US Election: Women’s Concerns Take Center Stage as Female Voters Become a Key Focus in the Campaign
Today, a massive turnout of tens of thousands is anticipated across the United States, rallying behind Vice President Kamala Harris as she vies for the presidency.
The annual Women’s March is set to unfold not only in Washington, D.C. but in various cities nationwide, taking place just three days prior to the pivotal U.S. Election.
The slogan for this year’s event, “We Won’t Go Back!” resonates deeply, expressing a strong resistance against the possibility of another Donald Trump presidency and its potential ramifications for women’s rights.
The inception of the Women’s March can be traced back to 2017, serving as a response to the inauguration of then-President Trump.
A Force to be Reckoned with: The Female Vote
Even as the Democratic nominee, Ms. Harris has downplayed the significance of her gender. However, if victorious, she would carve out her place in history as the first female president of the United States. Notably, her campaign places a significant emphasis on issues affecting women.
Women, as the largest demographic of voters in the country, have consistently shown a robust turnout at the polls. A recent poll conducted by the New York Times in collaboration with Siena College indicates a tight race among the two presidential candidates, particularly with white female voters.
In 2016, Mr. Trump garnered significant backing from white women, with 47% casting their votes for him, in contrast to Hillary Clinton’s 45%. By 2020, Trump’s support climbed to 53% within that demographic.
Harris aims to reclaim some of that support by rallying women from diverse political backgrounds, leveraging emotionally charged issues.
Reproductive Rights: A Pivotal Issue
During this election cycle, economic conditions and inflation top women’s concerns. In response, Donald Trump has attempted to connect with female voters by addressing their anxieties about safety.
“I’m committed to protecting women in our nation… I’ll push forward, regardless of whether they like my approach,” he declared at a rally in Wisconsin last week.
For Vice President Harris and her team, the crux of their campaign circles back to reproductive rights. She has painted the former president as a significant danger to those essential liberties.
In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court dismantled the constitutional right to abortion, leaving it to individual states to set their own rules regarding pregnancies.
A niche group within Harris’ campaign focuses on “shy” women supporters—those who may be tied to families or networks with pro-Trump sentiments yet harbor discomfort with the implications of another Trump administration for women’s rights.
In an impactful advertisement voiced by Julia Roberts, women are urged to utilize their ‘secret ballot’ to cast their votes for Kamala Harris.
Abortion: A Core Issue on the Ballot
The overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 shifted the landscape, prompting each state to determine its own stance on abortion access.
Reproductive rights have emerged as a unifying issue, transcending traditional political boundaries. In states like Kansas, Kentucky, and Montana, even conservative voters rejected attempts to roll back abortion protections in recent measures.
On Election Day, voters in ten states will weigh in on whether to enshrine abortion access within their state constitutions.
Trump previously announced he felt ‘proud’ of his role in overturning Roe v. Wade, attributing his influence to the appointment of three conservative justices during his presidency.
Yet, in the aftermath, he has aimed to soften his stance on abortion, frequently dodging inquiries on the subject.
Should Ms. Harris succeed in galvanizing pro-choice Republican women within key swing states, it could tip electoral momentum in her direction.
Gatherings will commence at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C. at 7 PM Irish time, with participants marching toward the White House. Legal experts, activists, and influential leaders are expected to address the crowd during this pivotal rally.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
