Trump’s Opponents See New Ways to Cast the G.O.P. as ‘Team Misogyny’

As the 2020 presidential election approaches, opponents of President Donald Trump are finding new ways to portray the Republican Party as a bastion of misogyny. With the #MeToo movement still fresh in the public’s mind and a record number of women running for political office, Democrats are seizing the opportunity to cast Trump and his allies as out of touch with the needs and concerns of women.

One of the most prominent examples of this strategy is the recent confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Kavanaugh’s nomination was marred by allegations of sexual assault, with multiple women coming forward to accuse him of misconduct. Despite these allegations, Trump and his fellow Republicans stood by Kavanaugh and pushed for his confirmation, sending a message to women across the country that their voices and experiences are not valued.

Additionally, Trump’s own history of misogynistic comments and behavior has provided ample ammunition for his opponents. From bragging about sexually assaulting women on the infamous Access Hollywood tape to calling women derogatory names on Twitter, Trump has consistently shown a lack of respect for women. His administration’s policies, such as rolling back protections for victims of sexual harassment in the workplace and attempting to defund Planned Parenthood, further reinforce the image of the GOP as a party that does not prioritize women’s rights.

In response, Democrats are highlighting their own commitment to gender equality and women’s rights. The record number of women running for office in the 2018 midterm elections, many of whom were inspired to run in response to Trump’s election, is a testament to the growing momentum behind the push for gender parity in politics. By contrast, the GOP’s lack of female representation in Congress and the administration only serves to underscore the party’s perceived indifference to women’s issues.

Ultimately, the portrayal of the GOP as “Team Misogyny” is not just a political tactic—it reflects a broader cultural shift towards greater awareness of and intolerance for sexism and gender discrimination. As the 2020 election approaches, Trump and his allies will have to reckon with the consequences of their actions and rhetoric towards women. Whether voters will ultimately hold them accountable remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the days of dismissing misogyny as a political liability are long gone.