Media images and gender representation: female politicians in Russian and western media

Therefore, the most notable quotations for analysis are as follows:

“[ åå àðñåíàëå - ] <…> þáêè-êàðàíäàøè ñ ïðîâîêàöèîííîé äëÿ ïîëèòèêà äëèíîé è ïëàòüÿ ñ íåîäíîçíà÷íûìè âûðåçàìè”.

(“<…> the length of her pencil skirts is provocative for a politician and the neckline of her dresses is quite controversial”).

What is more, a reference to Theresa May's preference for “too short skirts or too deep necklines” is made twice throughout the article.

“Ñ îäíîé ñòîðîíû, ñòîëü ëþáèìûå Ìýé õèùíûå ïðèíòû ìîæíî ðàñöåíèâàòü êàê ñêðûòûé àãðåññèâíûé ìåññåäæ, à ñ äðóãîé - óãëÿäåòü â íèõ è èðîíè÷íîå ïîñëàíèå”.

(“On the one hand, [wearing] animal prints that May loves so much can be a subtle aggressive message. On the other hand, they can carry an ironic meaning”).

However, it is not elaborated further what is implied by the ironic meaning of animal prints. On the contrary, the underlined aggressiveness expressed by the choice of color printing adds to the negative image created by the Kommersant article studied earlier Anichkin A. (2019, June 3). Not iron. Retrieved from https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3982610.

Finally, I analyzed the Kommersant coverage of Nicola Sturgeon who was the least mentioned female politician in the sample. Following the same Kommersant pattern, in the first mentioning she is referred to by her official title, for example, “Ïåðâûé ìèíèñòåð Øîòëàíäèè Íèêîëà Ñòåðäæåí” (“the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon”) Boris Johnson postponed the opening of the Parliament for five weeks. (2019, August 28). Retrieved from https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4074143?query=Íèêîëà%20Ñòåðäæåí or “Ëèäåð [Øîòëàíäñêîé íàöèîíàëüíîé] ïàðòèè” (“The leader of the [Scottish National] Party”) “Such a mandate can help Boris Johnson make an “earthquake”. (2019, December 13). Retrieved from https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4191147?query=Íèêîëà%20Ñòåðäæåí and further as “ãîñïîæà Ñòåðäæåí” (“Lady Sturgeon”). Since Nicola Sturgeon is mentioned in only ten articles, it becomes complicated to identify certain patterns in coverage. However, it is possible to cite one example:

“Ýìîöèîíàëüíîé ðåàêöèåé äåëèòñÿ ÷ëåí ïàðëàìåíòà Íèêîëà Ñòåðäæåí <…>” Boris Johnson leaves Brexit without a deal. (2019, August 29). Retrieved from https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4074678?query=Íèêîëà%20Ñòåðäæåí.

(“The member of the Parliament, Nicola Sturgeon, shares her emotional reaction <…>”).

Thus, such references to a female politician's emotionality may evoke gender stereotypes and, consequently, they might lead to assumptions that women are not capable of occupying positions in the political office (Bauer, 2015).

Overall, the analysis of Kommersant articles published over the past year period presents controversial information. On the one hand, some articles, those focusing on Nancy Pelosi in particular, do not seem to employ unfavorable tactics in news coverage. On the other hand, there are instances of gender labelling, especially in the coverage of Theresa May.

The next source analyzed is Ria.ru which mentions Nancy Pelosi 237 times over one year period. Although the analysis of reporting verbs corresponds with the Kommersant results on the lack of bias, some articles still have a tendency to employ coverage tactics that carry subtle biases. Some of the examples are as follows:

“Ñïèêåð íåðâíî óëûáíóëàñü” Pelosi ripped up Trunmp's speech for the Congress. (2020, February 5). Retrieved from https://ria.ru/20200205/1564263352.html.

(“The Speaker smiled nervously”).

“Ñïèêåð ïàëàòû ïðåäñòàâèòåëåé ÑØÀ Íýíñè Ïåëîñè îáèäåëàñü íà âîïðîñ æóðíàëèñòîâ <…>” Pelosi got offended with a question if she hates Trump. (2019, December 5). Retrieved from https://ria.ru/20191205/1562029269.html.

(“The Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, got offended by the journalists' question <…>”).

