Anticipating Madam President

Watson (political science, Florida Atlantic U.), Gordon (political science, Ohio U.) and other scholars discuss issues surrounding the eventual election of a woman as President of the United States. The 19 contributions consider what makes a viable candidate, how women candidates are portrayed in the media, and what challenges the first woman president will encounter in office. The volume concludes with an analysis of how the election of the first woman president will likely affect the nation, women, and the presidency. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Library Journal

"The White House has been America's ultimate tree house, with a `No Girls Allowed' sign posted on it," says former U.S. Representative and one-time presidential candidate Patricia Schroeder in the foreword to this book, which examines the obstacles confronting female presidential aspirants. Watson (editor, White House Studies) and Gordon (political science, Ohio Univ.) have coordinated the contributions of numerous political scientists, communications analysts, consultants, and feminist scholars, who provide insightful reports on the subject. Media bias, current party organization, and campaign funding are all covered, and brief profiles of Schroeder, Shirley Chisholm, Elizabeth Dole, and Geraldine Ferraro further clarify the challenges faced by women who have sought our highest offices. Eleanor Clift and Tom Brazaitis's Madam President is an easier read, but the thorough documentation and extensive bibliography presented here provide scholarly attention to a topic that is still covered only sparsely. Recommended for women's studies and political science collections in academic and public libraries.-Jill Ortner, SUNY at Buffalo Libs. Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.