GOP Advises Trump to Adjust Message for Women

Republicans have recognized that Donald Trump faces significant challenges with female voters as the presidential race heats up. However, they believe there is still time for him to adjust his strategy to win over this vital demographic that could be instrumental in securing his reelection.

 

Recent polling from Quinnipiac University indicates that Vice President Kamala Harris holds a substantial advantage among women, with 53 percent in favor of her candidacy compared to 41 percent supporting Trump. This election cycle is particularly significant, as abortion rights are expected to take center stage, particularly following the decisive Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade.

 

Trump’s connection to this ruling is profound, given that he appointed three justices pivotal in overturning the landmark decision. Yet it’s not just abortion rights that are concerning some female voters. Comments made by Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance, regarding “childless cat ladies” have also caused a stir, even prompting remarks from pop icon Taylor Swift during her endorsement of Harris.

 

GOP strategists maintain that Trump can reverse his fortunes with female voters, but they stress the importance of acting swiftly, as Election Day approaches. “He needs to convey that voters are not choosing a friend or pastor,” said GOP strategist Shermichael Singleton. “This is about leadership, and he must position himself as the one equipped to lead.”

 

Singleton emphasizes that Trump’s focus should be on issues that resonate with mothers, specifically economic security and family stability. If he can instill a sense of trust that he is indeed looking out for their best interests, even amidst disagreements on reproductive rights, there’s a real possibility of boosting his support.

 

In recent weeks, Trump has attempted to win over women by highlighting that the Supreme Court’s decision returned abortion regulation to the states, which he claims aligns with voter preferences. He has also pledged to avoid advocating for a nationwide abortion ban and reassured audiences that he would not utilize the Comstock Act to restrict the delivery of abortion medications.

 

However, Trump finds himself in a precarious position regarding this issue. During the GOP primaries, he took a more centrist stance on abortion than some of his competitors, yet he still seeks to maintain favor with the far-right factions of his party.

 

Critics argue that Trump’s dual approach may not be sustainable. “People can see when he is being inconsistent,” remarked Katherine Jellison, an Ohio University historian and women’s studies expert. At a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump insisted that he has never had a problem with women, attributing claims to “fake news.”

 

During the rally, he emphasized that women’s safety and financial well-being have deteriorated under President Biden, presenting himself as a protector who aims to reverse these trends. “I want to be your protector,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to advocating for women’s interests.

 

Harris, on the other hand, has placed abortion rights front and center in her campaign. She rebuffed Trump’s claims in a recent MSNBC interview, reminding voters of his prior comments suggesting that women should face consequences for terminating pregnancies.

 

“I don’t think the women of America require him to assert that he will protect them,” Harris countered. “What the women need is for him to have trust in their autonomy.”

 

Some Republicans contend that Trump’s and his allies’ personal attacks on Harris may hinder their appeal to women. Trump has belittled Harris’s intelligence in interviews, describing her as not being particularly bright.

 

“Stop attacking her, that should be Rule Number One,” advised GOP strategist Doug Heye. Susan Del Percio, a Republican strategist who is critical of Trump, noted that Trump resonates with suburban women when he sticks to discussing topics like immigration, crime, and the economy.

 

However, she believes Trump struggles with staying disciplined in his messaging, which affects his outreach not just to women but to all potential swing voters. “If he could maintain that focus, he would likely see better results across the board,” she added.