This year’s midterm elections will turn on many issues. The Iran war, tariffs, inflation. Immigration, taxes, health care.
But there is another, potentially potent undercurrent in several key races that could determine control of Congress — what makes a real man?
It’s the latest example of tough-guy politics since Donald Trump brought his own version of masculinity to the trail more than a decade ago, belittling Republican rivals and defeating two Democratic women in his White House campaigns. Now many Democrats are trying to project their own manhood — or at least more confidently deflect conservatives’ attacks — as they try to return to power.
It’s all bullshit anyway. I personally don’t care if someone is “manly” or not. The universe has no checklist of gender qualifications you must meet in order to be a good person. And you’re correct. There’s abusive and non-abusive people.
But it’s fun to use the language of the abuser against the abuser. It’s stealing away their distorted interpretation and turning it on its head.
This is a movement of “trad dads” who want to work all day and leave women with the responsibility for child-rearing.