Donald Trump says that “whether they like it or not, I’m going to protect” women. This comment is unfortunately emblematic of Trump and his supporters.

If women were the only voters, Donald Trump would lose in a landslide. If women stayed at home and left the voting to men, Donald Trump would win by a similarly large margin. There are good reasons for this gender gap, and this week’s “whether they like it or not” comment makes those reasons abundantly clear.

I am married to an intelligent and capable woman. I am a parent of two intelligent and kind young women. None of them need me (or anyone else) to force my protective arms around them “whether they like it or not.”

I work daily with many intelligent and professional women, none of whom need me (or anyone else) to protect them “whether they like it or not.”

I am friends with many intelligent and knowledgeable women, none of whom need me (or anyone else) to protect them “whether they like it or not.”

Women are just as smart as men. Women are just as capable as men. Women are just as aware of when they do or do not need protection as men. In fact, they are far more aware of what protections women need then men are.

This week I will voting to protect the women in my life. I will not be pretending that I know best about how to protect them. I will be listening to women, and believing them when they tell me who they need protection from. 

A significant majority of women are telling us that they do not need to be protected by Donald Trump. A significant majority of women are telling us that they need protection from Donald Trump.

I, for one, am willing to believe women. I, for one, will be voting against Donald Trump.

I hope that most of you - especially men - will join me and do the same.