Gender differences still apparent in campaigns

Iowa caucuses
Presidential candidate Michele Bachmann gives one of her phone bank volunteers a hug and a kiss Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011 during a visit to her campaign headquarters in Urbandale, Iowa. Bachmann made a few phone calls to potential supporters and spoke to the media.
MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson

This year marks the third Iowa caucus season to include a strong female candidate. In 1999, Elizabeth Dole dropped out after the Iowa Straw Poll. Four years ago, Hilary Clinton finished third, and of course, this year Michele Bachmann is competing.

At Iowa State University in Ames, professor Dianne Bystrom has been studying how female candidates are covered during campaigns.

Bystrom says she has researched every gubernatorial and U.S. senatorial race between male and female candidates since the 1990s, and she told MPR's Cathy Wurzer that female candidates face more personal criticisms than male candidates.

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.