Women in the United States have achieved substantial strides toward equality, surpassing many women in other nations. Yet this presidential election reveals a significant gender divide.

Recent polling from YSL News and Suffolk University indicates that former President Donald Trump has a commanding lead among men, 53% to 37%, while Vice President Kamala Harris is ahead with women, 53% to 36%.

This gender disparity in the election is critical, extending beyond mere politics and hinting at larger societal challenges.

Harris’ Campaign Appeals to Women, Alienates Men

Analysts note that Harris has not highlighted her potential historic win as the first woman and first Black Asian American president, in contrast to Hillary Clinton’s approach in previous elections.

However, Harris’s campaign has primarily focused on issues like abortion, which predominantly attract female voters. This strategy has helped her perform particularly well among young women, leading by an impressive 39 percentage points in three New York Times/Siena College polls (67% to 28%). Conversely, Trump maintains a 21-point advantage among young men (58% to 37%).

While targeting women, Harris is also attempting to address her challenges with male voters.

Meanwhile, Trump continues to attract male voters, enthusiastic as they were in 2016, especially among younger demographics.

According to Politico’s report, “With Harris’s focus on abortion and Trump’s increasing support among male voters—particularly younger men—pollsters from both parties anticipate the 2024 election will see the largest gender disparity in voting preferences in recent political history.”

From her appearances on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast to guest spots on “The View,” a show featuring an all-female panel, Harris sends a message that her campaign primarily serves women. This leaves out men entirely.

Trump Gains Traction Among Young Men

On the flip side, Trump engages young men in a similar way, without the emphasis on joy.

What draws young men to Trump? He symbolizes success: affluent, prominent, and comes from a supportive family.

The truth is multifaceted, but Trump’s image as a prosperous billionaire persists, regardless of past controversies. He is perceived as a defiant figure who stood strong after an assassination attempt, and just as comfortably, served fries at McDonald’s. He embodies a contradiction—an ultra-wealthy figure resonating with working-class men, a controversial personality who champions family values, and a right-winger who favors imposing tariffs.

The stark contrasts between Trump and Harris likely capture young men’s attention: each individual contains both strengths and weaknesses. If Trump can integrate his dualities, why can’t other men?

Scottish theologian William Barclay once said, “Every man is a walking civil war. Inside him lies the tension, division, and battle between right and wrong, good and evil, passion and reason, instincts and will.”

Trump appears to resonate with that internal conflict, endearing him to younger men.

He also conveys to young men that, unlike Harris’s campaign’s assertion, they are still wanted and valued. This is an important message for a generation of males who have been told by radical feminists and others that they hold little worth and may even be predators.

The Gender Divide Harms Everyone—Men, Women, and America

In March, my colleague Sara Pequeño reported, “Young individuals in the U.S. are feeling quite dissatisfied. This conclusion comes from this year’s World Happiness Report.

The findings indicated that when assessing the happiness levels of young Americans under 30, the country ranked a disappointing 62nd. The annual study conducted by Gallup and the United Nations placed the United States at No. 23, marking the first time the nation dropped out of the top 20.

Younger generations cite various factors contributing to their unhappiness, including negative media portrayals, economic challenges, and the steep costs of living. However, there’s a deeper issue beyond finances and current events fueling this unrest. This concern extends beyond politics and points to a growing demographic issue in the United States.

Young women indicate feelings of unhappiness more frequently than their male counterparts. Only 44% of women express satisfaction with societal treatment. Furthermore, young women are identified as the most progressive demographic regarding political views. There appears to be a connection here. The Democratic Party’s agenda aligns with the tenets of contemporary feminism: You can achieve everything you want, and you don’t need men to do it.

Alongside the political divide, young men and women are increasingly not engaging in romantic relationships. The marriage rate in the U.S. is on the decline, as is the birth rate.

Radical views suggest that men are unnecessary, a belief that has taken root among many women. With modern developments, the question arises: Why seek a partner when financial independence and the option of single motherhood are viable?

I can empathize with young women who possess higher education and earn more than their male peers. It’s challenging to be attracted to a man who displays signs of incompetence.

As a group, young men are withdrawing from the workforce, earn less than women, and are hesitant to initiate romantic pursuits. This situation makes them less appealing. However, it’s not surprising when young men are led to believe their value is diminished.

This upcoming election emphasizes the growing divide between men and women, a gap that may continue to widen. It is not beneficial for society to have young individuals at odds over essential values, politics, and family matters.

The election also reveals that radical feminism and liberal ideologies do not foster happiness. Building mutual appreciation despite differences does.