This time is personal. Let’s be honest, this Presidential election is not about issues or policies. Well it is, but not in an academic or abstract way. This time, for immigrants, it is about their parents, aunts and cousins. For American Muslims is about their relation with god. For most families is about their budget and expectations of a happy retirement. And for women –half of the nation–, this time is, well, pretty much about everything.
In a nation where the political system is designed for creating the thrill of tie scenarios (good for TV ratings), where the fussy strategy of the politically correct rules dominates, the 2016 Presidential election is already a unique moment in history.
Once the champion of using its democracy as a propaganda flag in order to proclaim the superior virtues of its American exceptionalism, the U.S. faces a huge challenge in this electoral process.
Beside the final decision of the primaries in both parties, and the real possibility that at the end of the day the names in the general election ballots may be Sanders and Cruz, so far Mr. Trump and Ms. Clinton have defined the fundamental dilemma in this political process.
And besides all the other expletives and lies that have driven The Donald campaign, -like his hate speech against Mexicans and Muslims-, his constant attacks against women may be the most relevant factor in this process. Trump’s own record as someone that clearly derogates women and only allows them, at best, a decorative role in society, versus the potential for social change that Hillary Presidency represents, could be a key outcome of this election.
And that is where the TV personality could be 100 per cent wrong (not by chance Trump rhymes with Dumb). Not just because women represent half of the country potential voters, but due to the economic and cultural impact that a gender equality agenda in the U.S. may represent for this country and also the world.
Here is where the challenge for women voters will be crucial. Can they unite around a 69 years old very imperfect politician that represents the old establishment virtues and vices? As demonstrated in 2008, the gender factor may be the real elephant in the room of American politics.
Recognizing that supporting Trump’s rhetoric, males –particularly old, white, angry and unsuccessful- have failed to grow to the challenge this election presents, women voters will define the outcome. The fact that so far millennial females have preferred an old, socialist, Jew candidate may be somehow worrisome.
For Latino women the dilemma is much easier to solve. Coming from a culture where motherhood is considered the top achievement for women –Happy Mother’s Day by the way–, the choice between Donald and Hillary is a no brainer, they will pick her and their support for Clinton may be crucial in the general election.
As demonstrated over and over again, Latino immigrant women are the ones who integrate better and improve more in their new home in this country. Here they work, get an education, are equal partners at home and, of course (if they want), become mothers. Hopefully they will also get involved in the political debate, participate in the campaigns and, of course go out and pick the first female President of the United States of America.
