Unlock the US Election Countdown newsletter for free
The stories that matter on money and politics in the race for the White House
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are set to highlight the gender divide in the US electorate on Friday, with both holding rival campaign events where pop diva Beyoncé and podcaster Joe Rogan are expected to make appearances.
With just over a week until election day on November 5, the competing events in Texas will see Harris focusing on securing support from women while Trump aims to rally his male supporters.
As the campaign nears its conclusion, Harris has emphasized issues such as abortion access and women’s rights, while Trump and his allies have emphasized masculinity, at times using strong language. Analysts predict a significant gender split in the upcoming election.
A recent USA Today/Suffolk University poll revealed a clear divide, with women favoring Harris over Trump by 53% to 36%, while Trump had a similar lead among men. If the election were held today, it would result in the largest partisan gender gap in modern US history.
On Friday night, Harris, who could become the first female president of the US, will deliver a major speech in Houston focusing on reproductive freedoms that she believes have been threatened by the Trump administration.
Abortion rights have been a central issue in Harris’ campaign, with the candidate blaming Trump for policies that have restricted access to abortion, such as the overturning of Roe vs Wade and the implementation of strict abortion laws in states like Texas.
She is expected to be joined by Beyoncé, whose song “Freedom” has become a rallying cry for Harris’ campaign. Beyoncé’s endorsement follows that of other celebrities like Taylor Swift, who publicly supported Harris in September.
Meanwhile, Trump will be in Austin, emphasizing his stance on border security and immigration. He is also scheduled to be interviewed by Joe Rogan, host of the popular podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, known for its large male audience.
Throughout his campaign, Trump has adopted a hyper-masculine message, featuring figures like Kid Rock and Hulk Hogan at the Republican National Convention. The campaign has also targeted Harris on issues like transgender rights, airing ads that criticize her support for such rights.
Democratic strategist Mary Anne Marsh noted the contrast in the candidates’ strategies leading up to the election. With polls showing Harris and Trump in a tight race nationally and in key battleground states, Marsh suggested that Trump is counting on less frequent voters to propel him to victory, while Harris is relying on strong support from women.
“There are no women left for him to appeal to. He has reached his limit,” Marsh stated. “Now he is focusing on attracting younger men, as young women are turning out in large numbers and overwhelmingly supporting Kamala Harris.”