In the upcoming 2024 presidential election, women voters are navigating a complex landscape shaped by the recent Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade. With this being the first election since the ruling, the gender divide has been pronounced, with polls indicating that Vice President Kamala Harris is connecting well with women, while former President Donald Trump maintains a strong following among men.
Michelle, a quality engineer from Arizona and registered Republican, expressed concerns about women's rights, saying, "I’m not a one-issue voter, but that is a huge one." The ruling personally affected her ability to access necessary medications. She added that a Harris presidency would validate the idea that women's potential is limitless.
Contrastingly, a nurse practitioner in Texas who supported Trump in the last election plans to do so again. She acknowledged Trump's problematic comments but stated, "I care about policy, not personality." She criticized Harris for not providing clear limits on abortion, saying, "The mother is the first patient."
Meanwhile, a Democrat from Illinois is steadfastly backing Harris, emphasizing the importance of reproductive rights. She finds Trump’s attempts to address women's rights insufficient and is hopeful for Harris's understanding of the issues, though she desires more detailed plans from her.
Angela, a graduate student in Iowa, shared her ambivalence about Harris's campaign, feeling disappointment despite the potential historic significance of electing a woman of color. She remarked, "Abortion is a huge issue that needs to be addressed," highlighting her discontent with both candidates' approaches.
An independent voter from Florida stressed the significance of reproductive rights, especially with a ballot amendment aiming to protect them. She expressed the need for better representation and progress in women's rights, aiming for a future where female leadership is normalized.
In contrast, a left-leaning moderate from Georgia, initially considering Harris, feels torn due to her Catholic beliefs against abortion. “I can’t vote for someone who embraces those views,” she stated, reflecting the complexities many voters face.
A retired Texas woman, who opposed Trump in the past, now supports Harris, expressing fear over the regression of women's rights. She lamented, "It's very frightening to me," articulating widespread concern among women about current political narratives.
As Election Day draws near, the BBC Voter Voices project continues to gather insights from U.S. voters regarding their priorities and concerns.
Michelle, a quality engineer from Arizona and registered Republican, expressed concerns about women's rights, saying, "I’m not a one-issue voter, but that is a huge one." The ruling personally affected her ability to access necessary medications. She added that a Harris presidency would validate the idea that women's potential is limitless.
Contrastingly, a nurse practitioner in Texas who supported Trump in the last election plans to do so again. She acknowledged Trump's problematic comments but stated, "I care about policy, not personality." She criticized Harris for not providing clear limits on abortion, saying, "The mother is the first patient."
Meanwhile, a Democrat from Illinois is steadfastly backing Harris, emphasizing the importance of reproductive rights. She finds Trump’s attempts to address women's rights insufficient and is hopeful for Harris's understanding of the issues, though she desires more detailed plans from her.
Angela, a graduate student in Iowa, shared her ambivalence about Harris's campaign, feeling disappointment despite the potential historic significance of electing a woman of color. She remarked, "Abortion is a huge issue that needs to be addressed," highlighting her discontent with both candidates' approaches.
An independent voter from Florida stressed the significance of reproductive rights, especially with a ballot amendment aiming to protect them. She expressed the need for better representation and progress in women's rights, aiming for a future where female leadership is normalized.
In contrast, a left-leaning moderate from Georgia, initially considering Harris, feels torn due to her Catholic beliefs against abortion. “I can’t vote for someone who embraces those views,” she stated, reflecting the complexities many voters face.
A retired Texas woman, who opposed Trump in the past, now supports Harris, expressing fear over the regression of women's rights. She lamented, "It's very frightening to me," articulating widespread concern among women about current political narratives.
As Election Day draws near, the BBC Voter Voices project continues to gather insights from U.S. voters regarding their priorities and concerns.
