html

Gender and the 2024 Election: Shifting Attitudes

A recent poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research suggests that Americans are more likely to believe that being a woman will hurt Kamala Harris' chances in the 2024 election, compared to eight years ago when Hillary Clinton was running. Conversely, they are more likely to believe that Donald Trump's gender will help him. This shift in attitudes is largely driven by Democrats, especially Democratic men.

• Prior to Hillary Clinton's loss to Trump, about 3 in 10 Democratic men believed her gender would hurt her chances. Now, around half of Democratic men believe that Kamala Harris' gender will hurt her.
• Democratic women have also become more likely to believe that being a woman could hinder a presidential candidate's chances. While about 4 in 10 Democratic women thought Clinton's gender would hurt her, half now say the same about Harris.
• In contrast, Republican men have only shifted slightly, and Republican women's views have remained stable.

The Impact of Gender on the 2024 Presidential Race

The poll's findings suggest that both candidates are aware of the potential impact of gender on the 2024 election. While Kamala Harris focuses less on the historical significance of her potential win compared to Clinton, she does emphasize reproductive rights and Trump's appointment of conservative Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade.

• Donald Trump, on the other hand, has cultivated a masculine image through appearances at sporting events and promoting himself as a "protector" of women.
• Some voters believe that Trump's persona and rhetoric might actually help Harris overcome traditional biases against female candidates.

Clinton's Optimism and Public Perception

Hillary Clinton expressed optimism about Harris' chances in the 2024 election, stating that the nation has become more accustomed to the idea of a female president, thanks to her own candidacy and the presence of other female candidates in the 2020 Democratic primary.

• Only about one-quarter of Americans believe Harris' gender won't affect her chances, compared to one-third who said the same about Clinton in 2016.
• While there's a growing awareness of the possibility of a female president, it seems that gender is still considered a significant factor in the 2024 election by many Americans.

Conclusion: Gender Remains a Factor in the 2024 Election

The poll highlights that gender remains a relevant issue in the 2024 election, with both candidates strategizing around it. While the public's acceptance of a female president may have grown since 2016, the perception that gender can influence a candidate's chances persists. The poll's findings suggest that voters are likely to consider this factor, alongside other issues, when making their decisions in November.