Difference in gender, a phenomenon once considered the main difference between the Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton campaigns, has diminished with the progression of the primary elections.
Observed voting patterns reveal that the percentage of women, who Clinton had relied on as her basis of support against Obama, are deferring to the male Democratic candidate while male voters are splitting their choice almost equally between the two presidential hopefuls.
This decreased influence of gender politics upon voting is encouraging, for it confirms that American voters base their decisions more on candidates’ merits rather than on mere categorization of physical factors and stereotypes.
Surveys conducted by Gallup before Super Tuesday displayed that Clinton led female votes with a staggering 54 percent compared to Obama’s measly 24 percent.
At this point in the races, pro-feminist votes demonstrated a declaration of war against the long-standing history of male front-running candidates.
Male votes conveyed a similar pattern of voting based on gender, as Obama received 41 percent compared to Clinton’s 34.
However, the story of the battle of the sexes changed, as only 10 days later Gallup Polls reflected a withering margin of 9 percent difference between the female votes, giving Clinton 46 percent of the votes and Obama 37. Male voters showed a surprising split of 40 percent to each candidate.
The American public has voiced a message through its voting patterns: campaigners’ and political spinsters’ attempts at trying to win the Democratic people through mere gender stereotypes is a tactic of the past. The effects of sensational headlines about gender and racial conflicts are fading.
The differences in gender voting trends between supporters of Obama and Clinton portray not only a difference in the targeting of voters by the candidates, but also in voters’ concern with the leadership qualities of each candidate.
Clinton supporters argue for a female voice in the government ““ to which I ask, what happened to Nancy Pelosi? A change in gender may not necessarily ensure progress in the White House.
It is refreshing to see that voters are doing their homework ““ watching debates more often, reading news articles on the candidates and comparing each side’s political platforms.
The dwindling of clustered voting among racial groups appears as well. Super Tuesday exit polls showed Obama leading the black vote with 8 in 10.
A week after Super Tuesday, the numbers had fallen to 6 in 10, showing a 20 percent drop.
On the other hand, despite Clinton’s lead in the Hispanic votes, Obama captured the attention of white voters who have been split between the two candidates.
Voters are observing the strengths and weaknesses of each of the Democratic candidates. Although voters tend to equalize the candidates, this trend may lead to indecision as the Democratic Convention approaches. If candidates notice that the good qualities of one candidate cancel out the poorer qualities of another, a stalemate may ensue, endangering the Democratic nominee against the Republican counterpart in November.
Nevertheless, the pattern of mixed support for both Democratic hopefuls predicts a split ticket between Obama and Clinton.
Even if one’s favorite Democratic candidate does not gain the Democratic Convention’s nomination for president, the other candidate may still be seen on stage as the vice presidential nominee.
Therefore, Americans who align with the Democratic party should unite in their efforts to support both candidates, because neither may be completely out of the picture when November comes.
The presidential races may prove that a Democratic coalition of votes will outdo the Republican votes.
If more Democrats demonstrate that they are willing to unite behind a single leader with a set of defined qualities, there will be little that a Republican candidate can do to oppose them.
With a strong basis such as this, the Democrats can ensure a seat in the White House.
If you think gender and race should influence voting, e-mail Tehrani at ntehrani@media.ucla.edu. Send general comments to viewpoint@media.ucla.edu.