DeaGLe^ Posted January 23, 2017 Posted January 23, 2017 Marches for women's rights in the United States and around the world amounted to a remarkable protest against Donald Trump on his first full day in office. The question going forward is whether the marches are simply a cathartic moment for people upset over Trump's election victory or a more enduring opposition movement. While the mood at the main march in Washington was mostly jovial, the day underscored some of the challenges facing the left in the aftermath of Trump's victory. It was not immediately clear what political impact the marches would have on the Trump administration or Republicans in Congress. Trump didn't address the march during remarks he delivered Saturday afternoon at CIA headquarters in Virginia. One central hurdle for protesters: their effort to draw attention to so many different political priorities. Even the signs they carried reflected the diversity of their agendas. Some were there advocating for Black Lives Matter movement while others aimed to bring attention to reproductive rights. Some focused on the fight for equal pay and their opposition to the rollback of former President Barack Obama's health care law. Many women in attendance also wore the now-famous T-shirts with hearts embracing Trump's phrase about Hillary Clinton: "Nasty Woman." Meanwhile, the Democratic mantra so prevalent in the final weeks of the campaign -- "when they go low, we go high" -- was largely absent. Actress Ashley Judd, for instance, read a poem that said Trump bathes in "Cheeto dust." Madonna delivered remarks laden with expletives. Dozens of older women held signs that said "I can't believe I still have to protest this s---." Many signs referenced to Trump's vulgar comments that emerged weeks before the election that reveal him bragging on a decade old tape about his ability to grab women by the genitals because of his fame. One protester held a sign that said "If you're going to grab my pussy, keep your hands off my healthcare." In interviews, marchers said they were hoping to maintain a positive vibe -- a respectful demonstration of democracy and expression of free speech. Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell said that some 7,500 people were coming from her home state of Michigan on 100 buses. Since the election, she said "People are showing up at any kind of activist meeting because they want to do something and they don't know what to do."
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