New Delhi: As America votes, Vice President Kamala Harris stands on the cusp of making history. If elected, she would not only become the first female President of the United States but also the first of Black and Asian American heritage—a watershed moment in American politics. But can she achieve this milestone? Harris faces two major hurdles: her opponent, former President Donald Trump, and the deep-rooted gender biases embedded in American society.
Since 1789, the US has elected 46 Presidents, all of whom were white men, except for Barack Obama. For a nation that calls itself the world’s oldest democracy, the fact that it has never elected a female President speaks to the entrenched misogyny that persists in society. Americans need only look to Mexico, which elected its first female President earlier this year. Hillary Clinton attempted to break this barrier in 2016 but ultimately failed, despite most opinion polls indicating she was leading against Trump.
Leadership belongs to men
“I long to hear that you have declared an independency. And, by the way, in the new code of laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make, I desire you would remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands. Remember, all men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation,” Abigail Adams wrote these words to her husband, John Adams, on March 31, 1776. Her words urged him and the other members of the Continental Congress to consider the rights of women while laying the framework for the new, independent nation. And what did her husband and future President did? He ignored it. John Adams is called one of the “founding fathers” of the country which got its independence from the British on July 4, 1776.
This was not a watershed moment in history but the “founding fathers” reference somehow gave a meaning that the country’s leadership belonged to men. And till 2016 no major party (read Republican and Democrat) gave a woman their nomination. Clinton was not against a war veteran or someone who had done something spectacular to defeat her, but she was against a white male and a businessman. The famous women movement #MeToo was just months away, so women were suffering but still they were not willing to support her. Infact, many women admitted they didn’t vote for Hillary Clinton because they couldn’t envision a woman President.
What happens in the booth, stays in the booth
A recent comment by Fox News host Jesse Watters sparked a debate on loyalty, politics, and relationships that feels uniquely emblematic of today’s divisive political landscape. During a segment on The Five, Watters remarked that if his wife, Emma DiGiovine, were to vote for Kamala Harris, it would be akin to her having an “affair”. His quip came in response to Vice President Harris’s recent campaign ad encouraging wives to make their own voting choices, irrespective of their spouse’s political preferences.
Watters joked that if he found out his wife had been secretly voting for Harris while telling him otherwise, it would be “D-Day” (divorce). Though, he made these comments in the light mode and also on a news network that is more favourable to Trump but it also touched upon a topic that how men still want to control women, even her decision making. Even a campaign by Hollywood actor Julia Roberts for Harris came on a theme that “What happens in the booth, stays in the booth”.
Will Kamala break the glass ceiling?
Kamala Harris’s candidacy offers a fresh opportunity to assess whether the nation is ready to embrace a woman in its highest office. While Pew Research shows that 93 per cent of Americans say they would vote for a qualified woman candidate, only 25 per cent think a woman will be elected soon. This hesitation reveals the undercurrent of gender bias in American politics, with many still doubting that a woman can lead effectively.
If we go by opinion polls, then the margin is razor thin between her and Trump with many pollsters saying that the former President’s voters might not be openly saying that they would be voting for Trump. This doesn’t mean Harris can’t be the next President, but she has to overcome prejudice. Despite progress in gender equality, women in politics are still scrutinised through a harsher lens than their male counterparts.
While male candidates are often praised for their assertiveness and ambition, female politicians frequently face criticism for displaying similar traits. Research underscores that voters tend to favour traditionally ‘masculine’ qualities such as decisiveness and strength, especially in times of national crisis. When women exhibit these traits, they risk being perceived as ‘bossy’ or overly aggressive, while failing to display them raises doubts about their ability to lead. This double bind is a persistent challenge for women in positions of power, and it reflects broader societal stereotypes that frame assertiveness and authority as masculine virtues.
Harris, with her background as a prosecutor and Senator, brings an impressive résumé to the presidential race. However, like many female politicians before her, Harris finds herself subject to scrutiny over issues seldom raised with male candidates. Commentary on her clothing choices, speaking style, and private life has become a regular feature of her public narrative – a phenomenon unlikely to affect her male counterparts.
Gender bias in American politics extends beyond the media. Polling data reveals a gap between voters’ professed support for women in leadership roles and their actual willingness to elect a woman President. Although recent surveys by PewResearch and others indicate that 93% of Americans say they would vote for a qualified woman, only about 25% believe a woman will actually be elected soon.
The battleground states and their ‘gender bias’
The influence of gender stereotypes on voter expectations is particularly visible in swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. These battleground regions, crucial for any candidate seeking victory, include substantial populations of white, blue-collar workers – a demographic that has historically favoured traditional views of leadership. For many in these groups, qualities like empathy and cooperation, which are often associated with female politicians, may be less appealing than assertive and ‘tough’ leadership traits that are culturally coded as male.
Moreover, the enduring appeal of Donald Trump underscores this gendered view of leadership. Trump’s style, characterised by brash confidence and a self-assured disregard for political norms, has maintained a loyal following that sees him as a symbol of strength and stability, despite his controversial record. Trump’s tenure has been marked by economic volatility and social division, yet for many voters, he represents a form of resilient masculinity that aligns with their expectations of presidential leadership.
The election’s gender dynamics also reflect broader societal inequalities. In the US, women still earn less than men for similar work, and gender biases continue to influence perceptions of competence and authority in many fields. These inequities have long impacted women’s political prospects, as they are frequently held to higher standards than men and face harsher consequences for perceived missteps.
Kamala! Kamala! Kamala!
Despite these barriers, the 2024 election offers Harris a unique opportunity to challenge entrenched biases and reshape public opinion. In 2020 she became the first woman vice president, thus, crossing one barrier. She succeded where Geraldine Ferraro and Sarah Palin failed.
Her platform, which includes a strong focus on reproductive rights, economic reform, and social justice, resonates with a progressive electorate eager for change. Yet, these same issues could alienate conservative voters who view her stances as too radical. Notably, Harris’s advocacy for reproductive rights aligns with the priorities of many female voters, especially in a political climate where state-led restrictions on abortion have intensified. However, such positions may be perceived as divisive in more conservative circles, further complicating her appeal to a broad electorate.
The question of whether America is ready for a female President thus extends beyond gender alone. This election will likely hinge on a broader debate about the nation’s future direction. In an era marked by economic uncertainty, social unrest, and global tensions, voters face a choice between contrasting visions of leadership. Harris represents a progressive, inclusive model that emphasises empathy, social equity, and democratic values. Trump, on the other hand, appeals to voters who favour stability, economic growth, and a strong-man approach to governance.
