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Nichola D. Gutgold

Nichola D. Gutgold interviewed Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bade Ginsburg in her chambers on August 19, 2010 for a research project on the communication skills of women Supreme Court justices. Gutgold is an associate professor of communication at Penn State University, Lehigh Valley campus, and author of Paving the Way for Madam President (Lexington Books, 2006) and Almost Madam President: Why Hillary Clinton “Won” in 2008.

Recent Posts by Nichola D. Gutgold

EXCLUSIVE Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Reminds: “Keep in Mind Your Mission”

August 23, 2010 – 8:29 am

By Nichola D. Gutgold
As Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg prepares to welcome Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court bench this fall, she reflects on the value of civil discourse in an interview with Associate Professor Nichola D. Gutgold.
Earlier this month when Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg spoke at the American Bar Association meeting [...]

EXCLUSIVE Women’s History Month Primer: Running for Office

March 23, 2010 – 8:44 am

By Nichola D. Gutgold
At the highest level of elective office in the United States, we’ve seen only a few women go after a major party nomination. The author, a professor of communications arts and sciences, extracts some lessons from their campaigns.

The files in Margaret Chase Smith’s Senate office, neatly labeled “Presidency” and “Vice-Presidency,” [...]

From Madam Gov. to Madam Pres.

February 1, 2010 – 10:55 am

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?

November 16, 2009 – 11:05 am

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”

August 24, 2009 – 10:05 am

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

May 18, 2009 – 2:27 pm

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

February 23, 2009 – 10:44 am

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

January 12, 2009 – 11:25 am

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 [...]

Speaking of Change: Women Broadcasters Deliver

October 8, 2008 – 5:23 pm

Two thirds of the way through the male-moderated presidential debates, history has turned in this election when women broadcasters played a role.
In the 1980s musician Don Henley had a big hit with a song that described the public’s fascination with broadcast news. He sang: “We got the bubble-headed-bleach-blonde who comes on at five. She [...]

The Clinton Nomination: Historic But Not Unprecedented

August 20, 2008 – 12:15 pm

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 [...]