How Trump changed the way US women vote

A decade after his infamous Access Hollywood tape, the gender divide is again shaping a pivotal midterm election

How Trump changed the way US women vote

TL;DR

  • The 2005 Access Hollywood tape, where Trump boasted about groping women, was initially seen as a threat to his presidential campaign but was overshadowed by later "October surprises."
  • Trump's election in 2016, despite the tape, led to a significant shift in how US women vote, with a notable divergence between college-educated white women and other groups.
  • Suburban women's "revolt" in 2018 contributed to Democratic victories and a record number of women elected to the House of Representatives.
  • The overturning of Roe v. Wade has mobilized Gen Z women, increasing their progressive engagement, while their male peers have trended rightward.
  • Recent polling shows a significant gender gap in approval ratings and support for candidates, suggesting women's votes will be crucial in upcoming elections.
  • The article discusses specific races in Maine and Arizona, highlighting how the gender divide and political polarization are playing out.
  • The potential for bipartisanship is examined in Arizona with the Hobbs-Giles ticket, questioning its viability in the current political climate.