These statements make an unequivocal reference to the emotiveness of the female politician. As it has already been mentioned, representing a female politician as overly expressive may provoke negative attitudes among the recipients (Brooks, 2011).

In addition, one of the analyzed news articles makes a reference to Nancy Pelosi's outfit:

“"Òðàãè÷íî, ÷òî äåéñòâèÿ ïðåçèäåíòà ñäåëàëè èìïè÷ìåíò íåîáõîäèìûì. Îí íå îñòàâèë íàì âûáîðà", - ñêàçàëà Ïåëîñè.

Ñïèêåð áûëà îäåòà â ÷åðíîå ïëàòüå ñ çîëîòîé áðîøüþ â âèäå îðëà - ãîñóäàðñòâåííîãî ñèìâîëà ÑØÀ”.

(`It is tragic that the president's reckless actions make impeachment necessary', said Pelosi.

The Speaker was wearing a black dress and a golden eagle brooch as the symbol of the USA).

It is noteworthy that among the news articles studied above it is the only instance of mentioning a female politician's choice of clothes. What is more, it can be suggested that there is correlation in the choice of words, namely “tragic” and “black”, since black is a colour most commonly used for mourning.

Unfortunately, further research on Ria.ru with a focus on Elizabeth Warren did not help reveal any significant information on coverage patterns. Despite the fact that Ria.ru news stories reference her 105 times over a one year period, they only mention her as the USA Senator who attempted to run for the President in the 2020 elections. Thus, it seems impossible to include the obtained information into the analysis since it is unlikely to provide substantial details on the presence of gendered bias in coverage.

However, the analysis of news articles mentioning Theresa May represents more conspicuous evidence of the gendered use of language means. For example, although the content of the news material does not seem to cover Theresa May unjustly, the headline is quite negative and diminishing:

“Ïîëèòîëîã: Òåðåçà Ìýé óøëà êàê ïðåìüåð-íåóäà÷íèê” A political analyst: Theresa May left her post as Prime Minister, the loser. (2019, July 24). Retrieved from https://radiosputnik.ria.ru/20190724/1556845545.html.

(“A political analyst: Theresa May left her post as Prime Minister, the loser”).

Since a headline is the first thing that the reader encounters when scrolling the news, it is more likely to attract attention at the cost of diminishing the female politician's merit. Instead of commenting on her leave solely, the author also provides the readers with a frame on Theresa May's success, or lack of it, as a high-ranking politician.

To make matters worse, there is an opinion article Sheinkman M. (2019, May 13). Like a bull in a china shop. Theresa May took the ball. Retrieved from https://radiosputnik.ria.ru/20190513/1553455719.html which revolves around a video of Theresa May playing football in her Maidenhead constituency during her visit to a local women's football team in May, 2019. In fact, the whole text is rather sarcastic and demeaning:

“<…> â ïîñëåäíåå âðåìÿ îíà ÿâíî èñïûòûâàåò åãî äåôèöèò [âíèìàíèÿ]. Ñ íåé íè îáùàòüñÿ, <…> íè èãðàòü íèêòî íå æåëàåò”.

(“<…> these days she suffers from the lack of it [attention]. Nobody is willing to communicate <…> or play with her”).

“Õî÷åòñÿ åé óñëûøàòü, ÷òî ìÿ÷ íà åå ñòîðîíå. Äàæå åñëè äëÿ ýòîãî åãî ïðèõîäèòñÿ îòáèðàòü. Ó äåòåé”. 

(“She wants to be sure that the ball is in her court. Even if she needs to take it. From children”).

“Âïðî÷åì, ôóòáîëèñò èç íåå, êàê èç íåå áàëåðèíà. Îíà óæå êàê-òî äàâàëà âîëþ íîãàì. Âûïëÿñûâàëà òî â ÞÀÐ, òî â Êåíèè, òî ïåðåä ñîðàòíèêàìè íà ñúåçäå. Åé è òîãäà íàìåêàëè, ÷òî íîãè åé äàíû, ÷òîáû óéòè”. 

(“She is no more a football player than she is a ballet dancer. She has already shown what those feet can do. She was dancing in South Africa, in Kenya, and in front of her colleagues at the congress. She received a few subtle hints that her legs were for her to walk away”).

These are a few examples of the diminishing language means used by the author in his material. It should be noted that the author of the article is a man which can have an effect on the way he delivers information to the audience, especially when it concerns a female politician (Kahn & Goldenberg, 1991).

