To Return from the Political Wilderness, Dems Need to Show Men a Little R-E-S-P-E-C-T

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Robert Thompson

Telephone: +1-301-801-0608

To Return from the Political Wilderness, Dems Need to Show Men a Little R-E-S-P-E-C-T

WASHINGTON / June 16, 2025 – Democrats suffered a historic defeat in the November elections, largely due to the disillusionment of male voters with the Democratic agenda. A national survey by the Speaking With American Men project found that just 27% of young men viewed the Democratic Party in a positive light, while 43% of them viewed the Republican Party favorably (1).

The exodus of 4.5 million male voters from the Democratic fold did not happen as a result of benign neglect. Rather, Democratic leaders repeatedly promoted negative and false stereotypes of men:

Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz often resorted to uttering the “misogyny” epithet, once describing the MAGA movement as “just racism and misogyny” (2). Walz was ridiculed for his inauthentic caricatures of masculinity, as well (3).
Michelle Obama lambasted Republican men with her sweeping, sexist accusation, “It’s clear that they just don’t trust women.” (4) At the Democratic National Convention, she accused Donald Trump of resorting to “ugly, misogynistic, racist lies.” (5)
Former President Barack Obama suggested that sexist attitudes among Black men were contributing to their reluctance to support Kamala Harris: “I’m speaking to men directly – part of it makes me think that, well, you just aren’t feeling the idea of having a woman as president.” (6)

Indeed, numerous analysts concluded that Democrats had reached the point of ignoring and belittling men. Some of the sharpest critiques came from Democrats themselves:

James Carville: The long-time Democratic strategist blasted his fellow liberals: “If you listen to Democratic elites…the whole talk is about how women, and women of color, are going to decide this election. I’m like: ‘Well, 48 percent of the people that vote are males. Do you mind if they have some consideration?’” (7)

Chris Murphy: The Connecticut senator suggested that Democrats’ reluctance to discuss men’s issues, due to a fear of offending progressive sensibilities, put them “on the back foot” with male voters (8).

Ross Morales Rocketto: The lead organizer of White Dudes for Harris chided his fellow liberals, noting that men “know the Democratic Party doesn’t really like or respect them.” (9)

Bernie Sanders: Reflecting on the historic losses among Latino and Black men, the Vermont senator remarked, “It should come as no great surprise that a Democratic Party which has abandoned working class people would find that the working class has abandoned them.” (10)

These comments represent a collective admission that Democratic attempts to connect with the male electorate were marked by resounding failure.

In 1965, the “Respect” song was released. Aretha Franklin later rearranged the hit single as she implored listeners for “a little respect” with her signature refrain, “R-E-S-P-E-C-T,’ find out what it means to me.”

“Respect” eventually became an anthem for the burgeoning feminist movement. Six decades later, it’s now American men who are demanding “a little respect” from the Democratic Party.

SAVE – Stop Abusive and Violent Environments – is a 501(c)3 organization working to assure due process, fairness, and equal opportunities for men.

Links:

News and Commentary