OPINION: Will American women voters save the day?

Today marks the 60th US Presidential election and, arguably, the one with the most ever at stake.
Reflecting, perhaps, the global downturn in social and political discourse shaped by the US social media and tech giants, this squalid campaign has highlighted how far the so-called ‘land of the free’ has fallen in recent years, and how little any country, anywhere, should aspire to its values.
Those of us across the water are watching in trepidation, because Western society tends to follow where the US leads, and more hangs on this utterly depressing election than ever before. Despite the calibre of the candidates, it stands as a defining moment in global political dynamics, as this so-called developed country wrestles with the decision it must make to elect a deranged, half-witted, misogynistic orange felon with plans for a dictatorship, or not. What a damning indictment of the US education system, and of humanity in general.
At the time of writing, it is hard to rely on polling data, but the fear among the saner people in the world is that the wilful stubbornness of Joe Biden has left Kamala Harris with too much to do in too short a time. The results of today’s vote will echo beyond American borders, and will significantly affect Ireland too. It remains to be seen whether history can be made with the election of America’s first female president. What is certain, however, is that the role of women in this election is critical.
Historically, white women in the US have predominantly supported Republican candidates in presidential elections, except in landmark shifts in 1964 when incumbent Lyndon Johnson won in a landslide, and when Bill Clinton was elected in 1996​ by a substantial margin.
The 2024 election is unfolding in a charged political climate marked by the US Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v Wade and the subsequent stringent formation of abortion laws in several states. Similar to what happened in Ireland before the Eighth Amendment was repealed, multiple horror stories are emerging of avoidable deaths of women and deeply personal testimonies are being shared.
The judicial shift to the right is galvanising women voters, including those in typically conservative jurisdictions, who understand that when it comes to reproductive rights and safety, a black and white abortion ban unfortunately achieves nothing but frightening, endangering and killing women. And ensuring their bodies and their freedoms remain under the control of men.
Against a background of fourth-wave feminism with its focus on intersectionality, Kamala Harris represents a significant break from precedent as the first Black woman candidate for president, albeit as a privileged, middle-class woman. Will her unequivocal position on reproductive freedom serve to energise female voters fearing the effects of legislative rollbacks?
In July, 160,000 women joined a Zoom call entitled ‘White Women for Kamala’. It raised millions of dollars, and underscored a heightened political engagement among women​ who admitted to regretting not having done enough in 2016 to prevent Trump’s election. Similar movements have mobilised Black women, and other minorities, in a concerted effort to build coalitions that transcend racial and socioeconomic divides. Should women, particularly white women, pivot away from historical Republican voting patterns, it could tip crucial swing states and decide the election’s outcome.
Americans perceive gender as a significant hurdle in political careers, with women running for office facing heightened scrutiny, media focus on their appearance, and far more scepticism regarding their qualifications​ than their male counterparts. Harris’s candidacy might signal a turning point, with research suggesting that women in leadership positions are seen as effective in key policy areas like healthcare and education, issues that resonate deeply with the US electorate. If she succeeds, it will mark a significant moment in the gender equality movement.
Women, too, though, tend to be perceived as pacifists. If Harris is elected, her stance on the Middle East will be closely scrutinised. If, that is, it doesn’t cost her the election – Harris’s endorsement of Israel’s actions has resulted in a concerted campaign to encourage pro-Palestinian voters to vote Green, a move that unfortunately would only guarantee Trump’s passage back to the White House.
The outcome of this election, as with every other, will resonate globally, affecting trade, diplomatic ties and international policy frameworks. Ireland, with its close economic and cultural ties to the US, stands to feel these effects keenly.
Should Harris prevail with Tim Walz, her leadership is likely to bring nuanced approaches to climate action, gender equality and healthcare. Her experience and advocacy for human rights and healthcare align with Irish public values (if not reality) and could foster deeper transatlantic collaboration and bilateral cooperation on these issues. It might even influence Ireland to up its female representation.
Conversely, a Trump/Vance ticket will deepen conservative shifts in US policy, particularly around issues like reproductive rights, immigration and social welfare, in contrast with Ireland’s more progressive, compassionate stance. Ultimately, a Republican administration headed up by a cruel, power-hungry maniac will be make life challenging for Irish policymakers and businesses. Trump’s ‘America First’ ideology is highly likely to strain economic relationships and negatively affect Irish exports.
Trump has essentially told the women of America that he and his supporters are coming after their rights, and he has proven his capacity to do so by consistently demonstrating his contempt for women in a litany of perverted, abusive actions throughout his lifetime.
To defeat this monster, the women of the US need to rise up like never before. The world is depending on them.