Further, I supposed that a feature article on Theresa May's biography The biography of Theresa May. (2019, June 7). Retrieved from https://ria.ru/20190607/1555274867.html would be fraught with biased attitudes. However, this prediction did not hold true. As a matter of fact, the information is presented in the form of a timeline which enumerates Theresa May's progress in her career without any additional connotation. Nevertheless, it can still be suggested that the presence of the article dedicated to the life and achievements of a foreign female politician in the Russian source can help increase the visibility of foreign actors and raise people's awareness.

Finally, I analyzed the news reports that mention Nicola Sturgeon. It should be noted that she is the only Western female politician from the sample who is not referred to directly in any headline of the fifteen news articles published over the past year period. Instead of including Nicola Sturgeon's name, the headlines make use of metonymy and refer to “Scotland”. Yet, some headlines indicate “the head of the Scottish government” still without direct mentioning the person. Assumingly, this may decrease the visibility of the aforementioned female politician in this source.

To start with, in one of the recent articles there is a confusing misprint:

“<…> ß õîòåë áû çàâåðèòü <…>” Schools in Wales and Scotland will be closed until the end of the term. (2020, March 18). Retrieved from https://ria.ru/20200318/1568798810.html.

(“<…> I would like to assure you <…>”).

Here, the issue concerns the language specific flexion of the verb in the past tense which has a category of gender. In this way, the cited example transmits Nicola Sturgeon's utterance as if she was a man. Although it is quite likely to be a misprint, it can still be confusing for the readers and will possibly incur difficulties for understanding.

Furthermore, there is another Ria.ru opinion article Sheinkman M. (2019, April 25). Leaving one by one. Scotland is preparing for the next referendum. Retrieved from https://radiosputnik.ria.ru/20190425/1553058357.html worth mentioning in the analysis. It opens as follows:

“Ýòà ãîðíàÿ ñòðàíà - òîæå ÷àñòü Âåëèêîáðèòàíèè, ïîýòîìó è åþ ôîðìàëüíî óïðàâëÿåò ñîâñåì íå æåëåçíàÿ ëåäè. Íî ó íåå õîòÿ áû åñòü Ñòåðäæåí. Íèêîëà Ñòåðäæåí. Ïåðâûé ìèíèñòð Øîòëàíäèè. Åå äàæå çîâóò, êàê Ìàêèàâåëëè. Ñòàëî áûòü, òîëê â óïðàâëåíèè ãîñóäàðñòâîì çíàåò. Îñòàëîñü òîëüêî åé ýòî ãîñóäàðñòâî äàòü. Íó à åñëè íå äàþò, òî âçÿòü. Ýäèíáóðã îáúÿâèë î íà÷àëå ïîäãîòîâêè ê íîâîìó ðåôåðåíäóìó î íåçàâèñèìîñòè”. 

(“This mountainous country is also a part of the United Kingdom and that is why it formally ruled by not an iron lady. But at least it has a Sturgeon. Nicola Sturgeon. The First Minister of Scotland. Even her first name resembles Machiavelli. Thus, she knows how to rule a country. She only needs a country. And if she is not given one, she has to take it. Edinburgh announces the beginning of preparations for the new referendum”).

One of the points in coverage that draws attention is the play on words in the Russian original version of the text. Due to the fact that the Russian transcription of Nicola Sturgeon's second name is reminiscent of “a grit or spine”, the author allegedly uses it to emphasize her perseverance in attempting to win Scotland's independence.

To conclude, it seems obvious that coverage of the chosen Western female politicians in Ria.ru is more gender-biased than in Kommersant. While news reports tend to stick to conveying news and facts on the whole, some of them are still fraught with derogative language tools that devalue the female politicians. What is more, opinion articles have a tendency to be even more biased and use unfavourable language techniques.

The next stage of research concerns finding specific characteristics of the media coverage of the chosen Western female politicians in the Western sources. Similarly, I conducted a keyword search on the chosen Western media platforms.

To begin with, I analyzed the Wall Street Journal articles issued over the last year period that mention Nancy Pelosi. It is obvious that an American source has a considerable number of news reports and opinion articles that revolve around one of the most visible American female politician. With the vast majority of articles concerning the news agenda, including the significant proportion of those mentioning the feud between Nancy Pelosi and Donald Trump, it seems complicated to detect the presence of gendered coverage. Thus, I paid more attention to opinion articles, though not excluding news reports completely.

