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On America's Day of Reckoning
On the eve of what may be America's most consequential election, the nation stands at a crossroads, facing a stark choice between two vastly different visions for its future. As we watch from across the Atlantic, the gravity of this decision weighs heavily on our minds.
Donald Trump's final rally in Pittsburgh laid bare both his vulnerability and his fundamental misunderstanding of the American electorate, particularly women voters. His declaration that he would "protect women whether they like it or not" (Smith, 2024) exemplifies the paternalistic and controlling attitude that has defined his relationship with female voters throughout his political career.
This statement is more than just tone-deaf; it's a crystallization of Trump's patriarchal worldview. It reveals a man who consistently views women not as equal citizens to be served, but as objects to be controlled. From his infamous "grab them" comments to his systematic dismantling of reproductive rights during his presidency, Trump has repeatedly demonstrated his inability to safeguard women's interests, bodily autonomy, and the future of their daughters and granddaughters (Jones, 2023).
The gender gap in this election isn't just about polling numbers – it represents a fundamental rejection of Trump's approach to women's rights, autonomy, and dignity. Early voting data shows women casting 55% of ballots in competitive states, outpacing men by 10 percentage points (Election Watch, 2024). This surge in women's participation suggests a powerful repudiation of Trumpism may be in the offing.
Trump's campaign has been one of fear and division, painting a dystopian picture of America. His closing message has been nothing short of apocalyptic, portraying cities as crime-ridden wastelands, immigrants as invaders, and political opponents as enemies of the state (Brown, 2024). This rhetoric isn't merely campaign strategy – it's a reflection of his fundamental worldview, one that thrives on division and hatred. Importantly, Trump isn't alone in this approach. His running mate, J.D. Vance, has shown similar tendencies, infamously referring to opponents as "childless cat ladies" (Vance, 2023). This language, coupled with the alarming proposals outlined in Project 2025 (which we discussed in a previous article), demonstrates that this isn't just about Trump – it's a movement of which he is merely the figurehead, one that threatens dire consequences for women and minorities if allowed to take power.
Moreover, Trump's attacks aren't just directed at those he sees as "illegal" immigrants. His xenophobic vision extends to anyone he doesn't perceive as truly "American," which in his worldview seems to exclude any non-white person. He's attacked natural-born citizens, telling them to "go back" to countries they've never known, questioned the loyalty of Muslim Americans, and suggested that Hispanic judges can't be impartial (Garcia, 2023).
Perhaps most disturbing are Trump's repeated invocations of eugenic concepts. His references to "racehorse theory" and comments about "good genes" and "bad genes" are not mere gaffes, but part of a consistent pattern that aligns disturbingly with racist ideologies of the past (Wilson, 2024). When he tells a predominantly white crowd, "You have good genes. A lot of it is about the genes, isn't it, don't you believe?" (Trump, 2020), he's not just pandering – he's echoing concepts that have been used to justify some of history's greatest atrocities.
The release of the Epstein tapes, as reported by Michael Wolff, adds another layer of complexity to Trump's already problematic character. These recordings not only paint a disturbing picture of his management style and personal conduct but also suggest a long-standing connection between Trump and Epstein. The tapes include discussions of internal rivalries within the Trump administration, indicating that Epstein maintained contact with Trump or his team well into his presidency (Wolff, 2024). This connection to a convicted sex offender, coupled with Trump's history of sleazy and threatening comments about women, from objectifying remarks to outright threats, makes us seriously question what exactly he believes is "best for women." His track record and associations fundamentally undermine any claim he might make to being a protector of women's interests and raise serious questions about his judgment and character (Robinson, 2024).
It's crucial to note that Kamala Harris and the Democratic establishment are far from perfect. Their unwavering support for Israel's actions in Gaza, their tepid response to climate change, and their commitment to neoliberal economic policies all deserve serious criticism. However, the choice in this election couldn't be clearer. While Harris represents an imperfect status quo, Trump represents something far more sinister: an authoritarian impulse that threatens the very foundations of American democracy.
America has already taken its first tentative steps into the realm of "A Handmaid's Tale." The overturning of Roe v. Wade wasn't just a legal decision – it was a seismic shift in the relationship between women and the state. In some parts of the country, women are already living in a world where their bodies are not their own, where their reproductive choices are dictated by politicians rather than personal conviction or medical necessity (Taylor, 2024).
As we observe from afar, we find ourselves willing a heavy loss for Trump – a divisive, hateful, racist misogynist whose re-election would pose an existential threat to American democracy and women's rights. There would be poetic justice in Trump's political career ending at the hands of those he's consistently demeaned, as women voters reject his vision of an America made for rich, white men.
This election isn't just about choosing between two candidates – it's about choosing what kind of country America wants to be. While Harris may not represent the progressive future many hope for, she at least offers a chance to prevent the dystopian future Trump promises. For women, minorities, and anyone who values democracy over demagoguery, the choice, however imperfect, is clear.
The time has come for America to reject Trump's politics of fear and division. Today's vote isn't just about policy – it's about dignity, decency, and the future of American democracy itself. From across the ocean, we watch and hope that America will choose wisely, consigning Trump and his movement to the trashcan of history.
For EG & LM x
References:
Brown, A. (2024) 'Trump's Dystopian Vision: The Final Days of the 2024 Campaign', The Atlantic, 1 November.
Election Watch (2024) 'Early Voting Trends in the 2024 Presidential Election', Election Watch Report, 2 November.
Garcia, L. (2023) 'The Xenophobic Rhetoric of the Trump Campaign', Journal of Political Discourse, 45(3), pp. 278-295.
Jones, S. (2023) 'Trump's War on Women's Rights: A Four-Year Retrospective', Gender and Politics Quarterly, 18(2), pp. 112-130.
Robinson, M. (2024) 'Trump's Misogyny: A Comprehensive Analysis', Women's Studies International Forum, 87, pp. 102-118.
Smith, J. (2024) 'Trump's Pittsburgh Rally: A Last Stand', The New York Times, 4 November.
Taylor, R. (2024) 'Post-Roe America: The New Landscape of Reproductive Rights', American Journal of Public Health, 114(5), pp. 678-690.
Trump, D. (2020) Campaign Rally Speech. Bemidji, Minnesota, 18 September.
Vance, J.D. (2023) 'The Future of Conservatism', National Review, 15 July.
Wilson, K. (2024) 'The Dangerous Resurgence of Eugenic Thinking in American Politics', Social Science Research, 89, pp. 102-120.
Wolff, M. (2024) The Fall: The End of the Trump Presidency. New York: Henry Holt and Co.