By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The 2024 election saw Donald Trump defeat Vice President Kamala Harris, prompting widespread disappointment and anger among her supporters, particularly women. Many on social media expressed a belief that the results reflect a deep-seated misogyny in the United States, citing Trump’s repeated victories against female candidates despite his controversial past. The sentiment echoes the frustration felt following Hillary Clinton’s loss in 2016, but with a heightened sense of disillusionment due to Trump’s ongoing legal troubles and his role in the January 6th insurrection. Harris’ campaign, focused on reproductive rights and democracy, failed to sway enough voters, particularly men, suggesting a growing influence of right-wing rhetoric and misogynistic attitudes, particularly among young men, in American society.
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The defeat of Kamala Harris has left many of her supporters feeling heartbroken and disillusioned. They believe that America, despite all its progress, still harbors deep-seated prejudices against women, particularly women of color. The very fact that a man who openly disrespects women, and even espouses hateful views toward them, could be elected over a qualified woman like Harris is seen as a stark reminder of the ingrained misogyny that pervades American society.
Many point to the overwhelming support for Trump, especially among white women, as a clear indicator of this deeply ingrained prejudice. They see it as a glaring contradiction: how can women, who themselves have experienced the struggles of sexism, vote for a man who actively undermines women’s rights? This disconnect is seen as evidence of internalized misogyny, where women themselves perpetuate the system that oppresses them.
While the economic climate played a significant role in the election, many argue that it’s not the sole reason for Harris’ loss. The argument goes that if she were a man, she wouldn’t have faced the same level of scrutiny and attacks. Her personal attributes, like her laugh or her perceived “leftist” views, were amplified and used against her in a way that wouldn’t have happened to a male candidate. This is seen as a clear example of how women are held to different standards and are often subjected to more intense scrutiny than their male counterparts.
The fear is that this defeat signals a dangerous trend: a regression in the fight for gender equality. The election of a man who has repeatedly demonstrated his disdain for women’s rights, coupled with the lack of support for Harris, has fueled concerns that America is turning its back on the progress made for women’s rights. Many feel that this victory for the opposing side signals a resurgence of misogynistic attitudes and a fear that the fight for equality will become even harder in the future.
The disappointment goes beyond just the outcome of the election; it stems from a sense of betrayal. Many women, having voted for Harris, feel like they were let down by their own gender. They are questioning their place in a society that seems to have a double standard when it comes to women in leadership positions. The pain of this defeat is compounded by the feeling that their efforts, their voices, and their hopes were disregarded, leaving them feeling powerless and disillusioned.
The path forward remains unclear. Some argue for a complete re-evaluation of the Democratic Party’s strategy, suggesting that the party needs to focus on issues that resonate with working-class voters and address their concerns in a more relatable and authentic manner. Others believe that the focus should be on mobilizing and organizing, building a stronger base of support and fighting back against the growing tide of extremism and misogyny. Whatever the path forward, there’s a sense of urgency, a desperate need to fight back and ensure that the progress made for women’s rights isn’t erased by a wave of regressive ideology.