Kamala Harris’s historic presidential candidacy will open up a torrent of misogynoir. We need to be prepared to fight it in order to head off Trump’s re-election.
Also: while I'll never forgive this administration for its role in the war on Gaza, people are deluded if they think that Harris had any real power as VP--whose power is almost entirely in succession potential--to change Biden's stance on Israel. And, while Harris will surely be nowhere remotely near where I would want, as a progressive Jew who believes the war on Gaza is nothing short of genocide, there are signs she may be slightly better than her predecessor. Notably, she has expressed deep sympathy for Palestinians in Gaza, and the White House had to tone down her expressions of dismay in a speech regarding the war. She has also been much more prepared than Biden to criticize Netanyahu. It's not enough, not by an enormous margin. But, yes, Trump would be worse on this score. He would be a fucking disaster. https://www.nbcnews.com/investigations/harris-may-willing-criticize-netanyahu-biden-rcna162954
As you note, Vice Presidents have very little power, and thus very little chance to shine. But IMO, Harris did everything right as VP; she always let President Biden take center stage, was never disloyal and did nothing to cause the MAGA crowd to pay undue attention to her. Thanks for writing this; I remember some of your points from Down Girl! The Republican Convention seemed nothing if not a tribute to toxic masculinity; even the MAGA women--MTG, Lake, etc.--were pretty much ignored. If Trump, Vance, et al aren't part of a backlash to try, one last time, to put women in their place, I don't know what would be. Vance is literally on the RECORD as condemning childless women, and wants to get rid of no fault divorce, and possibly even birth control; and of course abortion. These issues should be major talking points.
If Vance would be one clogged heartbeat away from the presidency himself, this has serious ramifications for everyone. Men also need divorces at times and prefer to plan children. Vasectomies soared in Texas after abortion bans began. Vance will say anything to get power and he’s not subtle about it either.
Thank you for this! It is stunning to me how many women I know (or are reported to me by friends) who don't like Harris because "she rubs them the wrong way" or something along those lines. The misogyny and the double standard are shocking among women who I think should know better. I'm so glad to have your post to share with them. You say it so well! (as always :-)
I remember that exact phrase being everywhere about Hillary in 2016. "She just rubs me the wrong way".... sickening patriarchal dismissiveness on full display. I cannot believe that in 2024, with so much at stake, women do this too. It is part of what we are conditioned into in amajorly patriarchal society norms, beginning when we are little girls. Let's BREAK that mold! We must not participate in it or enable it.
I remember voting for Bernie Sanders in the primaries, mostly because I just accepted the perception of Hillary without thinking too much about it, and not realizing it. I think, in part, it’s because I know deep down that once that perception sticks, it doesn’t go away. So why try arguing against it? Then when she became the candidate and I read up on her and started listening to her for myself, I was like “but she’s great. Why all the hate?” Then I realized it was pure misogyny.
I almost let that happen with Kamala. A while ago I saw one video of her interviewing Obama where she seemed really nervous. So when discussions of her becoming the candidate began, I was dreading watching anything else with her, afraid that maybe I wouldn’t like her. But she’s great. I love the laugh. It baffles me that anyone would criticize it.
I’ve vowed from now on to ignore anything I hear about a woman candidate and just go listen for myself. And counter anyone who criticizes her for not being perfect when if a man did similar things, no one would even think to comment on it. I’m just sorry it took me this long to realize just how prevalent misogyny is.
Wow, thanks for being so honest. We've all participated in perpetuating misogyny in some way or many ways (and still do without being aware of it.) It's the work of a lifetime to root it out both from ourselves and the world around us. We'll just keep at it.
I love this post - it's like a fully built warning system for all the varieties of misogynoir BS we're about to get firehosed with. AND I want to slightly disagree with the closing, that the only way forward is loud and vocal opposition.
My job is to raise money for grassroots GOTV and community political organizations and I strongly encourage everyone to go beyond calling out and opposing, and get into some affirmative power building ASAP. Fundraising, voter outreach, etc - some great options all with online and offline options -
TY for this primer and so helpful insights and reminders. Maybe you could write a list of the warnings and follow up with weekly checklists? I recommend sharing this post as widely as possible!
Thanks for these points…I need to make a chart for each category and score what I read about their assaults on her…. It helps counter it in small talk too; an excellent break down…very helpful, thanks!!!
Love this posting… it strikes me that “our voice” (your voice) is essential to creating a different outcome to when Hilary was a candidate! We must never underestimate how we’ve progressed as a culture, even if the progress may not be the mainstream message. TY
Thanks for this Dr. Manne! I know you are uniquely qualified to prognosticate on the coming battle given the years you’ve spent analyzing previous campaigns. I’m hoping the public is slightly more attuned to Trump’s propensity to demean women & minorities in ugly ways. I also hope the media is a bit more savvy & will not just “report these perceptions as if they’re just telling you what voters are concerned about.” Well, at least I hope MSNBC will call stuff out (lots of smart women commentators there)! I’m hoping Harris’s background as a prosecutor will serve her well in sticking it to Trump and the Repubs!
