Cleveland County women voters say women’s rights, misinformation are top issues in America
By Archiebald Browne
Published on July 7, 2024
Some Cleveland County women fear women’s rights are subject to erosion, age of the candidates is a concern and another Donald Trump administration could drive the country in the wrong direction.
Lisa Downs, 66, grew up in a Republican household with parents active in local politics. However, becoming an adult in the 1970s, she realized the party didn’t align with her thinking. Now, a registered Democrat, she believes the Republican party’s platform has moved further off course over the last 40 years.
“I am concerned about Biden as a candidate because the presidency is so taxing and his age and that fact are taking a toll on him personally,” Downs said. “It is unfortunate that presidential elections tend to be such contests of personality and that judgments are sometimes made on irrelevant factors or prejudices.”
Krislyn Sherer, 21, is a rising sociology senior at the University of Oklahoma. She co-founded OU IGNITE, which aims to empower women’s political participation. Sherer said her concerns this election are more about access to reproductive health care. She also said she is concerned with the degree of political polarization and misinformation.
While she doesn’t want to see another Trump administration, Sherer’s view of Biden has worsened during his presidency.
“Biden isn’t the choice I want to make,” Sherer said. “I am as concerned as the next person about inflation and economic inequality and the atrocities we are witnessing against the people of Palestine by Israel with the direct support of the United States using American taxpayer dollars.
However, there will only be two viable options when November comes around. If we, the people, want different options we must organize and plan before the next election year. As is stands, only one candidate for President does not intend to violate the foundations of our democracy or the liberties we Americans appreciate and rely on.”
Margarete Blevins, 64, is a retired legal assistant who lives in Slaughtersville.
She believes conservatives are taking away women’s rights, such as reproductive rights.
She thinks voting rights could be up next.
“And it just seems like they’re trying to diminish women, and put us back into, I don’t know, the 1950s or something,” Blevins said. “And some of the stuff that you read, like about Project 2025 is really scary. Their views on women.”
Blevins said Trump is the worst possible person for this country in her judgment.
“I’m not looking forward to a whole lot of anything right now,” Blevins said. “I hate to say it, but I’m scared for us and where we’re headed. But I mean, like in my household, Social Security and veterans benefits, those are really important benefits. And so there’s that strong concern that we’re going to lose those kinds of benefits. And it’s like, how are people going to live and survive under those kinds of circumstances?”
Ruth Mojica, 76, is a retired teacher and mental health organization volunteer from Norman.
She said the most significant issue is the spread of misinformation saying Trump is dangerous for the country and while Biden’s debate performance was poor, he does have a proven track record.
“Everything that (Trump) says is concerning. Because if we’re really a nation with equal rights, he doesn’t seem to advocate for that,” Mojica said “In addition to that he needs he seems to be out for profit, and that’s concerning.”
The Norman Transcript reached out to potential female voters in numerous ways seeking comment on the 2024 election.
These are the voters who were willing to share their comments.
This piece was republished from The Norman Transcript.