"Donald Trump encounters challenges when competing against formidable female opponents"
Trump can't resist: Despite warnings from his party comrades, he lashes out at Harris in a sexist manner. Such tactics are reminiscent of his past attacks against Clinton. Trump's behavior turns some voters off, but it doesn't deter all of them, says Dennis Steffan, a communication science professor at the Free University of Berlin.
ntv.de: Trump attacked Kamala Harris in a sexist manner. Could this cost him the election?
Dennis Steffan: Personal attacks against political rivals are common in American election campaigns. This tactic, known as "negative campaigning," is often used to create negative news value. Such attacks don't discourage supporters, but rather mobilize them through likes, shares, and comments. Trump's recent post is a clear message to his supporters: She can't do it, but I can. However, Trump's electoral performance among women has been poorer than Clinton's and Biden's, suggesting that he may not gain any support from women with this strategy.
Moderate white women in the suburbs could sway the election. Isn't Trump taking a big risk there?
Trump believes he has been strong on suburban women's safety. However, current polls show that this critical group tends to favor Harris more than Trump. Moreover, Trump's running mate J.D. Vance's recent remarks on suburban women and reproductive rights may not have helped Trump's cause. At the moment, Trump faces a real 'woman problem.'
The Harris campaign team is trying to brush off Trump's attacks and respond with humor. Is this the right approach?
Preliminary polls suggest this strategy may be successful. Harris isn't responding in kind, as Clinton did. Harris' campaign refuses to engage on Trump's level. But the campaign's final stages, beginning with Labor Day on September 2 and culminating in the September 10 television debate, could force Harris into a confrontation with Trump.
Strong and intelligent women who challenge him seem to particularly irk Trump, says former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham. Is that true?
Trump has difficulty campaigning against strong and intelligent women because he sees himself as the alpha male. Trump assumes that no woman can be stronger or superior to him. If that's the case, he can't handle it well. Trump and his team had prepared for Biden as a weaker opponent. They could attack him on multiple fronts, both in content and personality. Against Harris, Trump still seems to be unsure of his strategy.
So, Trump is appealing to the desire for a strong man among voters?
Research shows that a political candidate must exhibit certain qualities to be elected, such as leadership and competence. Trustworthiness, credibility, empathy, and sympathy are also essential.
Such attributions are always subjective, but there are certainly people who don't ascribe any of these qualities to Trump. What is the appeal of Trump?
The appeal of Trump is complex and multifaceted. Some are drawn to his brash, unapologetic approach, while others appreciate his business acumen and perceived ability to get things done. Some may also be attracted to his populist message and his willingness to challenging the political establishment. Ultimately, the reasons for Trump's appeal are diverse and varied.
Trump Speaks What Some of His Supporters Think but Don't Dare Say
Trump voices sentiments that some of his supporters harbor but are too afraid to express themselves. He has no qualms about crossing boundaries. A notable example is his 2016 campaign bus conversation, where he made boorish comments about women. He later dismissed it as 'locker room talk,' which his supporters found acceptable. Did Trump Win Against Clinton Because of or Despite His Misogyny?
A voter's decision is multifaceted and difficult to attribute to one factor. Despite his misogyny, he received more votes from white women than Clinton in 2016, but he did not gain support from blacks and Latinos. Clinton's misstep was presenting herself as both a champion of progress and stability, a narrative that many voters found lacking credibility. They associated her with the political elite. Currently, the US economy is growing, and the US Federal Reserve is considering lowering interest rates, improving the stock market. This changes the election context.
What's Changed Since the Clinton Campaign?
Trump's approach remains the same. He remains true to himself. The public knows what to expect from Trump – whether they want it or not. Only his opponents have changed, prompting the elections of 2016 and 2020. In the campaign against Biden, we witnessed the polarization of the nation, such as during the coronavirus pandemic. Biden conducted his campaign from his home, adhering to COVID-19 regulations. Meanwhile, Trump held large rallies defying regulations. Now, Trump faces Harris, another strong and intelligent woman, but this time, she may not make the same mistakes as Clinton. We'll see how this plays out in the campaign.
In her talk in Chicago, Harris frequently mentioned her mother. Could this be a strategic move to resonate with women voters specifically?
American society places a strong emphasis on family values and warmth. By discussing her mother extensively, Harris demonstrates her ability to connect with people on a personal level. This emotive aspect is often considered when assessing and choosing political figures.
In conversation with Dennis Steffan, Lea Verstl observed
Trump's history of attacking women in politics is well-documented, including his criticism of Hillary Clinton during the 2016 election. This pattern continues with his recent attacks on Kamala Harris, which have been widely criticized as sexist.
Despite this, some of Trump's supporters may view these attacks as a display of strength and boldness, given their appreciation for Trump's unapologetic approach to politics.
