The New York Times/Siena College poll asked voters about their perceptions of former President Trump’s respect for women, revealing a gender disparity in responses. A majority of men believed that Trump respects women to some extent, while only 31 percent of women agreed. This divide is seen as significant in an election where the gender gap between Trump, who has more support from men, and President Biden, who leads among women, is a key factor. While Trump has seen positive shifts in areas like the economy and law and order, views on his respect for women have decreased slightly since the last poll in 2016.
The perception of Trump’s treatment of women is a rare example of a decrease in voter opinion as his behavior towards women has made headlines recently. His involvement in a sex scandal and harassment allegations have contributed to this decline in public perception. Despite these negative views, Trump’s support among male voters remains strong, with 57 percent backing him according to the most recent poll. Some male voters, like Ryan Canaday, do not see Trump’s actions towards women as disrespectful, citing his personal experiences and business acumen as reasons for their continued support.
Even among Republican voters, there is a divide in perceptions of Trump’s respect for women. While 85 percent of Republican men believe Trump respects women, only 72 percent of Republican women agree. Some Republican-leaning voters, like Riley Glissendorf, are considering voting for Biden due to concerns over Trump’s treatment of women and his stance on issues like abortion rights. Democrats, hoping to capitalize on these sentiments, are focusing their campaign on issues like abortion rights and childcare subsidies to attract more female voters.
The upcoming Supreme Court hearing on Trump’s claim of presidential immunity will address the question of whether a former president can be prosecuted for official conduct. Legal experts expect a decisive ruling that could potentially lead to a trial involving Trump’s actions related to overturning the 2020 election. The outcome of this hearing could have significant implications for Trump’s legal troubles and political future. Overall, the issue of Trump’s respect for women and his legal challenges will likely continue to influence voter opinions and campaign strategies leading up to the next election.
