The Guardian: Misogyny Could Cost Harris the Presidential Election

The Guardian published an article by writer Simon Tisdall, who asked in his introduction: “If the truth is that Kamala Harris is a woman – and it’s an important fact – will she tip the balance of the US elections in Donald Trump’s favor?

Tisdall explains that Harris, who started her election campaign in a dramatic manner, has seen her popularity decline according to opinion polls, and there are concerns that sexism will push votes in favor of the Republican candidate, Trump, as misogyny – hidden and malicious – could make a decisive difference.

In his article, Tisdall finds it inconceivable that Trump, who is immersed in issues, is still in the race, and it’s disturbing that the popular and uninspiring Harris hasn’t yet decided the matter.

The article notes that Trump has appeal, with voters generally aligning more with Republicans on key issues: the economy, inflation, borders, crime, and global insecurity, but that doesn’t necessarily translate into a Trump win.

Tisdall believes that there is one issue that could turn the outcome of this closest race, and it’s an issue that neither candidate mentions: sex or gender.

“Women—particularly female candidates—are subject to toxic, misogynistic norms that are often reinforced in the public sphere and by the media,” the advocacy group Emily’s List warned this summer.

“Stereotypes that aim to diminish their competence, leadership, appearance, connections, or experience are an integral part of their campaigns… This is particularly acute for women of color”.

“Rather than confront Harris directly on gender, Trump uses a detour by repeatedly talking about the need for strength to lead the country and criticizing America’s enemies,” Tisdall author explains.

“Strength is his code for masculinity… His running mate, J.D. Vance, has stopped talking about the spinster who keeps cats, but the raw sexism behind his flowery words still lingers”.

In this view, the election can be said to be a confrontation between Trump’s strength and Harris’s joy, the slogan that characterizes her successful campaign.

It’s like a confrontation between Mars and Venus… Or simply: man, versus woman, according to Tisdall’s vision.

The article concluded, that Harris cannot win alone, and to do so, America’s women must rise to the challenge and deliver the slap in the face that Trump has long deserved.