Why Many Women Are Turning Away from Kamala Harris and Supporting Donald Trump

As the 2024 election approaches, a surprising trend emerges: many women are turning away from Vice President Kamala Harris and showing support for former President Donald Trump.

At a Glance

Some women view Vice President Harris as “phony and fake,” citing issues of perceived inauthenticity and credibility.
Economic concerns, including rising prices and unemployment, are influencing voters’ preferences.
Trump’s economic record, particularly for women, is attracting support from female voters.
Cultural and social factors play a significant role in shaping political loyalties.

Economic Factors Driving Support for Trump

The shift in women’s support towards Donald Trump appears to be largely driven by economic concerns. Under Trump’s presidency, women experienced significant economic gains, which many now contrast with their current financial situations.

According to data from the Trump administration, the median income for women increased every year during his tenure, reaching a record high in 2020. Real average weekly earnings for women rose by 8.2% under Trump, while they have decreased by 3.9% under the Biden-Harris administration.

Perceptions of Kamala Harris

Vice President Harris faces criticism from some women voters who perceive her as inauthentic. This sentiment was captured in interviews conducted by CNN’s Don Lemon, where some women labeled Harris as “phony and fake.” These perceptions have raised questions about Harris’s credibility and trustworthiness among certain voter demographics.

“People in your life will tell you, though, it’s not your time. It’s not your turn. Nobody like you has done it before,” she said. “Don’t you ever listen to that.”

Despite these challenges, Harris has become a leading voice on issues important to many voters, particularly abortion rights. However, her ability to connect with voters on economic issues remains a critical factor in her political standing.

Trump’s Pro-Family Economic Agenda

Trump’s economic policies during his presidency included measures that directly benefited families. He implemented a pro-family economic agenda, which included doubling the child tax credit and expanding eligibility, benefiting nearly 40 million families. These policies resonate with many women voters who prioritize family economic security.

In contrast, since Harris became vice president, prices have risen by 19.4%, making it harder for many women to provide for their families. Childcare costs have increased by 32% since 2019, with nearly two-thirds of families spending 20% or more of their income on childcare.

Cultural and Social Influences

The political preferences of these women are also shaped by cultural, social, and religious factors. Many conservative women feel that Trump better understands and represents their values and challenges. This perception has contributed to their loyalty to Trump and skepticism towards Harris.

However, it’s important to note that women voters are not a monolithic group. As political analyst Shannon Watts pointed out, “White women voting for Republicans, even when it appears to be against their best interests, is a complex phenomenon influenced by privilege, systemic racism and sexism, religious affiliations and, of course, the patriarchy. But we’re not a monolithic group; our voting patterns are typically divided along lines of religion, education and marital status, and that division makes us not only a crucial voting bloc, but an unpredictable one.”

Looking Ahead to 2024

As the 2024 election approaches, the attitudes of women voters towards Harris and Trump will likely play a crucial role in determining the outcome. While Harris faces challenges in connecting with some women voters, particularly on economic issues, she has also energized others, especially those concerned about reproductive rights.

Trump, on the other hand, continues to appeal to many women based on his economic record and perceived understanding of their challenges. The coming months will be critical for both candidates as they attempt to solidify and expand their support among this crucial voting demographic.