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Guidebooks
Speaking with Authority: From Economic Security to National Security
Speaking with Authority (221K)
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What is the effect of 9/11 on women's candidacies for public office? How will women fare in a political climate that is infused with anxiety about personal and national security? Will the recession add to the traditional hurdles women candidates face when dealing with the economy? How will these two mega-issues interact in voters' minds?
Speaking with Authority focuses specifically on these issues of security -- both national and personal -- in the wake of September 11. There we found that on issues of terrorism and military response, both men and women voters listen for male voices. However, female gubernatorial candidates are persuasive when they talk about preparedness and keeping voters informed. In addition, we found that while one in five voters is looking for a candidate whose top priority is security and terrorism, half are looking for someone focused on economic and domestic issues. This bodes well for female candidates, who are competitive with male candidates on home-front issues and economic issues.