Why White Women Voted Trump More Than Black Women Did –– One Woman's Theory

A theory for those who wonder why White women voted for Donald Trump in drastically higher numbers than Black women did despite his blatant misogyny––


One in the many questions posed following the 2016 Election results is why the numbers of minority women who voted for Hillary Clinton were so much higher than those casting ballots for Donald Trump. Examining the women voter charts below clearly indicates that whereas Clinton received the vast number of minority women votes, and more specifically, votes from African American (Black) women, it is extremely curious when compared to votes she received from White women voters why her numbers were so much smaller. Although Clinton's numbers were slightly lower for college educated Black women compared to those who did not posses a college education in that group, her overall numbers versus Trump's were still considerably higher for Black women compared with White women.

In response to the many ideas out there as to why this phenomenon occurred, this author would like to pose her theory.

Perhaps analyzers should consider the possibility that, generally speaking, Blacks just might recognize racist undertones faster and more readily than other racial groups; and that Black women voters were simply turned off by Donald Trumps racist views. Consider the possibility that whereas women as a whole may be conflicted about misogynistic behavior, for example, and what it means to put a known misogynist leader in the White House, perhaps Black women did not need to indulge that aspect of Trump's conduct in order to reject him because his apparent racist views readily superseded the bulk of his other flaws.

Put another way, for example, in attempt to categorize Black women’s thought processes on this subject, physically or mentally dictate a chart on which the word ‘Racist’ stands as an underscored title and then proceed to list words such as sexist, misogynist, anti-Semite, narcissist, liar, crook, xenophobe, et cetera. beneath that title. While observing the chart, consider the possibility that whereas some women may not be concerned about a potential leader’s sexism, they might view that person differently when it comes to race if their own race was seen negatively by that potential leader [such as if Barack Obama had used pro Black coded language to get Blacks to vote for him he likely would have lost some of his White support]. The same can be deduced from the other traits in the imaginary chart thereby signaling that without his missteps directed at race Trump may have stood a better chance in increasing his Black support. Most white women did not and could not have had the same outlook on the race issue as Blacks and thus if indulging this imaginary chart would be less likely to include a title using the word racist at the top. A falloff might however present with a title such as anti-Semite.

In short, women who voted for Trump might have been able to overlook his being a liar, or a narcissist, and unfortunately even a sex offender as long as they did not view themselves as being personally/directly impacted by his hateful words, bad deeds, or adverse outlook on groups of people he appears to despise.

Look at some of the videos wherein Trump’s female supporters were questioned about voting for him and specifically asked about his views on race or sexism. These women tended to excuse Trump by saying he didn’t mean what he said; he was passionate and his words did not come out right, he was no politician and was merely speaking his mind, he spoke poorly about women but did not actually physically assault anyone, the women accusing him were lying, and so forth… For the most part, these women WERE NOT BLACK!! And thus, the argument can be made that the above mentioned chart exercise suggests that racism is more threatening to Black women than Trump’s other likely-to-be policy driven flaws.

Now ask yourself, what Black American, female or male for that matter, would vote for a candidate who was promising to implement policing practices such as ‘law and order’ and ‘stop and frisk’!! Does America have a clue what these terms and tactics mean to Black communities!!?? Black women must consider the safety, in particular, of their sons, husbands, fathers, brothers, as well as other male family members, neighbors and friends when they decide who they want leading this great country––the United States of America.

This article is not suggesting that Blacks necessarily vote for candidates based on racial issues. The point is that coded language, such as Donald Trump used during his presidential campaign, is heard loudly and clearly throughout the Black community. Readers should bear in mind that countering Trump’s propensity for race bating to the degree of which racial voting does exist is a major reason Republican officials continually do all they can to disenfranchise voters in African American communities. Black women are fully aware of these oppressive maneuvers; and for many, knowledge that Trump was sued twice while walking in his father’s footsteps and instructing his employees to write ‘c’ for 'colored' on apartment applications in order to discriminate against the African American community fits right in with ongoing voter disenfranchisement practices.

Source: Women's voting charts qz.com.