For much of the past century, public discourse about gender and politics has been driven largely by progressive women—those voices on the left that support policies widely considered to be pro-women. Little scholarly attention has been paid to the dialogue of conservative women, and what literature there is tends to focus on specific issues rather than fundamentals like social and political identity. The authors focus on this under-studied yet rhetorically interesting group and their approach to political speech. The narratives and policy positions of Condoleezza Rice, Nikki Haley, Teri Lynn Land, Susana Martinez, Joni Ernst and others are examined for the ways in which they frame their political images as women in the GOP.

Rachel Friedman, an associate professor of communication at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, often publishes in the areas of women in GOP politics. Her research also examines cultural pedagogy and gender communication. She lives in Port Orange, Florida.

Nichelle McNabb is a professor at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. Her research interests include political communication and instructional communication. She lives in Westerville, Ohio.

Kristen L. McCauliff is an associate professor at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, where she teaches and researches rhetoric, media, politics and feminism. She lives in Muncie, Indiana.

Rachel Friedman, Nichelle D. McNabb and Kristen L. McCauliff

Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 188
Bibliographic Info: bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2017
pISBN: 978-1-4766-6761-4
eISBN: 978-1-4766-2947-6
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments vi
Prologue 1
Introduction: The “War on Women” 7
One • Terri Lynn Land 27
Two • Joni Ernst 44
Three • Carly Fiorina 58
Four • Nikki Haley 81
Five • Susana Martinez 101
Six • Condoleezza Rice 116
Seven • Senate Sisters 130
Concluding Thoughts and Ideas 144
References 157
Index 181