Support for Women's March trounces Tea Party at its height

A new public opinion poll by the Washington Post has some very positive news regarding support for women’s rights under the Donald Trump administration.

One key question in particular makes it clear: Pollsters asked respondents about their awareness of and support for the Women’s March, the massive displays of protest held nationwide after Trump’s inauguration, and compared that data to similar queries posed in 2010 about the Tea Party.

The resulting comparison is stark, and should encourage women’s rights activists and advocates to take heart, even in these dark times:

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The poll also shows a strong desire, particularly on the part of Democratic women, to ramp up their political activity and involvement:

The poll found that 40 percent of Democratic women say they will become more involved in political causes this year, compared with 25 percent of Americans more broadly and 27 percent of Democratic men. Nearly half of liberal Democrats also say they will become more politically active, as do 43 percent of Democrats younger than 50. Interest in boosting activism is far lower — 21 percent — among independents and Republicans alike.

“I have called my senators. I called my congressman. I am sending emails. . . . I just donated $100 to the ACLU,” said Iris Dubois, 49, a lawyer and human relations manager in Atlanta, referring to the American Civil Liberties Union. She did not join her local women’s march but has nevertheless become more politically engaged — particularly in opposing Trump’s cabinet picks.

If the unpopular election of Trump leads to a considerable and dedicated increase in political awareness and involvement by women and other marginalized groups, then there is even more hope for the already-powerful, truly American resistance.