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Nichola D. Gutgold

Nichola D. Gutgold is associate professor of communication at Penn State University, She is author of “Almost Madam President: Why Hillary Clinton ‘won’ in 2008,” (Lexington Books, 2009). The book contends that Clinton exercised a wide range of rhetorical options to become the first front-runner woman candidate for president. The book is a follow up to her 2006 book: “Paving the Way for Madam President” (Lexington Press, 2006). The book chronicles the lives of Margaret Chase Smith, Shirley Chisholm, Patricia Schroeder, Elizabeth Dole and Carol Moseley Braun. It considers the prospects of a woman president and examines the bids of the five women who ran for president of the U.S. between the years 1964-2004.

She is also author of “Seen and Heard: The Women of Television News” (Lexington Book, 2008) and co-author of a rhetorical biography of Elizabeth Dole that was published in 2004 by Praeger Press, titled “Elizabeth Hanford Dole: Speaking from the Heart.”

For more information, please visit www.nicholagutgold.com.

Recent Posts by Nichola D. Gutgold

From Madam Gov. to Madam Pres.

By Nichola D. Gutgold
Filling the pipeline leading to the first woman elected U.S. president will take candidates who have convinced voters of their executive abilities, argues the writer, author of two books on women’s races for the highest office. The same doesn’t appear to be true for men who run.

He hasn’t even been sworn in [...]

Sarah Palin Is on the Road Again, But to Where?

By Nichola D. Gutgold

Sarah Palin is back in the news, with an appearance on Oprah and a tour to promote her autobiography that can’t fail to excite her supporters. But can she move beyond her base to become a viable candidate again for national office?
When Sarah Palin surprised the press and public by stepping down [...]

Secretary Clinton: The Uses of “First Lady Tendencies”

By Nichola D. Gutgold
A recent media take on the secretary reveals a truncated view of appropriate diplomatic style. A sense of mission derived from her own experiences drives Hillary Clinton as secretary of state, and the broad scope of her background grounds her work.
Hillary Clinton was an active first lady turned politician who almost won [...]

As Secretary of State, Clinton Can Exercise a Range of Roles

By Nichola D. Gutgold
In her current job, Hillary Clinton has found the freedom to express herself in various modes that work for her and for the Obama Administration. She is winning the appreciation of the public and of political and media observers.
Because of her singular career, Hillary Clinton has had to define her own style [...]

Hillary Clinton Continues To Rewrite the Script

By Nichola D. Gutgold
Lisa Burns, author of First Ladies and the Fourth Estate (Northern Illinois University Press, 2008), concluded her illuminating book with the statement:  “the question of women’s ‘proper’ place in political culture is as relevant today as it has been during any historical period.” As secretary of state, Hillary Clinton continues to redefine [...]

Girls Need to See Women Rise to Political Power

By Nichola D. Gutgold
In about a week, Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States—entering the history books as the first African American to serve. Young girls know from Hillary Clinton’s near success at becoming the Democratic candidate that women can aspire to the highest office too, but studies [...]

The Clinton Nomination: Historic But Not Unprecedented

By Nichola D. Gutgold

That Hillary Clinton’s name is being placed in nomination at the 2008 Democratic National Convention next week in Denver is the subject of much controversy.  “Hillary Haters” are pointing to the ongoing Clinton drama.  “Hillary Lovers” are rejoicing that she will be recognized for her historic presidential bid.  I propose a middle [...]

WMC Commentary: Women Gain With Hillary Clinton’s Run

By Nichola D. Gutgold

As Hillary Clinton grapples about how to re-energize her campaign and regain her momentum, pundits are already opining
about what her race for the White House means for future Madam President aspirants.  One opinion is that if she loses, her bid sets women back.  What?  I disagree wholeheartedly.  Her bid inches women forward [...]