Donald Trump is currently leading among male voters in the polls. Over the weekend, he made comments about a legendary golfer’s bravado, sprinkled profanity in his speeches, and attended an NFL game to solidify his connection with this crucial group.

This approach emphasizes energizing his fiercest supporters and increasing turnout among less likely male voters with a hyper-masculine flair, a tactic that some critics describe as a damaging form of masculinity. At the same time, he appears to be neglecting – and possibly distancing – suburban women voters, whom he once targeted as key players in his campaign.

Despite this, Trump’s strategy keeps him competitive in the polls — closely trailing the Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris – and he has consistently used this method, even if it deviates from the norms of typical political campaigns.

“I’ve never seen anyone focus more loudly on existing supporters rather than working to broaden the voter base,” said Frank Luntz, a GOP pollster and seasoned Fox News commentator with over 30 years in politics.

Harris and her team have critiqued Trump’s method. Former President Barack Obama recently remarked that for men who see Trump’s conduct as a display of strength, “that’s not what real strength is.” Tim Walz, Harris’s running mate, who has a background in hunting and coaching football, is trying to engage male voters but presents himself as a relatable Midwestern father rather than an exaggerated tough guy.

Trump’s Appeal to Men vs. Harris’s Appeal to Women

In the 2020 election, Trump won male voters by an eight-point margin, and his support has increased since then. A recent YSL News/Suffolk University poll shows Trump leading male voters nationally by 16 points, while Harris enjoys a 17-point advantage with women.

While both candidates will attract a diverse range of supporters, the striking divergence in preferences between male and female voters is a notable aspect of the 2024 electoral cycle.

Both candidates have been outlining their visions regarding critical issues like the economy and immigration for several months, but they are also catering to their respective bases.

Harris is prioritizing reproductive rights to mobilize female voters. She emphasizes caregiving and various health care issues that primarily affect women.

In contrast, Trump’s appeals to male voters are more direct and often crude.

During a rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, he made headlines with comments about Arnold Palmer, stating that Palmer, who passed away in 2016, was “all man.”

He added, “When he took showers with other pros, they would come out saying, ‘Oh, my God, that’s unbelievable,’” further drawing attention to his remarks.

Trump also didn’t hold back in his choice of words at the event, referring to Harris as a “sh*t vice president.”

GOP strategist Mike DuHaime pointed out that Republicans have historically performed better among male voters due to the party’s stance on key issues like economics, national security, and law enforcement.

The YSL News/Suffolk poll indicates the majority of voters believe Trump is more capable in addressing the economy, immigration, and foreign relations, with male voters showing especially strong support for him.

Trump’s approach also emphasizes a cultural appeal to men, utilizing assertive language and themes common in sports and traditional masculinity, as noted by DuHaime, a Republican strategist with prior experience on campaigns for figures such as Chris Christie and George W. Bush.

Recently, Trump was seen at an NFL game between the New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers, enjoying time in a luxury suite, which was broadcast on national television. Social media showcased various reactions from fans, some cheering him and others expressing their displeasure. His attendance at sporting events extends to races and college football games, where he is often seen with his children at Ultimate Fighting Championship matches.

His campaign strategy is also focused on engaging men through numerous appearances on male-centric podcasts and media outlets. Noteworthy figures, such as wrestler Hulk Hogan and entrepreneur Elon Musk—who introduced him at the Republican National Convention—have propelled his appeal among male audiences.

It’s uncertain whether this strategy is the reason behind Trump’s slight rise in national polling averages this month.

DuHaime commented on Trump’s ability to maintain competitiveness in the race but remarked that it’s tough to determine if Trump’s success stems from his appeal or if Harris has simply failed to broaden her supporter base significantly.

Base Mobilization Strategy

Trump’s strategy to energize his base was successful in 2016, and it may produce similar results this year, according to Luntz. However, this approach carries certain risks.

“Ultimately, it all comes down to voter turnout,” Luntz noted. “This approach makes sense when election day is just a few days away. But he has adopted it over several weeks, which means he needs to ensure that every supporter makes it to the polls—a tough task. While it is achievable, it remains a significant challenge.”

Younger men particularly tend to have low turnout rates. Data from the 2020 election reveals that 55% of women ages 18-29 voted, in contrast to only 44% of men, according to a study by the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University.

Encouraging them to vote in sufficient numbers could prove difficult, as Trump’s campaign faces scrutiny regarding the effectiveness of its voter mobilization efforts, largely handled by third-party organizations. A super PAC backed by Musk is playing a major role in this initiative.

Musk has promised to distribute $1 million daily until the election to individuals who sign his petition supporting the Constitution, which has raised some legal concerns.

Harris also faces her own obstacles — she requires robust support from Black voters to secure her victory, though Trump is gaining traction among Black men.

Recently, Harris introduced an “Opportunity Agenda” aimed at Black males, which includes initiatives for loans to Black entrepreneurs, mentorship programs in education, and legalizing recreational marijuana.

Moreover, she has engaged former President Obama to resonate with this demographic, as he counters Trump’s portrayal of masculinity.

“I have observed that some men perceive Trump’s behavior—such as bullying and belittling others—as a form of strength,” Obama mentioned at an event in Pittsburgh this month. “Let me clarify: That is not true strength. It never has been.”

Despite this, Trump continues to draw prominent Black endorsements. Recently, former Steelers players Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell showed their support for Trump in Pennsylvania before he made a comment about Palmer at the event.

Brown targeted Walz’s coaching experience, using a derogatory nickname that right-wing circles created for the governor of Minnesota over a law he enacted about menstrual products in school bathrooms. Brown said, “And, by the way, Tampon Tim Walz, he isn’t a real football coach. He couldn’t guard me.”