Female voters are providing a glimmer of hope for President Biden’s reelection bid as he gears up for an anticipated rematch against former President Trump. A recent survey indicates a growing level of support for Biden among women, offering a positive note amid challenging polls and a demanding 10 months ahead.
The President has strategically intensified efforts to connect with female voters, particularly around the anniversary of Roe v. Wade last month. This includes increased campaign travel and a heightened focus on crucial states, such as South Carolina, Michigan, and Nevada, pivotal to his 2024 victory.
Recent setbacks for Trump, including “unforced errors” and a defamation case loss to E. Jean Carroll, might potentially affect his standing among women voters, caution some experts.
Joe Biden (Credits: Migration Policy Institute)
According to a Quinnipiac poll released this week, 58 percent of women expressed support for Biden, up from 53 percent in December. Meanwhile, support for Trump among men remained “largely unchanged” at 53 percent, compared to 51 percent in December.
Quinnipiac University polling analyst Tim Malloy highlights the significance of the gender demographic shift, noting a modest lead for Biden over Trump, propelled by increased support from female voters in recent weeks. In the 2020 election, Biden secured 55 percent of the women’s vote, while Trump received 44 percent, marking gains for the latter compared to 2016.
The overturning of Roe in 2022 provided Democrats with an opening to connect with women voters. Biden’s emphasis on reproductive rights issues, particularly underscoring Trump’s claimed credit for ending Roe, has resonated with this demographic.
Democrats aim to replicate the 2022 scenario, where women turned out in significant numbers after the Roe decision, contributing to better-than-expected results for the party. A Biden campaign spokesperson emphasizes the importance of protecting women’s rights to healthcare decisions, contrasting it with what they perceive as Trump’s anti-women agenda.
Republicans express concern over the trend, drawing attention to the vital role women played in the Democratic coalition in 2020. Some attribute the worrisome trend to a perceived lack of respect for women and Trump’s attacks on female figures within the party.
Trump’s recent targeting of Nikki Haley, his GOP primary opponent, and comments regarding Taylor Swift have been viewed by some Republicans as unforced errors that may impact female voters’ support. Additionally, Trump’s involvement in E. Jean Carroll’s legal battles and the recent loss in damages have kept him in the public eye.
While Trump’s campaign remains confident in its chances, citing polls where the president leads in key battleground states, experts suggest that the gender gap, favoring the Democratic candidate among women, is in line with historical voting patterns. Despite potential changes in polls before November, the Quinnipiac poll findings align with expectations regarding gender splits between Republicans and Democrats, according to experts.
