Former President Donald Trump is making headlines yet again with his unconventional campaign style, leaning into a hyper-masculine persona to secure his lead with male voters. Over the weekend, Trump interspersed his speeches with profanities, referenced the masculinity of golf legend Arnold Palmer, and made a highly publicized appearance at an NFL game — all part of his strategy to maintain his grip on a key demographic.
Trump’s approach has been to invigorate his most loyal supporters rather than expand his voter base. By doing so, he has managed to widen his lead among male voters, according to recent polls. A USA TODAY/Suffolk University survey released Monday shows Trump leading Democratic nominee Kamala Harris by 16 percentage points among male voters. Meanwhile, Harris holds a 17-point lead with female voters, creating a stark gender divide that has defined the 2024 election cycle.
GOP pollster Frank Luntz commented on Trump’s strategy: “I’ve never seen anyone focus more strenuously on current supporters rather than trying to expand the pool of potential voters.” Trump’s approach contrasts sharply with traditional political campaigns, which often aim to appeal to swing voters.
Trump’s hyper-masculine appeal was displayed during a weekend rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania — Arnold Palmer’s hometown. While speaking to the crowd, Trump commented about the late golfer that drew attention, saying, “Palmer was all man,” and adding an off-color remark about the golf legend’s physique, referencing locker room conversations. Such remarks are in line with Trump’s past strategy, where he uses crude, overt language to connect with male voters who view his style as a sign of strength.
However, this approach may alienate key voter groups, especially suburban women, who were once considered crucial for a successful campaign. Harris, who is neck-and-neck with Trump in the polls, has chosen a different approach, emphasizing issues that appeal to female voters, such as reproductive rights, healthcare, and caregiving. Former President Obama also addressed Trump’s behavior, stating earlier this month, “That’s not what real strength is,” challenging Trump’s macho image.
Trump’s weekend rally wasn’t the only instance of his hyper-masculine campaign strategy. He made a publicized appearance at an NFL game, a sport known for its broad appeal among male fans. By showing up at these events, Trump aims to reinforce his image as a “man’s man,” resonating with his key demographic.
In Latrobe, Trump didn’t hold back, using crude language to describe his political rival, calling Kamala Harris a “sh*t vice president” — a comment that generated mixed reactions among his supporters and critics alike. While Trump’s speeches have always been known for their off-the-cuff style, explicit language marks a new level of provocative rhetoric as he aims to energize his base.
Trump’s tactics appear to be less about uniting voters and more about reinforcing existing divisions. In recent weeks, he has doubled down on controversial statements, suggesting using the National Guard or military to handle Election Day chaos and describing political opponents as the “enemy from within.” Such remarks have drawn sharp criticism, even as they rally his core supporters.
During a Fox News interview aired Sunday, Trump stood by his inflammatory comments, claiming they were necessary to address the “radical-left lunatics” who he believes threaten the country. Trump also named Democratic figures like Rep. Adam Schiff and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as examples of this “enemy,” further intensifying his divisive rhetoric.
In stark contrast to Trump’s approach, Kamala Harris focuses on issues that resonate with women, from healthcare to reproductive rights. Her running mate, Tim Walz, has been strategically deployed to reach out to male voters, but with a more relatable, down-to-earth appeal as a “Midwestern dad” rather than the hyper-masculine image Trump projects.
Harris has leaned heavily on support from prominent figures like former President Obama, who has challenged Trump’s narrative of masculinity. By highlighting her vision for more inclusive and compassionate leadership, Harris hopes to draw in the female voters who helped Democrats secure victories in past elections.
