Kamala Harris’s run for the U.S. presidency marks a significant moment in history, as it represents the second time in eight years a woman has secured the Democratic nomination.

However, like Hillary Clinton in 2016, Harris came up short when it mattered most, with gender emerging as a central theme throughout her campaign.

Although both women were in the race to break barriers, they each faced the same formidable opponent in Donald Trump, whose charisma and polarizing presence played a large role in their defeats.

But many experts point to misogyny as a powerful force in their campaigns’ ultimate outcomes.

A Battle of Visions for Women’s Rights

The campaigns of Harris and Trump showcased two starkly different perspectives on women’s status and rights in America.

Trump, who has long been at the center of accusations of sexual misconduct—charges he has denied—crafted an image of hypermasculinity.

His campaign was marked by displays of strength, including appearances alongside mixed martial artists and praise for authoritarian leaders worldwide.

He and his surrogates made numerous comments that many saw as derogatory toward women, with Trump even insulting Harris by calling her “crazy” and “mentally disabled” and claiming she would be “like a play toy” for foreign leaders if elected.

His running mate, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, also stirred controversy with remarks about “childless cat ladies” running the country, later remarking, “I’ve got nothing against cats.”

Despite his actions and remarks, Trump framed himself as a “protector” of women, claiming that he would protect them “whether they like it or not.”

Harris’s Focus on Women’s Rights

In contrast, Harris built her campaign around the defense of women’s rights, particularly abortion rights, and aimed to appeal to women across the political spectrum, including more conservative voters.

She garnered support from high-profile female celebrities like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, and Oprah Winfrey, hoping their influence would help her connect with a broad range of women voters.

However, Harris refrained from making her gender the focal point of her campaign.

She did not overtly campaign as the potential first female president, instead focusing heavily on issues like women’s rights and gender equality.

Yet, despite her emphasis on these crucial issues, her message did not seem to resonate strongly enough with moderate conservative women, who were pivotal in this election.

Michelle Obama Calls Out the Double Standard

During a rally last month, former First Lady Michelle Obama criticized the double standard that seemed to shape the way both candidates were judged.

She pointed out that Harris, a seasoned politician with a clear set of policies, was expected to meet a higher standard of competence and decorum.

“We expect her to be intelligent and articulate, to have a clear set of policies, to never show too much anger, to prove time and time again that she belongs,” Obama said.

“But for Trump, we expect nothing at all. No understanding of policy, no ability to put together a coherent argument, no honesty, no decency, no morals.”

What’s Next for Harris and Women in Politics?

As Harris’s historic bid concludes, the question remains: what’s next for her and for women in American politics?

The journey is far from over, but her campaign has undeniably shifted the conversation around gender, expectations, and the role of women in leadership.

What impact this will have on future elections remains to be seen.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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