Trump recently held a town hall for Republican women to address women’s issues and reassure them that he would protect them. The event took place in Georgia, where he made the bold claim of being “the father of IVF,” despite not being asked to define IVF. Jill Filipovic wrote an article for Slate discussing Trump’s attempts to appeal to women voters, highlighting the importance of their votes.
When it comes to politics, the question of what women want is often pondered. Women make up a significant portion of the voting population, yet issues affecting them are sometimes sidelined as “women’s issues.” Both political parties, especially Republicans, struggle with male dominance, and the U.S. has never had a female president.
Trump’s recent town hall with Fox News host Harris Faulkner and a female-only audience revealed his approach to women as dependent on protection and as a group he needs to secure votes from. His responses were filled with ramblings about safety, reproductive rights, and a promise to fix things without much regard for democratic processes.
During the town hall, Trump made various claims, including being the best on the child tax credit and dubiously asserting himself as the “father of IVF.” Despite his bold statements, the reality contradicts his claims, especially regarding Republicans’ stance on IVF. Trump’s portrayal of Republicans as champions of IVF is not accurate, as they have opposed efforts to protect IVF on a national level.
Throughout the event, Trump emphasized the theme of safety, portraying himself as the protector of women in the audience. He highlighted his endorsements from law enforcement agencies and focused on issues like immigration and crime to appeal to suburban women. Additionally, Trump credited his daughter Ivanka for pushing him to support struggling families through the child tax credit.
When asked about transgender girls playing sports, Trump suggested a ban as the solution, showcasing his authoritarian tendencies. His supporters cheered at the idea of him simply banning things he disagrees with, reinforcing his appeal as a decisive leader who doesn’t shy away from controversial decisions.
While Kamala Harris has been emphasizing the threat Trump poses to democracy on the campaign trail, Trump’s loyalists are drawn to his authoritarian approach. For some voters, Trump’s willingness to bypass democratic processes is part of his allure. His supporters appreciate his direct approach to problem-solving, even if it means disregarding established norms.
Women, who make up more than half of the population, have diverse desires and concerns. However, one common theme among women is likely the desire for bodily autonomy in situations beyond their control. Trump’s pitch to women seems to suggest that they can trust him to address their issues without needing autonomy, appealing to those who believe he will prioritize their interests.
In conclusion, Trump’s town hall event with Republican women shed light on his approach to appealing to female voters. His emphasis on safety, protection, and decisive action resonated with his supporters, despite some of his claims being misleading or inaccurate. Women’s issues are complex and varied, but the desire for autonomy and representation remains a common thread among them.