As it concerns the dispute between Nancy Pelosi and Donald Trump, the articles that focus on this issue in coverage do not seem to add any opinion of theirs to President Trump's quotations:

“Mr. Trump also tweeted a video <…> that included tightly edited clips of moments where she [Nancy Pelosi] stammered during her press conference earlier in the day, with the segment's hosts questioning whether she may be exhausted due to her age.

Just hours before Mr. Trump had tweeted the video, he called Mrs. Pelosi “crazy” at a news conference…” Andrews N. (2019, May 24). Trump Questions Pelosi's Mental Fitness as Battle Becomes Personal. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-questions-pelosis-mental-fitness-as-battle-becomes-personal-11558726721?mod=searchresults&page=2&pos=17.

It can be seen that the references to the age and sanity of Nancy Pelosi are made by other people and there are no remarks from the author of the article. Thus, it cannot be concluded that in such representation media use unfavourable framing techniques.

However, there is a different point of view shared in another article Nancy Pelosi's Glass House. (2019, July 16). Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/nancy-pelosis-glass-house-11563318625?mod=searchresults&page=2&pos=4 which discusses Nancy Pelosi calling Donald Trump a racist which is forbidden by House rules:

“What a farce. In her zeal to play to the media chorus that Mr. Trump is a “racist,” Mrs. Pelosi violates her own House rules on appropriate speech. But rather than apologize, she and her party override the rules to spare her embarrassment”. 

In this example, it is evident that there certain degree of negative framing conveyed in the first sentence as well as in the headline which is “Nancy Pelosi's Glass House”. The metaphor “glass house” refers to hypocrisy since it stems from the proverb: “Those who live in a glass house should not throw stones at others” People who live in a glass house shouldn't throw stones. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/ru/ñëîâàðü/àíãëèéñêèé/people-who-live-in-glass-houses-shouldn-t-throw-stones.

On the contrary, there are opinion articles that express positive attitudes towards Nancy Pelosi:

“What she no longer has to deal with, according to a wide range of House Democrats, is doubt within her own ranks as to her suitability for the job”.

“Rep. Jeff Van Drew, a New Jersey Democrat <…>, called Mrs. Pelosi “an effective leader” this week”. 

“The wisdom of her approach may be tested internally this coming week when the Justice Department releases a redacted version of the report. But her decision was applauded by many Democrats who won GOP-held seats in November and others who saw it as a savvy political decision to avoid alienating swing voters”.

“She has been a favorite target for GOP [the US Republican Party] campaign ads. More than 135,600 House and Senate ads mentioned Mrs. Pelosi negatively in the recent cycle. The National Republican Congressional Committee now sees different targets for 2020, said Chairman Tom Emmer” Andrews N., Peterson K. (2019, April 12). Pelosi Solidifies Her Standing With House Democrats. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/pelosi-solidifies-her-standing-with-house-democrats-11555096248?mod=searchresults&page=1&pos=4.

However, there are still instances of negative framing in the Wall Street Journal articles:

“But there's <…> Donald Trump <…> whose speech House Speaker Nancy Pelosi methodically tore to pieces, as if summoning an ancient curse that would finally make “Trump” melt into a puddle before her”.

“Speaker Pelosi ostentatiously tearing up Mr. Trump's speech was a symbolic act of “Trump” repudiation, but she probably did further damage to the party's brand by in effect dismissing and insulting the stories of undeniable personal triumph we'd just heard. That was a miscalculation. 

But Nance the Ripper showed us more than that. All the separate policies and issues identified in the president's speech <…> are generally regarded as the normal business of politics. But normal politics has become irrelevant to the party's strategy” Henninger D. (2020, February 5). Nancy Pelosi's `Trump' Trilogy. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/nancy-pelosis-trump-trilogy-11580947649?mod=searchresults&page=1&pos=2.

This article creates a negative frame through adding connotational adverbs to the process of Nancy Pelosi's tearing the papers. Conversely, the previously analyzed articles simply state the fact without providing any additional information. What is more, there is an allusion to Jack the Ripper which has an adverse connotation since he was a murderer.

