On Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris criticized former President Donald Trump’s claim to be a “protector” of women “whether they like it or not.”
Speaking to reporters in Wisconsin, Democratic presidential hopeful Kamala Harris claimed the remark illustrates why her Republican counterpart has failed with female voters.
“It actually is, I think, very offensive to women in terms of not understanding their agency, their authority, their right, and their ability to make decisions about their own lives, including their own bodies,” she said.
“And this is just the latest on a series of reveals by the former president of how he thinks about women and their agency,” Ms. Harris said, adding that “one in three women” live in a state with an abortion ban.
When asked if the comment would appeal to “hypermasculine” Trump supporters, Ms. Harris responded, “I think it’s offensive to everybody, by the way.”
While campaigning in Wisconsin on Wednesday, Mr. Trump declared that he would be the “protector” of women if he wins a second term.
“I said, ’Well, I’m going to do it, whether the women like it or not,” Mr. Trump said. “I’m going to protect them.”
Ms. Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, responded sharply, linking the statement to some of the sexual misconduct charges brought against the Republican candidate in recent years. Mr. Trump was found liable for sexual assault by a New York jury last year in a civil case.
“He said I’m gonna do it whether the women like it or not. That’s how this guy’s lived his life. That’s why he was on the Access Hollywood tape and that’s why he ended up in court,” Mr. Walz said in Pennsylvania. “That’s what he thinks about.”
According to recent polls, Ms. Harris is suffering with men, who are heavily in favor of Donald Trump.
According to a CBS News/YouGov poll issued this week, 55% of women will vote for Ms. Harris, while 43% will vote for Donald Trump. However, among male voters, Mr. Trump leads 54% to 45%.
