or lacks the right 'personality,' they may actually be expressing their discomfort with her being a woman. Liz Cheney, a Congresswoman who has criticized Trump for his misogynistic behavior, is working with Harris to appeal to Republican women. On the other hand, the Trump campaign insists that gender is irrelevant to their strategy. They argue that Harris is simply 'weak, dishonest, and dangerously liberal,' and that these qualities will lead to her rejection by the American public on Election Day. A senior adviser to Trump expressed confidence in their chances, citing the male gender gap as a significant advantage. Looking back at the last presidential election, when Hillary Clinton was the Democratic nominee, it is clear that negative attitudes toward her gender played a role in her campaign. Clinton's slogan, 'I’m with Her,' was a reminder of her groundbreaking candidacy as the first female nominee of a major party. Madeleine Dean, a Congresswoman from Pennsylvania, recalls conversations with voters during Clinton's campaign. She noted that many people would say, 'There’s just something about her,' and she soon realized that the issue was indeed about Clinton being a woman. While Dean believes that this sentiment is less common today, she acknowledges that there are still individuals who struggle with the idea of a powerful woman in leadership. Since 2016, the landscape for women has changed dramatically. The #MeToo movement, which gained momentum in 2017, has raised awareness about the various forms of discrimination women face in the workplace. This movement has shifted the conversation around women in professional roles and may have paved the way for candidates like Harris to gain traction. However, these advancements have also led to a backlash from some young men who feel marginalized by the changes. For conservative Americans, the evolving gender norms may feel like a step too far. As a result, this election has become a referendum on gender roles and the social changes of recent years. Young men, in particular, are finding it challenging to navigate this new landscape. John Della Volpe, a polling expert, explains that many young men feel that if they ask questions about gender issues, they risk being labeled as misogynistic or homophobic. This frustration can lead them to embrace figures like Donald Trump or Elon Musk, who they believe understand their concerns. Della Volpe emphasizes that these young men are not part of any radical group; they are simply regular young men who feel their voices are not being heard. He highlights several statistics that illustrate the struggles young men face today, including lower rates of relationship formation, decreased college enrollment, and higher suicide rates compared to their female peers. In contrast, young women are making significant strides. They are more educated than men, increasingly working in growing industries, and earning higher salaries. Since Donald Trump took office, young women have also become more liberal in their political views compared to young men. This shift has created a stark gender divide in political opinions. Over the past seven years, the percentage of young men who believe that the US has gone 'too far' in promoting gender equality has more than doubled. Trump has been actively courting young male voters by using language that resonates with them and attending events like Ultimate Fighting Championship matches. He has a keen understanding of the frustrations many men feel and has emphasized traditional masculinity in his campaign. Recently, he made headlines for joking about a famous golfer's anatomy, which resonated with his audience. By discussing these topics at rallies, he is pushing back against what he perceives as political correctness. In response, Democrats are attempting to reach out to disaffected men with a message of tough love. Barack Obama has pointed out that some men are uncomfortable with the idea of a woman president and are seeking alternative explanations for their reluctance to support her. In a recent television advertisement, actor Ed O'Neill directly urged men to 'Be a man: Vote for a woman. ' As the election approaches, gender is a central theme, yet it is also being overlooked. Trump is eager to place masculinity at the forefront of the race, while Harris is not emphasizing her identity as a woman running for office. According to a recent poll, Trump leads among male voters by 14%, while Harris has a 12% lead among women. The outcome of this election may hinge on how these two groups of voters respond to the candidates.