Nevertheless, there are other examples of positive evaluation of Nancy Pelosi's actions:

“After the meeting, Mr. Trump tweeted a photograph of Mrs. Pelosi rising from her seat and pointing at him, also branding her as “Nervous Nancy” having “unhinged meltdown.”

Her supporters embraced the moment; Mrs. Pelosi's campaign store now sells “Stand Strong” mugs with a drawing of the image” Andrews N. (2019, December 5). Pelosi Rebuts Idea That She Hates Trump. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/pelosi-rebuts-idea-that-she-hates-trump-11575573483?mod=searchresults&page=1&pos=13.

The article applauses the creativity and the ability to use negative commentaries to achieve a better purpose. Such framing can be really beneficial for a female politician.

Curiously, the former article was written by a man whereas the latter was written by two women. It proves the importance of further research on the influence of the proportion of male and female reporters in news agencies.

Next, I studied the coverage of Elizabeth Warren and the results are quite controversial:

“Senator Warren describes herself as a “capitalist to the bones.” She must have a strange definition of capitalism. Every policy she proposes would increase government control over the private economy” Elizabeth the Vampire Slayer. (2019, August 9). Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/elizabeth-the-vampire-slayer-11565388500?mod=searchresults&page=1&pos=14.

“Meanwhile, Ms. Warren sails along, unscathed and gaining strength. She has earned her success with a well-organized, focused and energetic campaign. For those who believe politics should be a battle of ideas, she is a dream come true. She has turned a blizzard of position papers (“plans,” in her parlance) into an effective mark of political identity” Galston W. A. (2019, October 8). Watch Out for Elizabeth Warren. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/watch-out-for-elizabeth-warren-11570575921?mod=searchresults&page=1&pos=8. 

While the former quotation provides a rather negative attitude intensified by the modal verb, the latter quotation compliments Elizabeth Warren with numerous epithets and a reference to her political liability.

Overall, the news reports and feature articles that cover, for example, Elizabeth Warren's campaign or debates are neutral whereas opinion articles have a tendency to suggest opposing views. For instance, there is quite a criticizing piece of writing that centers on Elizabeth Warren and her husband's income.

“Generally Americans don't begrudge anyone earning an honest buck. But voters may find it hard to reconcile the Warren wealth with her constant demands for more taxpayer subsidies benefiting institutions like the one where she and her husband made their fortune. 

Voters may also wonder how concerned she is about the costs of higher education when they notice the Warren household became so prosperous at a law school with a total cost of attendance exceeding $99,000 per year” Freeman J. (2019, August 15). Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous Professors. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/lifestyles-of-the-rich-and-famous-professors-11565902711?mod=searchresults&page=6&pos=20.

Here, a subtle reference to the ill-gotten revenues is likely to aim to undermine the stance of Elizabeth Warren and increase mistrust among the electorate.

Further on, I analyzed the Wall Street Journal news articles devoted to Theresa May. Although she is mentioned in the content of 230 articles, only 17 of them refer to her in their headlines which can lower the visibility of the female politician.

On the whole, even opinion-driven articles that revolve around Theresa May's failure to deliver Brexit The Tories After Theresa May. (2019, May 24). Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-tories-after-theresa-may-11558739551?mod=searchresults&page=1&pos=1 do not seem to carry negative attitudes. What is more, there no articles devoted to her appearances published over the last year. However, there are some instances that attract attention to her demerits in terms of political standing:

“The election failure brutally exposed Mrs. May's biggest weakness as leader-her inability to persuade either the electorate or her colleagues to her point of view” Colchester M., Fidler S. (2019, May 24). Defeated by Brexit: Theresa May's Turbulent Tenure. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/defeated-by-brexit-theresa-mays-turbulent-tenure-11558707942?mod=searchresults&page=1&pos=7.

“In January, her Brexit plan suffered the biggest British parliamentary defeat in living memory. By then her own party had already tried and failed to oust her” Colchester M. (2019, May 24). Theresa May to Step Down as U.K. Prime Minister. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/british-prime-minister-theresa-may-says-she-will-quit-11558688912?mod=searchresults&page=1&pos=2.

Nevertheless, it cannot be stated that there is gender bias or negative framing in these examples since they cover her actions as a political figure.

Finally, I reviewed the articles that comment on Nicola Sturgeon. Among 10 articles featuring her, none mention her name in the headline.

