This Time Trump Sparks Controversy with 'Female Protector' Remark... Harris Calls It "Offensive"

[US Election 2024]
Harris: "Trump Does Not Respect Women's Freedom and Intelligence"
Harris Camp: "No Strong and Intelligent Women Around Trump"
Trump Camp: "Strong and Intelligent Women Are Here"

Ahead of the U.S. presidential election scheduled for November 5, a heated debate erupted over the 'trash' remarks and former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, claiming to be the "protector of women." With the race remaining tight until the end, Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris launched an attack by raising abortion rights, one of the key issues in the election.

On the 31st (local time), U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris held a press conference in Madison, Wisconsin, criticizing former President Trump's statement, "Whether you like it or not, I will protect women," as "offensive to everyone."

Vice President Kamala Harris (left), candidate for the U.S. presidential election, and former President Donald Trump [Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

She continued, "Former President Trump does not respect women's freedom or the intelligence that allows women to make decisions in their best interest," adding, "We trust women."

Vice President Harris said, "This is just the latest example of how former President Trump thinks about women and women's agency," criticizing, "He has caused a situation where one-third of American women now live in states where 'Trump abortion bans' are enforced." She also said, "This is a strong indication that my opponent will not fight for women's reproductive rights."

Former President Trump, during a rally in Wisconsin the previous day, emphasized protecting women while mentioning violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants. He said that his campaign advisers asked him to refrain from using expressions like "protecting women" because they were inappropriate, but he responded, "No. I will protect the women of this country. Whether women like it or not, I will do so."

In late September, former President Trump also told female voters, "You will be protected, and I will be your protector."

Vice President Harris has been attacking former President Trump by emphasizing abortion rights and attempting to rally female supporters. She is now accelerating her final offensive by referring to the "protector of women" remark. During Trump's tenure, he appointed three conservative federal Supreme Court justices, shifting the Supreme Court to a conservative majority. As a result, the ruling that recognized abortion rights at the federal level was overturned, and abortion has been completely banned or restricted in more than 20 states.

Vice President Harris continued her attack on Trump's remarks from the previous day during a rally in Phoenix, Arizona, in the afternoon. She said, "Former President Trump said he would do what he wants 'whether women like it or not,'" adding, "This is the person who said they should be punished for their (abortion) choices." She further urged voting, saying, "If he is elected, he will ban abortion nationwide, restrict access to contraception, and put in vitro fertilization (IVF) at risk."

Democratic vice-presidential candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized former President Trump's remarks during a rally in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, saying, "That is how this man has lived his life," adding, "That is why he appeared on the 'Access Hollywood' tape and why he ended up in court."

This refers to the incident in October 2005 when a conversation was leaked during the filming of NBC's entertainment program 'Access Hollywood,' in which former President Trump spoke about experiences of sexual assault against women. According to The Guardian, more than twenty women have claimed to have been sexually assaulted by former President Trump to date.

Also, billionaire Mark Cuban, a supporter of Vice President Harris, said on ABC, "I've never seen Trump with strong and intelligent women," adding, "The reason is simple. They are threatening to Trump, and Trump does not like being challenged by them."

The Trump campaign also launched a counterattack. Susie Wiles, co-chair of the Trump campaign, said on social media, "Cuban needs help identifying the strong and intelligent women around President Trump. Here they are!"