The Conundrum Of Being A Moderate Republican Woman In 2016

The 2016 presidential candidates are unquestioningly polarizing figures. Because of this, many people are conflicted about which candidate they hate more ― forcing many to vote against a candidate instead of for one.

But one group of voters that may be even more conflicted than the rest are self-described moderate Republican women.

As Trump leads the Republican party further away from its roots, moderate Republicans ― but especially moderate Republican women ― are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Trump is a blatant misogynist, whose racism and anti-Semitism have kept him in the headlines far longer than many thought possible. On the flip side, many Republicans see Clinton as deeply and irredeemably untrustworthy.

So what’s a middle-of-the-road Republican woman to do? The Huffington Post spoke with 13 self-identified moderate Republican women to find out their thoughts on the upcoming election.

Some are mortified that Trump is representing their party, while others think he brings a new outlook as a lifelong business man. Many of the women we spoke with truly hate Clinton, but have resigned themselves to voting for her because they see her as the lesser of two evils.

Here’s how GOP women really feel going into the 2016 presidential election:

Some see Donald Trump as terrifying and fundamentally dangerous.

“I believe that Donald Trump is dangerous. He has tapped into the ugly hateful side of our country, and I believe that his core supporters are white males who are angry about losing their perceived superior place in America... He is a con man and is pulling off the greatest con of all time.” ― Ann, 59, Texas

“Trump is essentially the antithesis of many things that make the United States what it is.” ― Anna, 25, Washington

“If I am being completely honest, he makes me extremely uncomfortable. He is a racist, misogynist and extremely inconsiderate in general. I am baffled by the fact that Trump is the Republican candidate. How has the American public condoned such hate and ugliness? As much as I want a strong and decisive leader, I place great value on kindness and humility… how can you be a leader if you are so willing to alienate people?” ― Melissa, 36, Ohio

“Donald Trump to me is one of the scariest things to happen to our country in my lifetime... I think his policy ideas are rooted in fantasy and no real research, theory or fact, and I think he would make an absolutely horrible president. The fact that he is a charismatic speaker who is able to draw crowds because of the brokenness in American society means nothing to me, other than reminding me strongly of another zealous leader in the not-so-distant history who launched a world war and was directly responsible for the deaths of millions. He’s not even a politician, he’s just a monster with a lot of money and practice in front of cameras.” ― Hannah, 26 Virginia

“I cringe when I hear or read media about Trump because I believe if you are articulate and have a command of a given topic, you can speak calmly and intelligently and not resort to name calling or bullying tactics.” ― Liz, 63, New Jersey

Many also expressed concerns that Clinton is corrupt and can’t be trusted...

“I believe that Hillary is corrupt and appears to believe that she does not need to follow the rules, and as a result may have compromised security.” ― Ann, 59, Texas

“Hillary Clinton is untrustworthy and will do or say anything to get the presidency.” ― Linda, 55, Indiana

“I think she belongs in prison. I understand that people make mistakes, but typically people that make those as big as Benghazi (i.e. negligence) don’t get to run for President.” ― Kelly, 25, Florida

“I agree with a majority of her political views. That being said, I don’t completely trust her. It’s a mix of the email scandal and a few things she’s said in the past, but I have a hard time getting on board with her.” ―Anna, 25, Washington

But, Clinton is definitely qualified to be president.

“I do think she is more than qualified for the job of President. She does appear to be a very strong individual who will surround herself with very good people ― not just those who agree with her.” ― Ann, 59, Texas

“I think Hillary Clinton is certainly qualified for the job. I think she has considerable government experience, I think she has some really good ideas, and I think she can position America on the world stage, which is very important to me as someone interested in the global political and economic landscape. Do I think she was an idiot to have a private email server? Absolutely. Do I think she’s made mistakes? Of course. Do I think it’s gross how much money she’s received from big banks, while touting small business and the need for reforms in our financial industry? Sure, but I don’t think she’s alone there.” ― Hannah, 26, Virginia

Many of the women HuffPost spoke to are excited to see a woman running for president...

“I admire Hillary for blazing the path for women. As a woman in her mid-20s trying to establish herself in a male-dominated field, I’m ready for a woman to be president.” ― Anonymous, 26, South Carolina

“I think Hillary, despite many of my misgivings about her, would do a fine job, and it would certainly be an amazing, historical moment to have a woman running (arguably) the most powerful nation in the world.” ― Hannah, 26, Virginia

“As a woman I am beyond thrilled to finally have a woman candidate that potentially could be our next president. I do not agree with her on many issues but I feel she is certainly a better choice than Donald Trump.” ― Margot, 24, Washington DC

Though some women’s hatred for Clinton outweighs their dislike for Trump.