The prevailing number of the articles touch upon the issue of Scotland's independence. It can be concluded that there are no instances of any frames in coverage, either negative, or positive. However indiscernible her coverage may be, there are few instances that pinpoint her perseverance in attaining the goal of holding another referendum:

“SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon has made clear that the price for her party's support for any would-be prime minister is another referendum on Scottish independence” Douglas J. (2019, October 31). Election Raises New Questions About the U.K.'s Union. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/election-raises-new-questions-about-the-u-k-s-union-11572548950?mod=searchresults&page=1&pos=5.

Unfortunately, it seems impossible to provide a proper analysis of Nicola Sturgeon's coverage in the Wall Street Journal due to the limited resourcefulness of the media as it concerns the stated female politician.

The next source for analysis is Politico.com which has a significant number of publications on Nancy Pelosi and Elizabeth Warren over the last year, 2793 and 3391 respectively.

First of all, there are almost no instances of opinion-based coverage of Nancy Pelosi in the reviewed articles. It can be assumed that the reason for that is the publication type, i.e. at Politico.com articles are divided into categories and those about Nancy Pelosi are most often classified as “Congress article” and “Policy”. Surprisingly, neither there are articles classified as “Opinion”, nor opinionated “Magazine” publications.

While the vast majority of news headlines are neutral and provide an insight into the content, some of them appear to be more than that. For example, they can prove favourable by highlighting positive points:

“'I'm never afraid and I'm rarely surprised': Pelosi emboldened” Caygle H., Bresnahan J. (2019, December 20). 'I'm never afraid and I'm rarely surprised': Pelosi emboldened. Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/news/2019/12/20/nancy-pelosi-interview-088292.

On the whole, the article is rather laudatory on Nancy Pelosi's actions as a politician and this applause is conveyed through the choice of linguistic means:

“Speaker Nancy Pelosi is heading into the holidays emboldened…”

“Pelosi was assertive and upbeat during a year-end interview in her speaker's suite Thursday, punching back at her GOP critics…”

“The California Democrat's confidence…”

“Pelosi, personally, is ending the year on a high note after successfully guiding her diverse, and at times fractured, caucus…”

“<…> some members of Pelosi's own caucus questioned whether she should be their leader and demanded term-limits on her second turn as speaker. Now, even her loudest Democratic critics are trumpeting Pelosi's job performance”.

So, the authors unequivocally praise Nancy Pelosi for her perseverance in proving her political aptitude.

The same neutral coverage can be seen in “Elections article” publications on Elizabeth Warren. However, there are many instances of opinionated coverage in “Magazine” type of Politico.com publications. For example, it seems noteworthy to cite some incriminating material on Elizabeth Warren's complaints on the lack of media coverage of her campaign:

“Running against the media, which is one way to regard the Warren protests, is a long-established political tactic for a stalled campaign. It signals that you're an outsider who “they” are trying to block from office”.

“But in politics, scapegoating the press is usually a sign of frustration; it has never solved a candidate's publicity problems <…> If Warren wants to reap favorable coverage, it's up to her to plant the seeds. Or stop whining and start winning” Shafer J. (2020, February 2). The Media Unfair to Warren? Think Again. Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/02/21/media-unfair-warren-think-again-116614.

While the aforementioned article judges Elizabeth Warren's inability to attract media's attention in a correct way, another article describes her conflicting standing on the role of gender in pursuing political office Mundy L. (2019, December 13). Elizabeth Warren's Stealth Feminism. Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2019/12/13/elizabeth-warren-stealth-feminist-081556:

“And as one of only two viable women candidates remaining in the Democratic presidential primary field, she invokes gender-its advantages and outrages-with increasing fierceness. When the Democratic frontrunner, Joe Biden, accused her earlier this fall of having an “angry, unyielding viewpoint,” Warren fired off a fundraising email saying, `Over and over, we are told that women are not allowed to be angry. It makes us unattractive to powerful men who want us to be quiet.'”

This part can sound praising, however, there is more to it:

“But maybe Warren's enhanced outspokenness is not quite the pivot it seems. Without saying so, Warren long has practiced a kind of stealth feminism, gravitating toward the epicenter of male power in order to attack it from within”.

