There were many attacks from both sides during the U.S. presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Yet while Trump could afford to criticize Harris by questioning both her intelligence and her loyalty to the United States, Harris couldn’t do the same.
Why not?
One reason is gendered expectations about women leaders, and about women in positions of power more generally. The 2024 election campaign offers distinct visions of the United States and its future. It is also an opportunity to study the political rhetoric and the way in which the two politicians justify their decision to run for president, and attempt to reach American voters.
