Women And 9/11
On CNN’s Inside Politics today, Bill Schneider pointed to a new poll showing how 9/11 has affected women:
WOODRUFF: Bill, first of all, what sort of lasting impact are you finding 9/11 has had on public opinion now that we are almost two years later?WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, CNN SR. POLITICAL ANALYST: Well, Judy, one word. And that word is security.
In the latest CNN/”TIME” poll, nearly two-thirds of Americans say they’re more worried about national security after 9/11. And that is especially true for women; 59 percent of men and 71 percent of women say they’re more worried about national security. Among moms, women with children under 18, the figure is even higher; 76 percent say they’re more worried about security.
The impact on women became even clearer when we asked, which do you worry about more, another terrorist attack or an economic downturn? Men are more worried about an economic downturn. Women tend to be more worried about another terrorist attack. The issue of physical security has clearly taken hold among women.
WOODRUFF: So, Bill, has that had a political effect, though?
SCHNEIDER: Well, it does seem to have increased the appeal of the Republican Party to women voters.
Republicans, you know, have been called the daddy party. Well, sure enough, men have a more favorable opinion of Republicans than Democrats. But the opposite is no longer true for women. Women now have an equally favorable view of both parties. Republicans are the party that offers to protect them and their kids.
WOODRUFF: And, Bill, are there specific issues that show the effects of 9/11?
SCHNEIDER: Here’s one: gun control. Gun control advocates are now on the defensive. And here’s why. CNN and “TIME” asked Americans whether they favored stricter gun control laws back in January of 2000, long before 9/11. And we asked it again last week. Among men, there’s been no shift at all. They have the same percentage; 48 percent say they support stricter gun control laws. But take a look at the figures among women. Among women, support for stricter gun laws has fallen sharply, from 69 percent in 2000 to 55 percent now; 9/11 has tilted the political advantage toward the gun lobby. Apparently, guns make people feel now more secure, especially women – Judy.