During a recent appearance on Fox & Friends, former President Donald Trump confidently brushed aside polls indicating he’s struggling with female voters.
He described these polls as “nonsense,” insisting that “women love me.”
This bold claim arises as he faces a challenging landscape against Kamala Harris, who has made abortion rights a central issue in her campaign.
Abortion as a Key Issue
When pressed about the numbers showing him trailing among women by double digits, Trump argued that the focus on abortion was skewing perceptions of his popularity.
He asserted, “I think I do very well with women,” emphasizing that if it weren’t for the abortion debate, women would have a different view of him.
Since the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, abortion has indeed emerged as a significant concern for many female voters.
Trump noted that he had appointed three justices involved in that decision, claiming that women appreciate what he has done.
He stated, “Women like me anyway,” as he highlighted his belief that the issue should be returned to individual states rather than dictated by the federal government.
“I’ve taken this issue out of the federal government and put it back to the states where they’re voting,” he explained.
Abortion Exceptions and Public Sentiment
While Trump maintains that he supports exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother, he acknowledged that not all states banning abortion since the Roe v. Wade decision have such provisions.
He praised the judges who made the controversial ruling, expressing that now the public can vote on the issue.
A recent Emerson College poll shows Harris leading Trump nationally by one percentage point, but the gap widens significantly among women, where Harris holds a commanding 55% to 41% advantage.
This underscores how crucial abortion remains as a voting issue.
Harris Targets Trump on the Campaign Trail
Kamala Harris has been vocal in her criticism of Trump, particularly regarding abortion rights.
During a campaign stop in Wisconsin, she challenged his narrative by saying, “No, Donald, everybody did not want Roe v. Wade to be overturned.”
Her remarks highlight the strong stance Democrats are taking on this issue as they rally support among women voters.
Trump’s Reluctance for Endorsement Help
Facing this uphill battle with female voters, Trump appears hesitant to actively seek support from allies who might bolster his appeal.
Fox host Brian Kilmeade brought up the possibility of Trump reconnecting with Nikki Haley, his former GOP rival, to help rally Republican support in the campaign’s final stretch.
However, Trump’s response was somewhat vague, stating he would do what he needs to do without fully committing to reaching out to her.
Haley, who endorsed Trump after exiting the Republican primary race, has yet to hold specific campaign events for him.
Trump reflected on their primary rivalry, emphasizing his decisive victories over her, including in her home state.
Trump Shifts Focus to Elon Musk
In an unexpected turn, Trump redirected the conversation by praising Elon Musk’s support, recalling an exciting moment watching a rocket ship land.
Despite encouragement from the show’s hosts, Trump did not address the concerns of Haley’s supporters directly, indicating a missed opportunity to connect with disillusioned Republican voters.
Meanwhile, Democrats are actively courting Republicans who may be wary of a second Trump term, particularly those who supported Haley.
As the campaign unfolds, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will play out.