COMM 390: Caroline Kennedy, sheltered celebrities ... and women in politics

When Caroline Kennedy withdrew last month from consideration for New York's open seat in the U.S. Senate, Anne E. Kornblut of The Washington Post asked "Does a Glass Ceiling Persist in Politics?" Kornblut's answer, implied more than stated outright: Well, yes, there is a gender problem in national politics. Kornblut said:

Like Hillary Rodham Clinton and Sarah Palin before her, Kennedy illustrated what some say is an enduring double standard in the handling of ambitious female office-seekers. Even as more women step forward as contenders for premier political jobs, observers say, few seem able to get there.

In less than two months, Kennedy, 51, was transformed from a beloved, if elusive, national icon into a laughingstock in the New York media, mocked for her verbal tics and criticized for her spotty voting record.

Kornblut covered last year's Democratic primaries and presidential election, and she quotes people on both sides of the issue:

Many political observers dismissed the notion that Kennedy's difficulties had anything to do with gender, noting that she came across as a novice and sought appointment just as the national tolerance for family dynasties seemed to ebb. Hank Sheinkopf, a longtime Democratic strategist, said any suggestion that Kennedy was treated unfairly because of her sex was "nonsense." "The New York press corps is an equal opportunity candidate-basher," he said. "New York politics is rough and tumble, and she was too much of a lady for it. This is a very tough place to do politics in."

So we're dealing with a couple of roles here.

What's our image of a successful woman? Describe a "typical" upscale woman as portrayed in the media, in our popular culture. Sleek? Sophisticated? What does she look like? What does she act like? Is she feminine? Powerful? Is there a downside to her success?

What is our image of a successful politician? Again, think of the portrayals of successful pols in the news, in movies, TV shows. Obama, McCain. Try not to think of Blagojevich!

And, third, what is our image of a successful woman politician? Again, is there a downside? What's the upside? How do they balance? Think of Palin, think Hillary Clinton. Of Paris Hilton's energy policy ad. What about the sisterhood of the traveling pants suits?

Kornblut quoted some interesting opinions, including this one -- which also mentions conflicting roles and/or stereotypes of success:

Several Democratic strategists said the Kennedy conundrum was in part unique to her and in part reflective of what other high-profile women encountered this year. Dee Dee Myers, press secretary in Bill Clinton's White House, said it was difficult to untangle questions about scrutiny Kennedy faced as a woman from those she faced as a New Yorker, where attention is fierce, or as a celebrity or member of the fabled Kennedy family.

But Myers said that "questions about her résumé absolutely have to do with her gender."

"I don't see it as thin, I see it as unconventional," Myers said of Kennedy's résumé, which includes work as an author and schools fundraiser. "I don't see why running a hedge fund is better preparation for doing the people's business than writing books or working in the school system and raising a family."