“As she attempts to find her voice on women's rights, Warren seems to be defining feminism as confronting the male ruling class, especially its economic entitlement…”

Assumingly, this part condemns Elizabeth Warren for the wrongful appeal to feminism and presumes she opts for it to attain her campaign goals only. Nevertheless, the final paragraph summarizes and expresses hope that her feminist statements will hold true:

“The presidency is the ultimate male-dominated field-just the kind of arena Warren has spent her career trying to crack into-and the 2020 contest will put her now-not-so-stealth feminism to the test”.

Once again, the coverage of Elizabeth Warren at Politico.com is rather controversial and opinionated.

Next, I analyzed the coverage of Theresa May. Overall, the largest proportion of articles only mention her negotiations with Donald Trump without in-depth commentaries. If there is any negative coverage of Theresa May, it concerns direct quotation of the U.S. President's tweets or utterances. However, there are few examples of diminishing language in Politico.com coverage McTague T., Cooper C. (2019, June 21). Inside Theresa May's great British failure. Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/story/2019/06/21/theresa-may-brexit-1376417:

“Theresa May had inherited the biggest political challenge for any U.K. prime minister since 1945 - and proved unequal to the task That is a quotation of Politico.eu which is the European edition of Politico.com. Since Politico.eu does not comprise the sample of this study, I decided to cite a pivotal part from its article to provide an example of biased coverage: “Like a toddler refusing to leave a party, she did not go quietly <…> There were warnings, threats, promises and enticements until finally the reluctant child was dragged bodily, screaming and with birthday cake still smeared across her face, from the soft play center that is 10 Downing Street”.

. Personal and political shortcomings met the inescapable reality of parliamentary arithmetic, EU power and the Irish border”.

“May is an unusual politician, let alone prime minister. She is introverted, robotic, uncommunicative. She is almost uniquely comfortable in awkward silence. She has few friends and even fewer true confidantes”.

Obviously, the article presents a rather adverse position and describes Theresa May's supposed negative personal qualities.

Finally, I tried to analyze the Politico.com coverage of Nicola Sturgeon. Unfortunately, there are only four published news reports over the last year period and all of them contain solely mentioning of Nicola Sturgeon as Scotland's First Minister even without references to her policies. Thus, it seems impossible to use this material for an exhaustive analysis.

The review of the British media constitutes the third section of this part of analysis. Firstly, I studied the Times coverage of Nancy Pelosi. Overall, the significant ratio of articles published over one year period describe the impeachment proceedings of Donald Trump which were announced by Nancy Pelosi. On the one hand, some of them represent her as a respected knowledgeable politician:

“The war room fears and respects Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic Speaker of the House, who is described as a `master matador'” Glancy J. (2019, November 3). This is Radio Trump: Steve Bannon in on-air war against impeachment. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/this-is-radio-trump-steve-bannon-in-on-air-war-against-impeachment-f72kpcznj. 

“For younger legislators, as for today's millennial journalists, impeachment is a magical word, conjuring up memories of All the President's Men. The veteran Pelosi, by contrast, knows that Trump isn't Richard Nixon and “Dniepergate” isn't Watergate” Ferguson N. (2019, November 17). Trump impeachment smells fishy in the Midwest. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/trump-impeachment-smells-fishy-in-the-midwest-qqnbsj5t9. 

“Nancy Pelosi's carefully managed process for impeaching Donald Trump is reaching its conclusion” Glancy J. (2019, December 7). Democrats gear up for impeachment vote, but fears of an own goal persist. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/democrats-gear-up-for-impeachment-vote-but-fears-of-an-own-goal-persist-qvbhrrl9c.

It seems crucial to note that several articles mention Nancy Pelosi's age which can also be described as a framing practice:

“At a stroke Ms Pelosi, 79, the House Speaker, had cast herself as the woman who would bring down a president” Deng B. (2019, September 28). Trump impeachment: Meticulous Pelosi chooses her moment to strike. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/trump-impeachment-meticulous-pelosi-chooses-her-moment-to-strike-jxtr7dmtd.

“Ms Pelosi, 80, was behind an attempt to load $4 billion into the rescue package so that states could afford to send out voting forms” Charter D. (2020, April 6). Nancy Pelosi's postal voting plan will allow poll cheats, warns Trump. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/nancy-pelosis-plan-for-postal-voting-will-allow-poll-cheats-warns-trump-08llqbb6v. 

