There’s a perception among a number of my colleagues that female political candidates in national races (specifically, presidential races) are not taken seriously or are too easily dismissed because of biased “gender perspective”. There’s no questions that female politicians are decidedly outnumbered by their male counterparts in elected offices, but the argument is that they are portrayed unfairly in the media, which in turn damages their credibility as candidates. Although there certainly have been instances of this in the media, to label any public criticism of female candidates by media outlets as “gender discrimination” is itself a generalization. Much of that criticism is warranted.

           One oft-cited example is Hillary Clinton’s bid for the democratic presidential nomination in 2008. Then-senator Clinton was faced with a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don’t dilemma with regards to her public perception. Although seen  as too hard and emotionless, Hillary Clinton teared up during a New Hampshire address before that state’s primary on January 7^th, 2008, discussing the strain of the campaign. Those tears immediately brought a storm of controversy regarding her emotional stability, her ability to handle “the job” of commander-in-chief, and the possible political motivation of a public breakdown. Fox News found it suspect enough to invite a panel of “experts” on Special Report with Brit Hume. Whatever the reasons for Hillary Clinton’s stoic sniffles, the political climate has not changed significantly in 2011. Sobby Speaker of the House John Boehner publicly weeps with more regularity than a Biggest Loser contestant, and is seldom criticized as being weak or emotionally unstable. (Perhaps that latter, but that’s a different issue altogether.)

           The impending 2012 presidential election may contain two female prospective candidates in the GOP field, both of whom have seen their fair share of media criticism in the past: Sarah Palin and Michelle Bauchmann. Both claim Tea Party affiliation, both ensconce a right-wing conservative agenda, and both have made statements that left pundits and the public blinking in astonishment. The question will become, then, are these candidates being portrayed in a light consistent with their character, or consistent with the perceptions of their gender? Sarah Palin was unfairly characterized in a Newsweek article that pictured her on the cover in running shorts.

            The days of the “good ole boys” network seems to be fading. Male candidates and pundits alike will need to be very careful in their depictions of Bachmann, Palin, or any other female candidate that runs in the 2012 elections as not to appear sexist or unfairly critical. Gloria Steinem wrote in a 2008 New York Times piece, “Gender is probably the most restricting force in American life, whether the question is who must be in the kitchen or who could be in the White House.” There will be an increased sensitivity to discrimination. This is especially true of a Republican Party that is attempting to hold onto their Tea Party constituency with so many female figureheads.