Trump outreach to women/ female voters Trump/ GOP struggles with women voters/ Newslooks/ INDIANA/ Pa./ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Donald Trump is casting himself as the “protector” of women in his bid for the presidency, but his comments have sparked criticism for being tone-deaf and patronizing. This comes as Republicans face challenges in appealing to women, particularly over abortion rights. Critics argue Trump’s language alienates women, while his campaign insists he’s addressing their concerns.
Trump Promises to “Protect Women” as GOP Struggles With Female Voters: Quick Looks
- Donald Trump promised women he would be their “protector” during a speech in Pennsylvania, pledging to save them from fear, loneliness, and the need to think about abortion.
- Trump’s remarks come as Republicans face difficulties in connecting with female voters, particularly around abortion rights.
- Ohio Senate candidate Bernie Moreno faced backlash for saying abortion shouldn’t be a key issue for women over 50, prompting criticism from GOP figures like Nikki Haley.
- A September poll showed that women view Trump less favorably than Vice President Kamala Harris, with a significant gender gap in recent polls.
- Trump celebrated the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, though many women view the ruling as putting their health and safety at risk.
- Critics called Trump’s pledge to protect women patronizing, citing his history of controversial remarks and legal battles involving women.
- Trump’s campaign says he is addressing concerns women have about safety, crime, and illegal immigration, issues they argue resonate with many female voters.
- Some women at Trump’s rally responded positively to his comments, while others noted his old-fashioned views but still supported his leadership abilities.
Trump Vows to ‘Protect’ Women as Concerns Grow
Deep Look:
Donald Trump, campaigning for the presidency once again, made a bold appeal to female voters in Pennsylvania, positioning himself as a “protector” of women. His comments, however, were met with mixed reactions, underscoring the ongoing struggles Republicans face in attracting women voters, especially in light of the party’s stance on abortion.
“You will no longer be abandoned, lonely or scared. You will no longer be in danger… I will be your protector,” Trump told the crowd, offering promises of safety and security. His remarks come at a time when the gender gap between Trump and his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, has grown substantially. Polls, including a September survey by AP-NORC, show that more than half of female voters have a favorable view of Harris, while only about one-third view Trump positively. The gap between male and female support for both candidates has widened as issues like abortion continue to polarize the electorate.
Trump’s self-declared role as a protector of women is complicated by his long history of controversial statements about women, as well as a jury’s finding last year that he sexually abused a magazine columnist decades ago—claims he has denied. Critics argue that his remarks reflect a paternalistic attitude toward women, framing them as weak and vulnerable rather than autonomous individuals.
Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, suggested that this “protectionist, patronizing tone” would likely alienate many women who feel that the overturning of Roe v. Wade has compromised their health and safety. Walsh noted, “This sort of protectionist, patronizing tone… I think for a lot of women will just add to that sense of he doesn’t understand their lives.”
The issue of abortion remains a significant challenge for Republicans trying to court female voters. Trump’s decision to appoint Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade is a point of celebration at his rallies but a source of concern for many women, especially in states where new restrictions on abortion have been linked to preventable deaths. In his speech, Trump told women they would “no longer be thinking about abortion,” even as the issue continues to shape the political landscape.
Ohio Senate candidate Bernie Moreno also found himself under fire after making remarks suggesting abortion should not be a key issue for women over 50. His comment, made during a town hall, led to swift criticism from former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, who called him out for being “tone-deaf” and out of touch with women voters. Haley’s rebuke referenced Don Lemon’s 2023 remark about Haley being “past her prime,” adding further tension to the conversation around the GOP’s messaging to female voters.
Trump’s campaign, while recognizing these challenges, insists that his platform resonates with many women, particularly when it comes to issues like crime, border security, and the economy. Campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt argued that Trump’s promise to protect women addresses real fears about safety, especially in the context of rising crime and illegal immigration. “President Trump is responding directly to the concerns that he hears… from women across the country every day, their fear… of being assaulted or potentially raped by criminals or illegal immigrants,” Leavitt said.
Harris’ campaign, meanwhile, accused Trump of being out of touch with the concerns of modern women, arguing that his recent comments are an attempt to tell women “what to think and what we care about.”
Some female Trump supporters seemed unfazed by his remarks, seeing them as part of his old-fashioned style rather than a true reflection of his views on women. Louella Ondo, a 69-year-old supporter from Pennsylvania, described Trump as an “old-style male” who believes women are inferior but nonetheless sees him as the strong leader the country needs. “Would I want him to be my best friend? I’m not sure I would… But he can do the job and get us turned around,” Ondo said.
Others, however, found Trump’s promises reassuring. Mary Ann Williams, a retired school teacher, said she feels less safe now than when Trump was in office and trusts him to restore order. “I feel that what he’s really saying… is that by following his policies — like closing the border, stopping the immigrants that are criminals, drug dealers — in that way, women, children, everybody’s safe.”
Trump’s ability to close the gender gap and win over female voters remains a critical issue as the 2024 election approaches. His strategy, centered on crime, border security, and economic recovery, will likely continue to resonate with some women. However, his rhetoric may also risk further alienating others, particularly those who feel that the GOP’s stance on abortion and women’s rights is out of step with their values.
As the election season heats up, Republicans will need to fine-tune their messaging if they hope to overcome the challenges they face with female voters. The stakes are high, and the gender gap could prove decisive in determining the outcome of the 2024 race.
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