Trump could lose female support if he doesn’t tone down his rhetoric.
Former President Trump’s recent attacks on Nikki Haley, as witnessed in his victory speech in New Hampshire, could further weaken his already fragile support among certain female voters as he progresses towards securing the GOP nomination. Trump escalated his criticism during the speech, ridiculing Haley’s attire and dubbing her “birdbrain.” Notably, he also questioned whether Sen. Tim Scott, endorsed by Haley but supporting Trump, harbored animosity towards her.
This strategy of attacking women echoes Trump’s previous behavior and may alienate crucial female voters in the general election, adding to existing concerns about his vulnerabilities highlighted by the New Hampshire results. Juliana Bergeron, a member of the New Hampshire Republican National Committee, expressed reservations about Trump’s ability to appeal to swing and Republican women voters, emphasizing that such comments could sway a close election.
Since 2018, Trump and down-ballot Republicans have struggled to win over women voters, especially suburban college-educated women. President Biden secured 54 percent of suburban women in 2020, and during the 2022 midterm elections, suburban women opposed many Trump-backed candidates in swing states. In the recent New Hampshire primary, while Trump won the majority of women voters, the margin was narrow at 51 percent to 47 percent.
Republican strategist Alice Stewart highlighted the challenge Trump faces, suggesting that suburban women are either repulsed by his comments or reluctantly tolerate them for the sake of his policies. Trump’s history of employing derogatory nicknames for opponents, irrespective of gender, is not new. However, experts acknowledge that his attacks on women tend to be more personal and visceral.
Despite Trump leading polls against Haley in South Carolina and beyond, his continued attacks puzzle some Republicans. Strategist Ford O’Connell sees Trump’s actions as intentional, aimed at insulting someone he perceives as a threat, highlighting his pettiness even when leading by double digits.
Defenders argue that Trump’s attacks on Haley won’t determine the presidential contest, pointing out that more women in Iowa and New Hampshire voted for him than for Haley. National press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the preference for a leader who speaks candidly and prioritizes safety, suggesting that Haley’s policy positions make her less appealing to voters.
Some Republicans also posit that Haley’s prolonged presence in the race benefits Biden, diverting Trump’s attention from focusing solely on the president as his opponent. Republican strategist Ford O’Connell insists that ending Haley’s bid quickly is crucial to avoid aiding the Biden campaign, a sentiment echoed even by Team Biden.
While Trump has overcome backlash for comments about women in the past, the landscape has changed with movements like “Me Too” and the Women’s March, along with the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade. Trump’s losses among suburban women are attributed to various factors, including his claims of election fraud and ongoing legal issues, with the overturning of Roe being a significant liability. The changing national conversation surrounding women’s issues further complicates Trump’s electoral prospects among this demographic.