It seems like Donald Trump has done it again! In a twist of fate, he’s become the only man in U.S. history to have clinched two presidential wins – and both times, his competition was a formidable woman. First, it was Hillary Clinton in 2016, and now, in this unprecedented rematch, he’s bested none other than Kamala Harris. It’s almost as if Trump has a knack for presidential face-offs against women! Let’s take a look back at how he’s managed to hold his own in these politically “he-said-she-said” showdowns.
The Original Showdown: Hillary Clinton, 2016
In 2016, Trump first squared off against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Many expected Clinton to shatter the infamous glass ceiling as the first female U.S. president. But, if there’s one thing Trump has proven, it’s that he’s not one to back down, especially when the stakes are as high as, well, the Oval Office.
The election became one of the most heated and surprising in modern American history. And while Clinton had years of political experience on her side, Trump’s unconventional style and surprising appeal shook up traditional expectations. As he would likely say, it was “tremendous.” At rallies, Trump’s competitive spirit was on full display, as he somehow managed to turn each debate into a larger-than-life spectacle.
Despite predictions, Trump took home the win in 2016, showing the world that he’s anything but predictable. In the process, he claimed the dubious honor of being the first president to defeat a female candidate in a presidential election.
The Sequel: Kamala Harris, 2024
Fast forward to 2024, and Trump is back – with even more “winning” on his mind. His opponent? Vice President Kamala Harris. This time, he’s no stranger to the political ring, having had four years of firsthand presidential experience (and four years on the sidelines tweeting about it). Harris, meanwhile, brought her own impressive credentials, with years as a senator, the first female VP, and a well-known background in law enforcement.
The 2024 election saw Trump channel his usual bravado and knack for slogans, but with a twist: this time, he was ready for his “rematch against the establishment.” Like Clinton, Harris is a strong, determined political figure, which only seemed to embolden Trump’s competitiveness. He dusted off his playbook from 2016, albeit with a few new twists.
In classic Trump style, he took to the debate stage with a level of gusto that had audiences both cringing and laughing. Harris, who has shown her own strength and resilience, held her own with a mix of grace and firmness. But in the end, the rematch went to Trump – again proving that he’s tough to beat when it comes to high-stakes political games.
Why Stop at Two?
With two historic wins against formidable women, Trump has perhaps accidentally started a strange trend. Who knows – maybe in four years, he’ll go up against yet another strong female candidate. After all, third time’s the charm, right?
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. For now, Trump has his victory, Harris has her VP legacy, and Clinton has an ever-growing collection of “What Happened” sequels to pen. One thing is clear: Trump’s record against women in presidential elections is unlike any other in history.
As they say, in the game of politics, you win or you go home. And Trump, with his unique style, seems to have turned winning – especially against women – into an art form.