Framing Sarah Palin: Gendering a Vice-Presidential Nominee

• In Event: To Lead or Not to Lead ...Palin, Ferraro, Clinton

Abstract

This paper examines the framing of 2008 VP candidate Sarah Palin in Newsweek, Time, and U.S. News & World Report. Of particular interest was whether Palin was framed as a predominantly masculine or feminine candidate based on normatively gendered issues and traits. A content analysis revealed Palin was framed as a masculine candidate. Unlike past studies examining local, gubernatorial, House or Senate campaigns, this paper explores framing of a woman candidate in a national election.

Author

• Brian Krol, Bowling Green State University