"Crude Remarks and the NFL: Trump Strengthens Hold on Male Voters"
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Donald Trump, leading in the polls among male voters, made headlines over the weekend by referencing a golf legend’s manhood, using curse words in his speeches, and attending an NFL game, all part of a strategy aimed at solidifying his male voter base. This hyper-masculine approach is designed to energize his most fervent supporters and target low-propensity male voters, though critics argue it's a corrosive form of masculinity. In the process, Trump appears to be sidelining suburban women swing voters, once seen as key to electoral success.
Despite the potential alienation of this demographic, Trump's strategy has kept him competitive in the polls, running neck-and-neck with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Frank Luntz, a GOP pollster, remarked, "I've never seen anyone focus so much on energizing current supporters rather than expanding the voter base."
Harris and her allies have criticized Trump's behavior. Former President Barack Obama, addressing those who see Trump’s actions as a sign of strength, countered that "real strength" is not what Trump portrays. Harris' running mate, Tim Walz, has been appealing to male voters with a softer, more relatable image as a Midwestern dad.
In 2020, Trump won male voters by eight points, and he's now doing even better, leading by 16 points in a recent USA TODAY/Suffolk poll. Harris, on the other hand, has a 17-point lead among women, making the gender divide a central feature of the 2024 election.
While both candidates focus on broad issues like the economy and immigration, they are also playing to their bases. Harris has emphasized reproductive rights and health care, hoping to drive female turnout. Trump, meanwhile, has taken a more overt approach with men, making crude comments and emphasizing tough talk, sports, and explicit language.
At a rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Trump drew attention by praising the late golfer Arnold Palmer, calling him "all man" and making a lewd remark about Palmer's presence in locker room showers. He also unleashed profanities, referring to Harris as a “sh*t vice president.”
Trump has consistently used a male-centered appeal, attending high-profile sporting events like the NFL game between the New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers and being a frequent presence at UFC matches. He has also appeared on male-focused podcasts and media outlets, relying on male influencers like professional wrestler Hulk Hogan and entrepreneur Elon Musk to boost his appeal.
Though it's unclear whether this strategy has improved Trump's standing in the polls, GOP consultant Mike DuHaime noted that Trump has kept the race close by playing into "stereotypical male appeal" through sports and tough talk.
Trump’s “energize-the-base” strategy worked in 2016 and could succeed again, but it comes with risks. Frank Luntz pointed out that focusing so heavily on turnout requires getting every supporter to vote, a difficult task, especially with young men, who tend to vote less frequently than women.
Harris, meanwhile, is focusing on ensuring strong Black voter turnout, a key demographic for her. She has rolled out an "Opportunity Agenda" for Black men, promising loans for Black entrepreneurs and the legalization of recreational marijuana. Obama has also campaigned for Harris, challenging the image of masculinity Trump promotes.
Still, Trump has garnered some notable Black endorsements, including from former Pittsburgh Steelers players Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell, both of whom supported Trump at a Pennsylvania rally. Brown took the opportunity to mock Tim Walz, using a derogatory nickname for the Democratic running mate while also dismissing his football coaching credentials.
Both campaigns are walking a tightrope, seeking to mobilize their bases while navigating a deeply polarized electorate.
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