Also: while I'll never forgive this administration for its role in the war on Gaza, people are deluded if they think that Harris had any real power as VP--whose power is almost entirely in succession potential--to change Biden's stance on Israel. And, while Harris will surely be nowhere remotely near where I would want, as a progressive Jew who believes the war on Gaza is nothing short of genocide, there are signs she may be slightly better than her predecessor. Notably, she has expressed deep sympathy for Palestinians in Gaza, and the White House had to tone down her expressions of dismay in a speech regarding the war. She has also been much more prepared than Biden to criticize Netanyahu. It's not enough, not by an enormous margin. But, yes, Trump would be worse on this score. He would be a fucking disaster. https://www.nbcnews.com/investigations/harris-may-willing-criticize-netanyahu-biden-rcna162954
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/harris-may-shift-us-stance-on-gaza-war-if-elected-president-report/3282024
https://www.vox.com/politics/353037/trump-gaza-israel-protests-biden-election-2024
As you note, Vice Presidents have very little power, and thus very little chance to shine. But IMO, Harris did everything right as VP; she always let President Biden take center stage, was never disloyal and did nothing to cause the MAGA crowd to pay undue attention to her. Thanks for writing this; I remember some of your points from Down Girl! The Republican Convention seemed nothing if not a tribute to toxic masculinity; even the MAGA women--MTG, Lake, etc.--were pretty much ignored. If Trump, Vance, et al aren't part of a backlash to try, one last time, to put women in their place, I don't know what would be. Vance is literally on the RECORD as condemning childless women, and wants to get rid of no fault divorce, and possibly even birth control; and of course abortion. These issues should be major talking points.
If Vance would be one clogged heartbeat away from the presidency himself, this has serious ramifications for everyone. Men also need divorces at times and prefer to plan children. Vasectomies soared in Texas after abortion bans began. Vance will say anything to get power and he’s not subtle about it either.
Thank you for this! It is stunning to me how many women I know (or are reported to me by friends) who don't like Harris because "she rubs them the wrong way" or something along those lines. The misogyny and the double standard are shocking among women who I think should know better. I'm so glad to have your post to share with them. You say it so well! (as always :-)
I remember that exact phrase being everywhere about Hillary in 2016. "She just rubs me the wrong way".... sickening patriarchal dismissiveness on full display. I cannot believe that in 2024, with so much at stake, women do this too. It is part of what we are conditioned into in amajorly patriarchal society norms, beginning when we are little girls. Let's BREAK that mold! We must not participate in it or enable it.
I remember voting for Bernie Sanders in the primaries, mostly because I just accepted the perception of Hillary without thinking too much about it, and not realizing it. I think, in part, it’s because I know deep down that once that perception sticks, it doesn’t go away. So why try arguing against it? Then when she became the candidate and I read up on her and started listening to her for myself, I was like “but she’s great. Why all the hate?” Then I realized it was pure misogyny.
I almost let that happen with Kamala. A while ago I saw one video of her interviewing Obama where she seemed really nervous. So when discussions of her becoming the candidate began, I was dreading watching anything else with her, afraid that maybe I wouldn’t like her. But she’s great. I love the laugh. It baffles me that anyone would criticize it.
I’ve vowed from now on to ignore anything I hear about a woman candidate and just go listen for myself. And counter anyone who criticizes her for not being perfect when if a man did similar things, no one would even think to comment on it. I’m just sorry it took me this long to realize just how prevalent misogyny is.
Wow, thanks for being so honest. We've all participated in perpetuating misogyny in some way or many ways (and still do without being aware of it.) It's the work of a lifetime to root it out both from ourselves and the world around us. We'll just keep at it.
This is so helpful. I may need to read it daily! Thanks for unwinding these things so we have words for what we’re seeing.,
Great article! 👏🏽
I love this post - it's like a fully built warning system for all the varieties of misogynoir BS we're about to get firehosed with. AND I want to slightly disagree with the closing, that the only way forward is loud and vocal opposition.
My job is to raise money for grassroots GOTV and community political organizations and I strongly encourage everyone to go beyond calling out and opposing, and get into some affirmative power building ASAP. Fundraising, voter outreach, etc - some great options all with online and offline options -
Seed the Vote: https://www.mobilize.us/seedthevote/event/595794/
Standing Up for Racial Justice: https://www.mobilize.us/surj/
Movement Voter Project: https://movement.vote/get-involved/
Completely right. Thank you for this reminder, your crucial work, and the kind words! ❤️
Let’s. Get. Loud. Thank you for arming us friend!!
Thanks for this, Kate. I’m a duel-citizen, and feel like I’m watching this in slow motion. The double standard is astounding.
TY for this primer and so helpful insights and reminders. Maybe you could write a list of the warnings and follow up with weekly checklists? I recommend sharing this post as widely as possible!
Forewarned is forearmed. Thanks for this excellent post. LFG!
Thanks for these points…I need to make a chart for each category and score what I read about their assaults on her…. It helps counter it in small talk too; an excellent break down…very helpful, thanks!!!
Love this posting… it strikes me that “our voice” (your voice) is essential to creating a different outcome to when Hilary was a candidate! We must never underestimate how we’ve progressed as a culture, even if the progress may not be the mainstream message. TY
Thanks for this Dr. Manne! I know you are uniquely qualified to prognosticate on the coming battle given the years you’ve spent analyzing previous campaigns. I’m hoping the public is slightly more attuned to Trump’s propensity to demean women & minorities in ugly ways. I also hope the media is a bit more savvy & will not just “report these perceptions as if they’re just telling you what voters are concerned about.” Well, at least I hope MSNBC will call stuff out (lots of smart women commentators there)! I’m hoping Harris’s background as a prosecutor will serve her well in sticking it to Trump and the Repubs!
Thanks for pointing out our blindspots, good to be prepared.
Good primer
Love the categories in your post - maybe could do it up as a bingo scorecard ?!
Seriously though, I am more hopeful for USA and the rest of us (I’m in NZ) than I have been for a while