Since the 2016 election it has been difficult to understand why any women voted for a candidate with sex scandals, blatant sexism, and policies against women’s health. Where have the women for Trump come from?
An author of a feminist newsletter, Mona Eltahawy, may have found what accounted for at least some of those votes. In a tweet she stated "White American men saying out loud that they force their wives to vote the way they want them to," including screenshots of men praising line of thinking.
White American men saying out loud that they force their wives to vote the way they want them to. The one on the right has 10k followers. pic.twitter.com/9SVRDqgx6O
— Mona Eltahawy (@monaeltahawy) November 2, 2020
One of these right wing men, a Christian blog manager named Jesse Sumpter, posted some unsolicited advice saying:
"friendly reminder for elections: make sure your wife votes exactly as you do."
A friendly reminder pic.twitter.com/mPVfq8Tpbh
— Jesse Sumpter (@jesse_sumpter) October 28, 2020
In an email Sumpter claimed to have been misinterpreted, he said:
"People assume the worst about 'make sure.' They ignorantly assume that means beating or coercing the woman.That is not what I said at all. 'Make sure' means to check in and make sure you are on the same page."
He went on to quote scripture adding:
"Why get married if you don't want to be on the same page with your spouse? That is what Jesus said when he talked about marriage: 'The two shall be one flesh, so they are no longer two, but one flesh (Mark 10:8).' One flesh means being united in everything in marriage. That is what I am saying."
Sometimes people should stop while they're ahead…
1) Jesus never said *anything* about wives submitting to husbands.
2) But there is something in the Bible about not using the Lord's name for vain purposes. Check yourself before you wreck yourself.
— The Reformed Pension Actuary (@ReformedActuary) October 30, 2020
Sumpter however, decided to follow up on his commentary with a blog post which included gems such as:
"Notice the language there: wives should submit in everything. That is really clear language. The wife should submit in voting issues."
Another cis white man and Trump supporter from the condemning post, Michael Foster, who had bragged "I get two votes every election" is a pastor who runs a podcast called "It's good to be a man."
“So, Michael, who are we voting for and why?"
I get two votes every election.
— Michael Foster (@thisisfoster) October 31, 2020
Foster said in a direct message to Daily Dot:
"My wife and I discuss the issues and candidates and make a decision as a couple. My position is a household should be united in how it votes and the husband is the head of the household and the wife ought to follow his lead."
"However, if she doesn't that shows that their marriage needs to work towards a united view. That isn't achieved through force or threat but instruction and exhortation."
Foster however, noted despite what he said his wife voted differently than him in the last presidential election…
MAGA men chimed in to voice their support for the oppressive statements. The rest of the internet shut them down with a combination of anger, disgust, and pity on the women who are expected to follow their husbands lead, even at the polls.
My ex-husband asked me about all the propositions and local candidates because I pay attention and read. It felt good to be trusted to provide information to let him make his own choices as an adult human being.
— Angie the Optimist (@AngieTheOptimus) November 2, 2020
I'm sure it is, since your wife appears to be your employee instead of a equal companion. Equals have their own thoughts and opinions.
— Kriser (@Kriser10) November 2, 2020
Some safe bets:
1) Your wife has never orgasmed with you
2) You are quite convinced she has
3) Just like when it comes to sex, she lies about who she votes for because she knows you're too insecure to handle it
— The Hoarse Whisperer (@TheRealHoarse) October 31, 2020
Admitting to voter fraud on twitter is a weird flex, but ok https://t.co/HlOIZGoJEn
— Draculaura Kressly has voted (@shakespeareanLK) November 2, 2020
The number of Christian men who think it's OK to tell their wife how to vote or VOTE FOR THEM (“I get two votes") is shocking. And controlling their women is considered godly...?! No, actually that's called coercion and voter intimidation and it's a crime folks. #exvangelical
— Reborn As ME (@reborn_as_me) November 1, 2020
I'm so glad my husband sees me as my own person who was given the ability to think and act for myself!! My husband and I aren't even in the same political party!! And we are Christian!!
Your heads are spinning huh?!
Your wives deserve better
— suburban woman for Biden (@ChristianDem8) November 2, 2020
This is basically the grossest thing on Twitter, so well done, I guess.
— The Hippie And The Hounds (@Ziggy_Spider) November 3, 2020
About that whole right to vote thing...My daughter and I both wore a uniform in the Army and Marines so that it keeps being your right AND your wife's right. You're welcome.
— Eɾιɳ Hαɾԃιɳɠ (@ErinMHarding) October 30, 2020
Funny how the folks worried about creeping sharia are just creeps imposing their own version of what they supposedly fear https://t.co/jLKfVh9fla
— Social Distancing Jude (@soccer_jude) November 2, 2020
And important reminder for wives:
👉🏼Voter intimidation is illegal even if it's your husband👈🏼
👉🏼Your vote is no one's business but your own👈🏼
Lie to him about how you vote if you have to in order to avoid his abuse.
Also Jesse, Jesus does not say to force your wife to do things
— Sherry B (@OkieLibSherry) October 30, 2020
When I was 13, my Grandmom had a talk with me about men, never date a man with a pinky ring, or a man who is rude to workers. The most dangerous one was a man that used the Bible to say that he should be your master. They aren't men, she said, they are boys, beware of them.
— BethanyWP.MT (@BethanyYosemite) October 30, 2020
The 19th amendment which granted women the right to vote was ratified August 18, 1920 after a hard fought movement. Non-white women did not gain the right to vote until decades later. Honor those who fought for these rights by voting your own conscience.