If it seems like the hostility towards women is unending, you’re not imagining things. You’re simply observing reality.

And yes, things are likely to worsen with Vice President Kamala Harris leading the Democratic Party ticket.

As her presidential campaign is barely a month old, the onslaught of attacks against her has intensified since she became the likely nominee after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race for reelection. It’s worth noting that the initial criticisms aimed at her had little to do with her actual policies.

Here’s a reminder of who the Republican Party is promoting while simultaneously trying to disparage others—it’s a pattern that has persisted for years.

Donald Trump’s long-standing misogyny

“Crazy.” “Crooked.” “Horseface.”

At some point, pointing out the sexism of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump may feel repetitious, but it remains significant.

We have long been aware of his blatant misogyny, evident as early as 2016 when he ran against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The infamous 2005 Access Hollywood tape made public in October 2016, in which he made vulgar remarks about women, highlights this.

His recent conviction for defamation and sexual assault against writer E. Jean Carroll is another example of his pattern, along with his well-documented history of infidelities, including affairs during his marriage to Melania Trump linked to the Stormy Daniels situation.

As he once again faces a female candidate from the Democratic side, his sexist rhetoric returned when he shifted his focus from Biden to Harris.

“I’m not a big fan of his thoughts, but I don’t believe she’s as smart as he is,” Trump remarked at a chaotic press conference last week, comparing Harris to Biden.

He went on to claim that Harris’ rise in the polls could be due to her being a woman who “represents certain demographics.”

Trump has ridiculed Harris’ ethnicity, mocked her laughter, and frequently mispronounces her name, even recently referring to her as “Kamabla” on social media. His associates have labeled the vice president a “DEI hire.”

These comments fail to engage with her policies, serving instead as misogynistic and racist attacks aimed at undermining her based on factors outside of her control.

JD Vance joins the 2024 race

His running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, has also not shied away from controversial comments. In 2021, he faced criticism for referring to those in government as “childless cat ladies.”

The Republican Party’s agenda to control women extends to attempts to overturn Roe v. Wade, enacting state-level abortion bans, not securing the right to birth control, and threatening access to in vitro fertilization.

Women across the nation find themselves in distressing situations as a result. This was starkly highlighted recently when women in Texas filed a federal complaint after being denied necessary medical treatment for ectopic pregnancies, putting their lives at risk.

This is evident not only in rhetoric but also in legislation.

If Republicans regain control over the White House and implement aspects of Project 2025, there is considerable concern that we will witness further setbacks in the rights women have fought hard to achieve over the last century.

Misogynistic messaging from Trump allies in the media

The issues extend beyond politics and infiltrate our television and cultural narratives.

<pRecently, Fox News host Jesse Watters made a bizarre sexist remark regarding the “White Dudes for Harris” fundraising event, declaring that “when a man votes for a woman, he essentially transitions into a woman.” Watters has a history of making sexist comments beyond this incident.

Moreover, certain women perpetuate misogynistic views to undermine their political opponents; for instance, Megyn Kelly recently implied that Harris advanced in her career by engaging in inappropriate relationships. Having faced misogyny herself, such remarks are particularly hypocritical.

It’s disappointing to witness her using the same kind of derogatory language towards another woman, especially when it’s clear that Kelly likely disagrees with various aspects of Harris’ policies.

This issue isn’t limited to just politicians, however.

Remember NFL kicker Harrison Butker’s address at Benedictine College earlier this year? He told female graduates they were being fed “diabolic lies.”

Then there’s Andrew Tate, the kickboxer who became a right-wing influencer, spouting toxic masculinity with his assertion that “humanity cannot survive with female empowerment.”

These comments over the past few years are accumulating and negatively impacting our society. While I am optimistic about Harris’ campaign, I understand that misogyny will persist throughout her political journey—and affect all of us along the way. It’s important to recognize that women are taking notice.

Misogyny is widespread. Women are responding.

Polling data from CBS News indicates that Harris is leading among women with a 54%-45% margin over Trump.

Back in 2017, 3.2 million women and their supporters joined forces to hold marches across the nation in protest of Trump’s inauguration. The situation hasn’t improved much since then.

In 2022, women saw a crucial right—the ability to choose abortion—taken away. This right allowed women to manage their reproductive health and engage fully in society. The Republican agenda has consistently aimed to overturn Roe v. Wade; and contrary to their claims of protecting unborn lives, attempts to limit IVF and the failure to secure birth control rights demonstrate a greater desire to control women’s bodies.

This loss of rights resulted in young women heading to the polls during the 2022 midterm elections to prevent a potential “red wave.” At that time, Watters remarked on the voting patterns between married women, who usually support Republicans, and single women, who typically favor Democrats.

“We need these ladies to marry,” the Fox News commentator suggested. “It’s time to find love and settle down.”

Misogyny isn’t new, but it feels outdated

It’s hard to ignore the misogyny present in the way Republican men speak about women. This attitude even affects women within their own party; just listen to what some voters expressed regarding Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, who is clearly a more competent candidate than Trump.

Living in a patriarchal society is not a new phenomenon, but it is draining. Just wait until you see the emails I receive about this column.

I’m exhausted by the idea that my value will only be recognized once I become a mother. I’m frustrated with the notion that lawmakers know what’s best for my body rather than me or my healthcare provider. I am tired of the constant vilification of women by the Republican Party and its supporters, or of women being judged as “not woman enough” based on their appearance, as illustrated by the scrutiny faced by Olympic boxer Imane Khelif.

The more these attacks on women occur, the more I hope to see both women and men stand up against them. This won’t end by the time the election cycle wraps up, nor would it stop even if Harris were to become president. Instead of acting as though sexism has vanished, it’s crucial for us to acknowledge its influence in 2024 and cast our votes wisely.