Opinion: Trump shows his respect for women—except when it comes to ‘dumber than hell’ Kamala Harris.
Many might view this as sexist and appalling behavior that is ineffective for winning over female voters ahead of an election, missing the deeper strategy at play.
The Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump claims he holds women in high regard. This can be seen in his recent comments where he described the six female hosts of ABC’s “The View” as “dumb women” and “degenerates.”
He also labeled the Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, who was appearing on the show, as a “dummy.”
If anyone sees this as inappropriate and a terrible approach to connect with female voters in the lead-up to elections, they are likely overlooking the complexities of Trump’s approach. While he might have branded those notable women as dummies, he was careful not to denote ALL women with the same term. This distinction could be significant if you delve into it.
Trump respectfully labels Harris ‘dumber than hell’
On Thursday, during a speech at the Detroit Economic Club, Trump displayed what he called respect for women by proclaiming about Harris: “I think she’s dumber than hell.”
She was the single individual he referred to in this manner throughout his remarks. Quite notable.
At his rallies, Trump has denigrated Harris—who serves as the vice president, is a former U.S. senator, and was California’s attorney general—by calling her a “stupid person,” “weak,” “dumb as a rock,” and “lazy.”
He recently remarked: “Joe Biden became mentally impaired. Kamala was born that way.”
He has even labeled her as “mentally disabled.”
Trump has a history of showing respect towards women, sometimes
Some may watch Trump’s comments and jump to the conclusion that he is a misogynist due to his long history of such behavior and the fact that he has been legally found liable of sexual offenses, coupled with his infamous “Access Hollywood” remarks about pursuing women.
However, this perspective often overlooks his contributions towards women’s rights, like altering their reproductive rights depending on state law through the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade by Supreme Court justices he appointed. (Thanks, ladies!)
In August, Trump posted online: “My Administration will be a great advocate for women and their reproductive rights.”
One might wonder what more female voters need to hear in order to trust that Trump won’t label them as dummies or infringe upon their basic rights.
Trump’s remarks on ‘The View’ host: ‘That is one dumb woman.’
At a rally in Pennsylvania on Wednesday night, Trump revisited the topic that resonates with many women: Harris’ appearance on “The View.” He commented regarding co-host Sunny Hostin: “I think the other one asking the question is dumber than Kamala. She’s a dummy. I’ve watched her over the years. That is one dumb – that is one dumb woman.”
Once again, Trump is only referring to, in his own words, “one dumb woman.”
Hostin obtained her law degree from the University of Notre Dame and has worked as a trial attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice. Yet, it’s crucial to point out that Trump is singling her out and not dismissing the rest of the accomplished women in the nation as foolish. This is absolutely NOT SEXIST.
‘Engage women with respect and understanding’
Nachama Soloveichik, a Republican strategist and former advisor to Nikki Haley’s presidential campaign, recently criticized Trump’s language towards women, stating to The Washington Post: “Regardless of gender, any political staffer with basic common sense should recognize that alienating half the electorate is unwise. Engage women with respect and understanding even in moments of disagreement.”
I think I can guess what Trump would label that strategist, right everyone?! High-five!
Anyway, it’s all just overblown hysteria because Trump has clearly told the women in America: “I will be your protector.”
Anyone who hasn’t been paying attention since the 1950s knows that women desire nothing more than for a man to safeguard them. Trump’s words to women imply they’re vulnerable; stating: “You will no longer feel abandoned, lonely, or afraid. You will no longer be at risk.” There’s nothing degrading or sexist about that.
Sure, there may be a few instances of Trump showing sexism
He’s truly a supporter of women’s rights, as shown by his occasional sexist remarks:
- In 2012, he remarked about Cher: “I won’t bring up your significant plastic surgeries that didn’t succeed.”
- In 2018, he labeled Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters from California an “extraordinarily low IQ individual.”
- He referred to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as a “nasty woman,” adding in 2015: “If Hillary Clinton can’t please her husband, how can she take care of the country?”
- In 2015, he commented on GOP presidential candidate Carly Fiorina: “Just look at that face! Who would vote for that?”
- He described Kim Kardashian in 2013: “Does she have a good body? No. Is her rear end large? Absolutely.”
- He labeled Megyn Kelly a “bimbo.”
Would a misogynist choose a running mate like JD Vance?
You could probably find hundreds more instances.
And it’s not like Trump chose Ohio Sen. JD Vance as his running mate, who has called women without children “childless cat ladies,” backed a federal abortion ban, and signed a letter urging the Justice Department to use the Comstock Act to block abortion pills from being mailed. (Don’t feel the need to look any of that up, female voters. Just remember, Donald Trump is on your side.)
In summary, women in America have no reason to worry about a Trump presidency. He has clearly shown that he values all women.
Except for those whose rights he has encroached upon, those he deems unintelligent, those he labels nasty, those he finds unattractive, those he refers to as bimbos, and so on.