Election 2024

Liz Wolfe | 11.1.2024 9:30 AM

Oppression at the ballot box: "What does it say about gender relations in this country that so many leaders are telling women not to fear retribution from their husbands because their ballots can remain secret" asks Washington Post journalist Catherine Rampell, referring to the wave of ads (watch here and here) that claim Donald Trump voters are being somehow bullying or pressuring their wives and friends to cast a vote for the man.

The answer to Rampell's question is that Democratic strategists seem to think this is how normies' marriages work, or that this ginned-up oppression will appeal to fence-sitters. It's the line Democrats appear to be taking in the lead-up to the election, but it strikes me as manufactured at best, insulting at worst.

"I certainly have many Republicans who will say to me, I can't be public. They do worry about a whole range of things including violence, but they'll do the right thing," said former Rep. Liz Cheney (R–Wyo.) recently.

"You are a woman who lives in a household of men who don't listen to you or value your opinion. Just remember: Your vote is a private matter. Regardless of the political views of your partner, you get to choose!" said Michelle Obama last week.

Of course, some people, like Fox News' Jesse Waters, likened his wife voting for Harris to her having an affair, seemingly........

© Reason.com