The Difference between Cool and Cold: Print Media Coverage of Clinton, Edwards, and Obama

• In Event: Gender Bias and Double Binds in the 2008 Presidential Campaign

Abstract

This paper investigates the differences in news coverage of the top 3 Democratic candidates during the 2008 election. A content analysis of 379 New York Times articles published over a two week period examined how journalists used descriptors to frame the candidates and found tremendous differences how candidates were described. This research suggested that there is gender bias in news media reporting of female candidates.

Author

• Kristin Yates Thomas, Northwestern University