Opinion Today: Remember the women who accused Trump?

The news cycle has moved on, but they're making another effort to be heard.

View in browser|nytimes.com October 1, 2024 By Jessica Bennett Ms Bennett is a contributing editor in Opinion who writes on gender, politics and culture They call themselves the Sisterhood of the Strange Sorority. There are 19 or 26 or 67 of them, depending on how you count. They are the women who accused Donald Trump of sexual misconduct — which he has denied — and they share an unusual bond. Remember, back in 2016, when it seemed like these women's stories might matter? There was a time, shortly after the "Access Hollywood" tape surfaced, when members of Trump's own party were calling for him to drop out of the race. In one poll, conducted a few weeks before that election, more than seven in 10 Americans — including 42 percent of Republican voters — said they believed the women. But then something strange happened. The words "another new accuser" began to sound like background noise. The women's names became numbers, and then the numbers started to get confusing. What exactly constituted "misconduct"? Did it count if he was merely ogling? How was the public supposed to understand which stories were corroborated by journalists, by lawyers or by nobody at all? With the exception of E. Jean Carroll, who won millions in court after Trump denied assaulting her, most of these women have faded from public view. The news cycle has moved on to more pressing realities — Trump's other legal troubles; abortion; war — and they too have tried to move on with their lives. Kind of. Recently, I spent time with the members of Strange Sorority, as they made one last effort to be heard. Read more here: The New York Times Jessica Bennett They Call Themselves the 'Strange Sorority.' Trump Was Their Initiation. The world has moved on. They haven't. By Jessica Bennett Here's what we're focusing on today: Editors' Picks David Brooks, Ross Douthat, Tressie McMillan Cottom and Pamela Paul 'He's Most Authentic When He's Nasty': Four Columnists Brace for the Vance-Walz Debate With Harris and Trump locked in a tight race, will the vice-presidential debate do anything to help or hurt either ticket? By David Brooks, Ross Douthat, Tressie McMillan Cottom and Pamela Paul More From Opinion Charles M. Blow Trump Thinks Harris's Sisterhood Is a 'Sorority Party.' He Should Think Again. The vice president is an institutionalist politician. Her membership in a "Divine Nine" organization helps explain why. By Charles M. Blow Why Isn't Harris Clobbering Trump? These 15 Swing State Voters Can Tell You. The participants discuss what either candidate might say that could solidify their vote. By Patrick Healy, Adrian J. Rivera and Margie Omero Guest Essay How JD Vance Disqualified Himself From Becoming Vice President Why he represents a grave risk to the rule of law in American democracy. By Matthew A. Seligman Guest Essay Is a No-Nonsense Dutchman Just What NATO Needs? In some countries, the job of a president or prime minister is a visionary one. Not here in Holland. By Ben Coates The Opinions Eric Adams and the Creeping Threat of Foreign Interference If other nations can influence New York City's mayor, who can't they influence? 9 MIN LISTEN Paul Krugman Why Trumponomics Could Lead to Trumpflation The former president is contemplating policies that would act like a self-inflicted pandemic. By Paul Krugman Guest Essay The Rising Risk of a New Forever War The "total victory" that Netanyahu and his cabinet are seeking over Hezbollah will not bring the absolute security that Israelis want and need. By Fawaz A. Gerges Daniel Forero letters How Should We View and Treat Obesity? Readers discuss an essay about whether it is a disease and how it should be diagnosed. Also: Fear in schools; natural disasters; political distractions. We hope you've enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible through subscriber support. Subscribe to The New York Times. Games Here are today's Mini Crossword, Wordle and Spelling Bee. If you're in the mood to play more, find all our games here. Forward this newsletter to friends to share ideas and perspectives that will help inform their lives. They can sign up here. Do you have feedback? Email us at opiniontoday@nytimes.com. If you have questions about your Times account, delivery problems or other issues, visit our Help Page or contact The Times. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for the Opinion Today newsletter from The New York Times. To stop receiving Opinion Today, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018