Trump makes paternalistic, imaginary promises to women

In one of his most disturbing recent comments, former President Donald Trump made a passionate appeal for support to American women at a rally in Pennsylvania on Monday night: “I will be your defender.”

In fact, if you missed it, his extended remarks are well worth your time. “I am your defender. I want to be your defender. As president, I have to be your defender,” Trump said, before warning that “fake news” would give his words too much weight.

“You will no longer be abandoned, lonely, or afraid… You will no longer be in danger,” he continued. “You will no longer be anxious about all the problems our country has today. You will be protected, and I will be your defender.”

Finally a president who can cure fear!

Then, sounding like a salesman promising a miracle cure, he added, “Women will be happy, healthy, confident, and free.”

And finally, a missed blow to the heart of the matter: “You will no longer think about abortion.”

Trump has said a lot of things over the years that could be considered misogynistic, paternalistic, patronizing, even quasi-fascist. But this struck me as an underrated example of Trump revealing his dark worldview.

Let’s start with the assumption that politics or politicians can, and even should, cure our deepest needs and problems. Is this really the proper role of government?

It’s Trump displacing God, spouses, parents, and the “little platoons” in society to which we all belong — not to mention the strong self-determination and courage of adult women as fully formed individuals with their own agency — many of whom can take care of themselves without the help of some white knight like Trump, thank you very much.

The move is an odd one for a supposedly conservative Republican. Twelve years ago, I was one of many on the right who criticized the “Life of Julia” infographic that Barack Obama’s reelection campaign created and posted online.

As conservative William Bennett lamented at the time, “Julia’s entire life is defined by her interactions with the state. Government is everywhere, and every step of her life is tied to a government program. Conspicuously absent from her story is any relationship with her husband, family, church, or community, except for the ‘community’ garden where she works after retirement. Instead, the state has taken their place and is her primary relationship.”

In many ways, Trump is promising the same thing — only this time, he (not “big government”) is Julia’s husband, father, and savior.

Sure, we need a government that protects national security, paves roads, locks up criminals, protects borders, and delivers mail. It’s obvious that progressives envision an even stronger welfare state with greater involvement in our lives. But even in that scenario, it’s a joint effort by state, local, and federal governments—not the work of one powerful man.

But at least Trump realizes he is in serious trouble when it comes to female voters, who make up the majority of the electorate.

Here, he’s torn. Trump’s desire to win the 2024 election didn’t stop him from choosing a vice presidential candidate who demeaned “childless cat women,” nor did it stop him from attacking Taylor Swift after she endorsed Kamala Harris. Instead of saying less offensive things that are sure to provoke and alienate women, Trump has decided to go on what he sees as a charm offensive.

And while there may be women in Trump’s camp who would be seduced by his advances, it’s hard to imagine his latest remarks convincing skeptical soccer moms or suburbanites, much less cat lovers or soccer fans.

Trump is also fully aware that abortion is a weakness for him. This explains why he has been hesitant on the issue, opposing a national abortion ban and a six-week ban in Florida. Yet, rather than address the issue directly, which would be a painful and difficult task, he comforts himself with the belief that he can manifest a different answer through Jedi Mind Tricks.

For example, he keeps repeating the false idea that “everyone wanted Roe v. Wade to be overturned and brought back to the states,” as if repeating this nonsense would make that happen. His latest delusion — “you’ll never think about abortion again” — is similarly wishful thinking.

Trump’s promise to protect women and solve all their problems betrays his lack of understanding or concern about the proper role of government. It reflects the assumption that women are weak and will be susceptible to the promises of a strong man who will protect them, and the belief that he can change reality through the power of his will and words.

By any measure, Trump’s comments are both revealing and clumsy. You don’t have to be a feminist to suspect that American women will happily correct him on Election Day.

Matt K Lewis is a columnist, podcaster and author of the books “Too stupid to fail“And”Filthy Rich Politicians.”

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