Trump’s Angry, Abusive New Tirade at “Stupid” Kamala Demands Response
Oct 8, 2024
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Susan Milligan, a keen political analyst from The New Republic, delves into Donald Trump's recent misogynistic tirade against Kamala Harris. She discusses the alarming normalization of derogatory language in politics and Trump's manipulative strategies against female candidates. The conversation explores how these tactics shape voter perceptions, especially among women, and underscores the urgent need for political accountability. Milligan also highlights changing voter dynamics, emphasizing how women's rights and issues like abortion are becoming pivotal in upcoming elections.
Trump's derogatory remarks about Kamala Harris highlight a troubling normalization of misogynistic rhetoric in contemporary political discourse.
The gender gap in voter preferences suggests that Trump's dismissive attitude toward women may mobilize female voters against him, particularly on reproductive rights issues.
Deep dives
Trump's Misogynistic Rhetoric
Trump's recent comments about Kamala Harris showcase a pattern of misogynistic rhetoric that has become normalized in political discourse. He labeled her as 'stupid' and a 'low IQ individual', suggesting she is manipulated by sinister forces, which not only diminishes her qualifications but also reflects a broader troubling trend in how women politicians are discussed. These attacks neglect the reality of Harris's significant political experience, presenting her instead as an 'empty vessel', which serves to trivialize her role in the political arena. This casual misogyny raises concerns about how such language legitimizes further aggressive behavior toward women in politics, potentially emboldening similar sentiments among Trump's supporters.
The Impact of Gender Gaps in Voting
Recent polls indicate a significant gender gap in voter preferences, with many women leaning toward Harris over Trump, which presents a challenge for the latter. Trump's outdated perceptions of women's desires, rooted in antiquated ideals of protection and traditional roles, fail to resonate with contemporary female voters, particularly regarding critical issues like reproductive rights. This disconnect may be further exacerbated by the divisive nature of Trump's comments, driving women to mobilize against him, especially in light of abortion referendums that are gaining traction in key states. The increasing political engagement among women, spurred by these issues, suggests that Trump’s dismissive approach could backfire, further alienating this crucial voter demographic.
Reproductive Rights as a Mobilizing Force
The ongoing discourse surrounding reproductive rights is galvanizing female voters, with initiatives on ballots in several states prompting heightened political awareness and engagement. Harris's focus on the real consequences of abortion restrictions, coupled with her ability to communicate emotionally on these issues, positions her favorably among women voters who feel directly affected by such laws. This acute awareness among women about their rights and healthcare access contrasts sharply with Trump's dismissive comments about female intelligence, which are unlikely to sway their votes. As women increasingly register and participate in elections driven by reproductive health issues, the impact of these factors could play a significant role in shaping electoral outcomes.
In a new interview, Donald Trump unleashed an ugly, crazed rant about Kamala Harris, calling her “low IQ” and “stupid.” And almost no leading journalists took it seriously. Which points to a larger story: Trump regularly targets Harris with vile attacks that are unapologetically misogynist, yet it barely attracts notice anymore. We talked to writer Susan Milligan—who does good work for The New Republic on Trump’s misogyny—about how overtly anti-woman Trump’s strategy has become, and what Harris can do to exploit this in the race’s final days.