MSNBC contributor Katty Kay says former President Trump's and Vice President Harris' presidential campaigns present two distinct perspectives on what it means to be a man in today's society.
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MSNBC contributor Katty Kay has observed a stark contrast in the ways that the Trump and Harris presidential campaigns portray masculinity.
Trump, Harris Campaigns Showcase Contrasting Views on Masculinity
During an interview with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Kay noted that the Trump campaign promotes a "slightly retro, macho" view of masculinity, while the Harris campaign showcases a more modern and supportive approach.
Emhoff, whose willingness to step back from his career to support his wife's political aspirations has been widely praised, emphasized that true masculinity combines strength and support.
Trump, Harris Campaigns Showcase Contrasting Views on Masculinity
"I've also learned I can't lecture, I can't be a scold," Emhoff said. "I can't tell people what to do, especially in this area, I just have to say, 'Look, here's what I do, here's why I do it, here's why it's important to me.'"
Mika Brzezinski, co-host of "Morning Joe," commented on the interview, highlighting the divergent approaches to masculinity in the political landscape.
Trump, Harris Campaigns Showcase Contrasting Views on Masculinity
"There seems to be 'two different views of masculinity,'" Kay said, referring to the GOP and Democratic presidential campaigns.
She explained that while the Trump campaign embraces a traditional "alpha, retro view of masculinity," the Harris-Walz campaign presents a more supportive model.
Earlier in the program, Kay had noted that the Harris-Walz campaign was making concerted efforts to reach male voters, who polls suggest are more likely to support Trump. Emhoff's role as an example of modern masculinity is central to this strategy.
"He hopes that, leading by example, by talking about the fact that he loves his wife, that you can make space for women to the rise to the top and it wont diminish your masculinity," Kay said.
During the Democratic National Convention, CNN's Dana Bash made a similar observation, suggesting that Democrats were trying to appeal to men who "understand that it’s OK in 2024 to be a man comfortable in his own skin who supports a woman."
The contrasting views on masculinity presented by the Trump and Harris campaigns reflect the evolving societal norms surrounding gender roles and relationships. While traditional notions of masculinity continue to hold sway in some circles, a growing number of men are embracing a more egalitarian and supportive approach.
The outcome of the 2024 presidential election will likely hinge in part on which candidate can best connect with voters' evolving views on masculinity.
