Masculinity In Politics

How left and right are approaching the manhood narrative

I recently read an article by Brian Flood, published by Fox News entitled, “Masculinity is on the ballot; competing visions of being a man in America at the center of Trump-Harris matchup”   It brought up an interesting point regarding the notion of masculinity in today’s (western) culture.  Are testosterone levels any indication of political party affiliation?

At the RNC this year, Wrestlemania’s Hulk Hogan ripped off his “Real America” shirt in classic WWE form to reveal a Trump-Vance t-shirt.   The convention promoted a version of masculinity that is heavily associated with strength, toughness, and aggression. This image is closely tied to former President Donald Trump, who is portrayed as the epitome of a "warrior" or "gladiator" type of manhood.  They played off the imagery of Trump dodging an assassin’s bullet in Butler, PA.  The iconic image is indelible and epic if you’re a man’s man:  Standing up, blood runnding down his face, and he’s pumping his fist shouting “Fight.  Fight.  Fight.”  It doesn’t get better than that if you are a ‘man’s man’. 

J.D. Vance, the author of "Hillbilly Elegy" and a U.S. Senator, has positioned himself as a populist and a supporter of Trump’s political agenda. His rhetoric and public persona often align with themes that could be interpreted as promoting a form of traditional masculinity, sometimes referred to as "machismo."

As the VP pick for the RNC, his promotion of traditional masculinity could resonate with voters who feel disillusioned by changes in societal norms, particularly those related to gender. This might include advocating for what he sees as the restoration of traditional male roles and opposing what he views as the negative effects of modern social movements on men and boys.

This ideal of masculinity resonates with traditional conservative values, where being a strong provider and protector is seen as essential. This rhetoric has deep roots in conservative evangelical spaces and has now become more mainstream within the Republican Party. Figures like Trump and Vance capitalize on these themes, contrasting their "strength" with what they depict as the "weakness" or “softness” of their political opponents.

On the Democratic ticket, well, there’s Harris.  Being female isn’t the issue.  I have (personally) always said I would vote for a woman to be President of the United States.  But Kamala Harris is no Telsi Gabbard, Condaleeza Rice, or Nicki Haley.  This issue (for me) is not about her gender.  it’s about her policies and leadership ability.  

The DNC pick for VP, Tim Walz isn’t exactly an alpha-male, either.  During Walz acceptance speech at the DNC, the camera’s light up on his son who is sitting in the audience clapping and crying.  Ronald Levant, who has written on the psychology of men and masculinity, says there’s  a new model of being a man.  Is there?  If there is, then THAT is the target the Democratic Party is trying to hit.  The question remains is it a good strategy to appeal to the feminine side of men?   Democrats would balk at the word ‘feminine’.  They use language like responsibility, community, compassionate leadership as if those are not masculine traits.

For instance, figures like Minnesota Governor Tim Walz embody a version of masculinity that is strong yet compassionate, blending military service and leadership with a commitment to the common good. (Even though his service ended when his unit was called to war.  I’m trying not to show my bias!)  That is the stolen valor that Vance so vehemently accused Walz.

His portrayal of masculinity emphasizes being a protector not just through physical strength, but by advocating for policies that ensure community well-being, such as providing meals for schoolchildren and supporting gun safety measures.  I’m not sure if they would include his recruitment of young boys to the Gay-Straight Alliance Club that he sponsored in his school. But it does reflect a broader Democratic approach that balances traditional masculine roles with a focus on collective responsibility and inclusivity.

Overall, the DNC's messaging on masculinity aims to resonate with men who value strength in service to others and who reject the more extreme, confrontational images of manhood being promoted by some in the GOP​

Generally speaking, the contrast could not be more stark. 

Mike Nellis is founder of “White Dudes for Harris” and a former Harris’ aide.   He recently flexed some political clout by raising over 4 million dollars at an ‘all-star’ fundraiser.    He says there are tens of millions of men who reject the outdated, hyper-masculine image championed by figures like Hulk Hogan and their Republican counterparts. Hogan represents a relic of a bygone era, where ‘real men’ were defined by archaic notions of toughness and bravado.  But true masculinity is about caring for others and building strong communities, not clinging to hollow machismo. Men today are tired of that toxic narrative; we want to lead with love and hope.   

And then, of course, the narrative really skews left when Nellis says things like, “There’s Doug Emoff, who proudly supports his wife, embodying the kind of masculinity worth aspiring to.”

Interesting to note that’s what Harrison Butker, Chief’s superstar kicker was trying to say in his commencement speech at Benedictine College, a conservative Catholic college.  But they skewered him and fried him in boiling oil for his antiquated view of woman in marriage.   But that narrative resonates with the liberal progressives because it promotes their ideas of toxic masculinity.