Gender perception/ female candidates in politics/ gender hurdle in elections/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A recent AP-NORC poll shows that Americans are more likely to see Kamala Harris’ gender as a hindrance in the 2024 election compared to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign. The shift is largely driven by Democratic men, while perceptions about Donald Trump’s gender helping him have increased. Harris downplays her historic candidacy, focusing on issues like reproductive rights, while Trump continues to lean into a masculine image.
Gender Bias in Election: Quick Looks
- More gender bias: Americans are more inclined to believe Harris’ gender will negatively impact her chances in 2024 compared to Clinton in 2016.
- Democratic shift: A significant portion of Democratic men now see Harris’ gender as a hurdle, doubling since Clinton’s run.
- Trump’s gender boost: Public perception that Trump’s gender will help his election chances has increased.
- Campaign strategies: Harris focuses on key issues like reproductive rights, while Trump emphasizes a masculine image in his rallies.
Poll: Harris Faces More Gender Bias in 2024 than Clinton in 2016
Deep Look:
A recent survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research highlights shifting attitudes toward gender in the U.S. presidential race. In 2024, Americans are more likely to view Kamala Harris’ gender as an obstacle to her election chances than they were with Hillary Clinton in 2016. As the second female major-party nominee, Harris faces greater scrutiny, particularly from Democratic voters, who have significantly shifted their views over the last eight years.
During Clinton’s run, about 3 in 10 Democratic men believed her gender would “somewhat” or “a lot” hurt her candidacy. That number has since jumped, with nearly half of Democratic men now feeling the same about Harris. Democratic women have also shifted in their perspective, with nearly 50% now seeing Harris’ gender as a potential disadvantage, compared to 4 in 10 when Clinton was on the ballot. In contrast, Republican men and women’s views have remained relatively stable, with only a slight shift among Republican men seeing gender as a hurdle.
The data also shows a rise in the belief that Trump’s gender will help him in the 2024 election. Around 4 in 10 U.S. adults now think being a man is advantageous for Trump’s campaign, up from 3 in 10 when the same question was asked during his 2016 run.
Gender Shaping Campaign Narratives
This shift in public opinion is reflected in how both candidates approach their campaigns. Unlike Clinton, Harris has chosen to downplay the historic nature of her candidacy as the potential first female president. While such a milestone could galvanize her base, she focuses more on policy issues, notably reproductive rights. She draws attention to the Supreme Court justices appointed by Trump, who played a pivotal role in overturning the national right to abortion.
On the other hand, Trump continues to lean into a masculine image, often using it to appeal to his supporters. His rallies frequently feature him entering to the tune of the Village People’s “Macho Man.” He regularly attends mixed-martial arts events and football games, further reinforcing his persona. Trump has recently labeled himself a “protector” of women, adding a new angle to his gendered appeal.
Carlos Stallworth, a Republican voter from California, acknowledged Trump’s appeal as a “man’s man.” Though undecided, Stallworth leans toward supporting Trump, expressing skepticism that Harris can project the forcefulness needed to be a successful leader, particularly in a “male-chauvinist world.” He believes Harris needs to present more comprehensive plans, especially on economic issues, to overcome these biases.
Yet, others like Elizabeth Aguilar, a Democratic voter from Illinois, believe that Trump’s brash personality and misogynistic rhetoric might help Harris transcend the traditional barriers female candidates face. According to Aguilar, some voters may overlook Harris’ gender because Trump’s comments are so extreme.
Clinton’s Optimism for Harris
Despite the uphill battle, Harris has strong supporters. Hillary Clinton herself expressed optimism about Harris’ chances in a recent interview with the Associated Press. Clinton believes that Americans have become more accustomed to seeing women in powerful political roles. After Clinton’s own campaign in 2016 and the presence of several female candidates in the Democratic primaries of 2020, voters may be more open to the idea of a woman as president.
Clinton remarked that there is now a broader understanding of what a female presidential candidate looks like. No longer limited to just one example, voters have more role models to consider, and she views this as a positive step forward.
Cherene Bates, a Republican from Idaho, shared her hope that voters wouldn’t discredit Harris solely due to her gender. Although undecided in the upcoming election, Bates is optimistic that American attitudes have shifted enough for voters to support a woman in office. Reflecting on Clinton’s 2016 loss, Bates speculated that gender might have been a factor but hopes that the nation is more prepared to embrace a female president in 2024.
As the election approaches, gender remains a pivotal issue, influencing how both candidates position themselves and how voters perceive them. While Harris faces more skepticism than Clinton did eight years ago, the landscape of gender politics continues to evolve, creating both challenges and opportunities for her campaign.
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