Maryland Governor Says Football and Shotgunning Beers Are Part of Masculinity

The topic of masculinity has become a prominent issue in the media's coverage of the 2024 presidential race, and Democratic Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has stated that he enjoys drinking beer like a typical man.

Last month, the concept of masculinity was highlighted after CNN's Dana Bash suggested that the Democratic National Convention leaders aimed to win over men who preferred speakers such as Gov. Tim Walz and second gentleman Doug Emhoff to wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, who publicly supported Trump by removing his shirt at the Republican National Convention in July.

Moore, who also spoke at the DNC, argues that embracing traditionally masculine traits and supporting women are not mutually exclusive.

Moore stated in an interview at the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival in Austin that he is deeply proud of being a person who enjoys shotgunning beers before football games, watching sports, and playing football.

"Moore stated, "I am a deeply supportive person of women's growth in elected leadership, and I believe we should not limit ourselves in these matters.""

Johns Hopkins University alumnus Moore, a dedicated Baltimore Ravens fan and U.S. Army veteran, excelled as a senior wide receiver, averaging 25.2 yards per reception.

Despite his traditionally masculine credentials, the governor believes that men should not be stereotyped.

Moore stated that it is crucial not to dehumanize or emasculate the growth of young boys as they develop into men.

"Supporting women in leadership roles does not diminish our masculinity, just as supporting men in roles does not diminish their femininity."

Moore believes that everyone should have the chance to "be themselves."

Being who you are should be enough, and you should be supported in that way, according to Moore.

A group of media personalities and Harris backers have proposed that Walz and Emhoff adopt a more contemporary concept of masculinity.

CNN's Bash stated that Tim Walz and Doug Emhoff, among others, are being used to appeal to men who may not fit the stereotype of being testosterone-laden, gun-toting individuals who want to listen to Hulk Hogan and the kind of players who appeared at the RNC.

The 2024 ballot features two distinct versions of masculinity, with Walz discussing the emotional aspects of parenthood and Emhoff pausing his legal career to support Harris' political journey.

Catherine Rampell of the liberal Washington Post labeled Emhoff as a "progressive sex symbol" that modern women desire.

Rampell wrote that Emhoff is confident in his masculinity and prioritizes his wife's ambitions over his own at times.

She argued that the Democrats' version of masculinity sharply contrasts with the Republicans' version of manliness.

Women desire a mate who won't resent their career success, as divorce rates have been higher when women have received job promotions or outearned their husbands. This is reflected in the Emhoffian "wife guy" fantasy, which is in contrast to conservative portrayals of manliness.

Planet Chronicle Digital’s Kristine Parks contributed to this report.