The United States is holding a presidential election, and the question is, is the United States ready to accept a woman standing in front of Donald Trump as president? Especially Kamala Harris. This question lingers in everyone’s mind, and in less than 20 days from now, the answer will be revealed. Since 1789, the United States has elected 46 presidents. All but one of them were white. This is a country that claims to be the oldest democracy in the world. But the fact is, this country has never elected a woman as president. This fact shows that misogyny is deeply ingrained in American society.
However, attitudes towards gender roles have changed significantly in recent decades. 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton broke a major barrier. Although she lost the election to Republican candidate Donald Trump.
The demographics of the American electorate present a clear picture. In 2016, many women admitted they did not vote for Hillary Clinton. Because they can’t imagine a female president. This disinterest is common in some sectors. Especially among blue-collar workers and white people without college degrees. A group that adheres to traditional gender stereotypes. In battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, these voters are considered crucial in changing the outcome of the election. In this case, their gender expectations may prove to be a significant obstacle for Kamala Harris.
Currently, a group of white people without college degrees mostly like Trump. This group contains deep roots and concepts of male leadership. In this case, they have even less chance of supporting female candidates.
Furthermore, gender bias in politics reflects wider social inequalities. In the United States, women’s wages are lower than men’s for the same job. Women are often subject to greater scrutiny than men, and their leadership abilities are questioned. This reality shows that gender stereotypes remain deeply ingrained.
Kamala Harris’s candidacy provides a new opportunity to assess whether America is ready to have women in its highest offices. According to the Pew Research Center, 93% of Americans say they would vote for a qualified female candidate. Only 25% think a woman will be elected soon.
This hesitation exposes the underlying misogyny in American politics. Many people remain skeptical that women can lead effectively. Especially on the battlefield.
Recent surveys confirm these concerns. A U.S. News & World Report survey of voters ages 18 to 34 in swing states found that more than 80 percent believe women can be effective leaders, but the divide is stark. Those with ties to the Republican Party were even more confused. Sixteen percent disagree that a woman can make a strong president. The Democratic Party only has 1%. Young voters generally support women in leadership positions. Still, doubts remain about whether the United States is ready for a female president. Only 68% agree that the country is ready to elect women. People may claim they will vote for women to appear socially progressive, but bias often surfaces in the privacy of the polling station.
Kamala is a symbol of diversity and inclusion
As the first female Vice President and a Black and South Asian woman, Kamala Harris represents an America that is more diverse and multifaceted than ever before. His leadership was often built on his ability to empathize, connect with marginalized groups and fight for abortion rights. All of this has traditionally been associated with women’s power in politics. Kamala Harris’ platform on these key issues, especially abortion rights, resonates with female voters at a time when the debate over reproductive freedom rages.
However, Kamala Harris’ characteristics may appeal to some voters but may also alienate others. The continued influence of traditional gender norms (where strength and assertiveness are often viewed as traits) can also create challenges. Some voters, especially Trump supporters, may view Harris through a gender lens and question whether a woman, especially one from a progressive background, can lead the country in a time of global uncertainty and domestic division.
Harris’ campaign struggles with comparisons
On the campaign trail, Trump could claim that his tenure was an era of economic growth and no major wars, while Kamala Harris, on the contrary, lacked the qualities required to serve as president. During Harris’ tenure as vice president, the United States was embroiled in a proxy war with Russia and faced major economic challenges. Many voters may view Trump as a stable, safe choice. Especially when the economy remains a top concern. Trump’s ability to sell his past record in terms of peace and economic prosperity may appeal to those who doubt Harris’ ability to handle the current crisis.
Donald Trump’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic during his presidency cast doubt on the integrity of the election and played a key role in inciting the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. He remains a target of the White House. This highlights the gender bias in American politics. If a woman is held accountable for such behavior, she may not be able to make it past the primary. In politics, people like Trump tend to weather scandal and controversy. And women are held to higher standards. Even small mistakes could derail his political career.
Gender bias extends to media censorship. Female candidates face stricter standards, increasing their chances of making mistakes. For example, Trump’s “locker room talk” was considered by many to be just a joke, but if a woman made similar comments, the reaction would be swift and inexcusable. Double standards in the media put women under even harsher spotlight. Men are increasingly criticized for their behavior, yet they are often excused.
Trump, on the other hand, continues to represent a type of relentless male leadership that appeals to a segment of the electorate. Their brutality, sense of power and disregard for political norms appeal to voters who associate these traits with male authority. Trump’s dominance and continued political relevance in 2016 suggest that a return to familiar ideals of male leadership still holds great appeal for many Americans.
What does the United States want?
The dynamics of this election are not just closely tied to gender. Kamala Harris is running against Trump, facing a complex electorate divided on issues such as democracy, abortion rights and the country’s future direction. This election cycle may not just be a referendum on gender, but also on the kind of leadership America needs in times of crisis. Do voters want sympathy and concern for democracy and rights or the return of the “strongman”? What is Trump’s symbolic strategy? However, against the backdrop of serious issues such as the economy, immigration, abortion rights, climate change and global conflict, the gender dynamics of the election will play an important role.
And the candidacy of Kamala Harris has once again brought the issue of female presidents into the spotlight. This election will likely hinge on which vision of America resonates with voters. The stakes are high, with voters weighing not just gender but also policy, experience and the future they want to see for the country. Is America ready for a female president? It’s not just about readiness, it’s about voters. How do they think Kamala Harris’ platform and personality fit this important moment in history?
Kamala Harris faces challenges
Internal surveys reportedly show male voters are less enthusiastic about Kamala Harris. Even Barack Obama was asked to seek black support. This suggests that even among traditional Democratic voters, gender and racial bias are significant barriers.
The U.S. election is less than three weeks away. In this case, the question remains whether the United States is ready to elect its first female president. Young voters and progressive Democrats may support it, but the real test may come from swing state voters, blue-collar workers and conservatives still clinging to old leadership ideals. In a country where sexism is deeply entrenched, Kamala Harris faces the challenge not only of defeating Trump but also of overcoming the persistent notion that leadership belongs to men.
(View-Rohit Sharma)
