On Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris failed to break the gender barrier to the presidency, becoming the latest woman and the second to be defeated by Donald J. Trump. Men have led the United States for all of its 248 years, and that will continue for at least four more.

Dive Deeper:

• Female presidential candidates continue to face significant challenges in breaking the gender barrier, with Vice President Kamala Harris as the latest to fall short.
• Women candidates, despite their determination and belief in the nation’s readiness for a female leader, have repeatedly encountered setbacks in their pursuit of the presidency.
• Men have predominantly led the United States throughout its history, and this trend is expected to continue for at least four more years following Harris’s defeat.
• Harris’s loss to Donald Trump has left many women feeling a mix of sadness and resignation, reflecting broader disappointment within the political landscape.
• Women across the country are grappling with the implications of Trump’s victory, especially in light of his controversial remarks and actions toward women.
• The emotional response to Harris’s defeat contrasts with the outrage following Hillary Clinton’s 2016 loss, highlighting a shift toward a more resigned acceptance of the situation.
• Many women express uncertainty about the future, struggling to envision a world where female leadership is widely accepted and valued.