As we reflect on the 2024 United States presidential election, a disturbing force simmered beneath the surface: blatant misogyny. Throughout the election cycle, Kamala Harris was the subject of misogyny all too often. Her ability and credibility were constantly undervalued, as she was forced to deal with sexist stereotypes.
In the 2016 presidential election, Hillary Clinton embraced feminist ideologies and messaging. She wore white pantsuits, a reference to suffrage movements and explicitly talked about “breaking the glass ceiling” of women’s opportunities. While she was running, there was an initial wave of women embracing feminism. This was shortly followed with women’s marches and a throwback to movements like #MeToo. Unfortunately, society’s perception of feminism has shifted. What was once seen as a positive movement focused on uplifting women is now often misrepresented as an effort to undermine men.
Due to the current negative connotations associated with feminism, Harris approaches her electoral campaign by deliberately trying to avoid harmful female stereotypes. She constructs her image focusing on appearing professional, level-headed, tough, warm and composed. She consciously avoids behaviors that could be interpreted as negative female stereotypes, such as being overly emotional or shrill. On the other hand, Republican nominee Donald Trump leans into male stereotypes, embracing toxic masculinity as a means to rally his base.
Despite her efforts, Harris is not taken seriously and is treated with immense disrespect. First and foremost, no male presidential candidates have been so widely referred to by their first name. Trump and the media refer to Harris solely as Kamala–and often mispronounce it on purpose–suggesting they take her less seriously.
During the presidential debate on Sept. 11, Harris confidently walked across the stage, asserting her dominance and shook Donald Trump’s hand. Throughout the debate, Harris came across as professional, calm and controlled. In contrast, Trump was easily provoked and became highly emotional and appeared extremely unpresidential. After the debate, in response to Harris’ outstanding performance, media pundits criticized her “side-eyed” responses which were perceived as overly emotional. Unwilling to accept that a woman could have such a strong performance, critics conjured a conspiracy theory that she was being fed answers through her earrings.
The failure to acknowledge Harris’ professional achievements has been consistent throughout her career. Harris’s resume includes roles as Attorney General of California, California United States Senator, and the first woman United States Vice President. However, instead of recognizing her successes, critics have tried to diminish her achievements by suggesting that she only obtained them by “sleeping her way to the top” referencing her documented affair in 1994 with then California Governor Willie Brown (he was married at the time).
Donald Trump infamously had numerous extramarital affairs. Furthermore, dozens of women have come forward to even accuse Trump of committing sexual assault.
Our society deems it socially acceptable for Trump to have affairs with women taking advantage of his authoritative position. Even though it is not ideal for the two presidential candidates to have had extramarital affairs, sexual assault is a crime and having an affair, while morally questionable, is not against the law.
President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have argued that not voting for Harris is misogyny. In response to this accusation, some voters argue that their decision not to support her is based on likability, not gender. According to The New York Post, Kamala Harris was ahead of Trump in likability by 3%. Her net favorability rating is higher than Trump’s. The Obamas are right.
This current presidential election marks the greatest gender voting divide in our nation’s history, especially among young voters. The last three New York Times/Siena College national polls, which were conducted between September and October, on average revealed that Trump leads Harris among young men, 58% to 37% while Harris leads young women, 67% to 28%. Men are more likely to vote for Trump because they believe that he will be a strong leader who freely speaks his mind and builds a financial empire. In today’s ever-changing society, some young men feel that they do not have the opportunity to provide for their family in a traditional fashion. They believe that Trump represents the pathway to re-establish outdated gender roles. Women view Harris as a strong female leader and as a means to protect their reproductive rights. This clearly demonstrates how misogyny affects different genders’ preference for presidential candidates.
I hope that one day our society can reach a point where candidates can be themselves and focus on the important policy issues at hand, without having to spend time and energy dealing with gender identity-related biases. Dare to dream.