“It makes me throw up a little in my mouth to say it, but I’ll be voting for Trump. I fear Clinton more than I dislike Trump... The president can only directly impact so many things, and the things he/she will have more power over are the ones I would trust Trump in more.” ― Anonymous, 35 Indiana

“I will be voting for the lesser of two evils. Hilary has had political power before (let’s be honest, she wore the pants called the shots when Bill was President) plus her roles in office during Obama’s tenure. She has not done well with this power and actually caused serious problems and death (i.e. Benghazi). Therefore, I will vote for Trump solely as the lesser of two evils. Or I will go rogue and write Paul Ryan’s name on the ballot.” ― Kelly, 25, Florida

“Anyone but Clinton. With that being said, even though I do not care for either candidate I will vote. I will vote because I believe in practicing the right to vote.” ― Anonymous, 26, South Carolina

“Although he definitely isn’t my first choice for Republican nominee, I plan to vote for Trump in the election because I identify with most of his positions, such as the need to strengthen the economy and create jobs.” ― Anonymous, 27, Florida

Others said their main goal is to simply keep Trump out of office.

“I will do everything I can to keep Trump from becoming President. Even if he miraculously changed his tone and stopped making racist comments I would never vote for him.” ― Ann, 59, Texas

“I will be voting for Hillary Clinton. She is far from my preferred candidate, but at this point I’d probably vote for a trained seal over Donald Trump. At least with Hillary I won’t fear for the safety and security of our country every day. I genuinely believe that if Trump is voted into office we will be holding our collective breath for another horrific terrorist attack on our soil.” ― Hannah, 26, Virginia

“Hillary Clinton because she’s the lesser of two evils. Even though I disagree with some things she’s done, I believe she has the best head on her shoulders.” ― Anna, 25, Washington

“I came into this election thinking, ‘anyone but Hillary.’ Now, I am still am not her biggest supporter but she is a smart woman with experience. Her biggest problem is that she’s not likable; however, most women that could handle being the President wouldn’t be.” ― Blaire, 24, California

“Although she may not belong to the party I tend to lean towards, Hillary Clinton is by far a better option than her opponent. She has shown strength throughout her campaign and has not based her campaign on attacking other candidates as Donald Trump has. She has real answers with substance to questions she is asked during debates, and does not dodge them as Donald Trump has in the past. He does not seem to be truly educated on the topics that matter most, which the same certainly cannot be said regarding Hillary.” ― Margot, 24, Washington

Some still have no idea which way they’re going to vote...

“I don’t know yet. I won’t be voting for Hillary and I almost certainly will not be voting for Trump. I truly hate not being able to exercise my right to vote, but I wouldn’t feel right knowing that neither candidate is one that I will feel comfortable with in office.” ― Erin, 25, New Jersey

“At this point I am waiting to hear where Hillary stands on the actual issues. If she can’t win me over, I’ll be writing my name in (or maybe an awesome independent will show up?) on the ballot. Here’s hoping someone great emerges!” ― Melissa, 36, Ohio

“I know I will not vote for the Clintons. I am not ready to commit to Trump.” ― Liz, 63, New Jersey

But overwhelmingly they agreed that the GOP is becoming more and more extreme, and that Republicans have alienated many of the women who make up the party’s base.

“I find the extreme right religious social agenda disturbing, and I think that they are destroying the Republican party. I think that there are some great women in the party and they should be celebrated, but there are not enough of them and more need to be encouraged to run... If Trump becomes president, it will result in never having a Republican president elected again because it will be forever known as the party of bigots and bullies.” ― Ann, 59, Texas

“I feel as though the Republican party has moved farther and farther to the right the past few generations, which makes it difficult for me to vote that way.” ― Anna, 25, Washington

“Every election I get more disenchanted with the Republican party. I agree with the basic values of the party mainly due to my definition of fiscal responsibility, but it has become harder and harder to identify with the party. I feel less represented as time goes on. As much progress as women have made in the workplace and otherwise, I still don’t feel that we are considered or represented well when it comes to the issues most important to me.” ― Melissa, 36, Ohio

“The Republican Party needs to continue to change. There cannot be success with the GOP any longer. A lot of their social policies are, frankly, antiquated and irrelevant. The world is moving forward and they need to too. As for being a woman, I see a lot of very strong women in the Republican Party. I also think, as the party changes, more strong Republican women will come forward. The fiscal policies are just too in line with mine for me to abandon it completely.” ― Blaire, 24, California

“I am saddened by the state of the Republican party, which I believe has become overrun with unintelligent puppets pandering for the dollars of zealots and fundamentalists. Where are the compassionate conservatives? Furthermore, where are the smart people? Where are the women? I believe that the Republican party can be a place of diversity, intelligence, big ideas and a global mindset just like the Democratic party can... but it isn’t right now.” ― Hannah, 26 Virginia