Researchers voice their concern on what impact this type of information has on people's perception and the image they have of a female politician (Hayes, Lawless, & Baitinger, 2014, p. 1195).

Not only is the age of Nancy Pelosy mentioned but also of Elizabeth Warren. The latter female politician is mentioned twice as often as Nancy Pelosi, assumingly due to her campaign coverage. On the whole, her campaign and even her leaving the presidential race is covered rather favourably:

“Is it conceivable that, in just over a year's time, the Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren could defeat Donald Trump to become America's first female president? Yes. Here's why. Since the summer, Warren has surged”. 

“The answer is that Warren has emerged as a very effective candidate. She exudes not just an energy that belies her age - 70 - but wit”. 

“Can she beat him [Donald Trump]? Yes, she can” Ferguson N. (2019, October 13). Elizabeth Warren: the worse, the better for Donald Trump's female foe. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/elizabeth-warren-the-worse-the-better-for-donald-trumps-female-foe-c8k8htwt3.

Even the coverage on her dropout from the presidential race cannot be considered negative:

“She will be remembered for skewering Mr Bloomberg so badly in his first TV debate last month that he never recovered, and for the “selfie lines” that formed after her events when she would stay behind for more than an hour to pose for photos with supporters” Charter D. (2020, March 6). Elizabeth Warren quits Democratic race but refuses to back Bernie Sanders. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/elizabeth-warren-quits-democratic-race-but-refuses-to-back-bernie-sanders-wwvg7zrj9.

Thus, the analysis reveals no instances of negatively framed articles that cover Elizabeth Warren.

On the contrary, a considerable proportion of the Times articles published over the past year period that revolve around Theresa May, even those that cover her post-prime ministerial activities, are rather negative and sarcastic:

“Renowned for her intransigence, she now had to show flexibility: her original approach had failed. Renowned for her tribalism, she now had to reach across the aisle of the House of Commons: her party and its partner, the DUP, could not be relied upon for a majority. Renowned for her introversion, she now needed all her powers of persuasion - to convince a sceptical EU that she had a plan, her own MPs that she still had value as their leader, and Labour that they should work together in the national interest. It ended in tears” Seldon A. (2019, October 30). Anthony Seldon on Theresa May: `She was in anguish about having the job taken from her'. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/anthony-seldon-on-theresa-may-she-was-in-anguish-about-having-the-job-taken-from-her-v8dm8ngrf.

“Someone said she was a good poker player. But I don't think that's true, because she wasn't that subtle and didn't think deeply enough” May at 10 book extract: `Theresa May was the least collegiate prime minister I ever worked with'. (2019, October 28). Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/may-at-10-book-extract-theresa-may-was-the-least-collegiate-prime-minister-i-ever-worked-with-wt05nx2qh. 

“Her fear of losing the office she craved so deeply, so soon into her premiership, froze her with fear and prevented her thinking clearly” Election victory spelt disaster for miserable May. (2019, October 26). Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/election-victory-spelt-disaster-for-miserable-may-crf6s508h.

However, it can be assumed that such adverse coverage can stem from the common resentment among the British concerning Theresa May's political actions, it still remains unclear why the Times still covers her in an unfavourable and mocking manner in news articles referencing to her post-prime ministerial activities:

“Earlier in the week she insisted she had no regrets: “I have had a fantastic time.” Not as much fun as watching your successor flounder, though.

When copies of Johnson's speech appeared she helped to hand them out to MPs. Always the head girl” Chorley M. (2019, October 5). Theresa May has few good lines but her facial expressions are Bafta standard. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/theresa-may-has-few-good-lines-but-her-facial-expressions-are-bafta-standard-7ssnxn8gm.

Thus, it seems obvious that the coverage of Theresa May is quite biased, though not on the grounds of gender but on her policies and actions. Undoubtedly, criticizing a politician is a norm in media but it can take less humiliating forms.

Finally, I reviewed the coverage of Nicola Sturgeon. As of April 23, the frequency of mentioning of Nicola Sturgeon is quite significant since news reports are published every day or each three days, approximately. Such frequent coverage can serve as a favourable means of attracting public attention to actions of a female politician.

The latest publications concern the recent coronavirus situation (the first case of infection was detected March 1) and Nicola Sturgeon's actions as the First Minister of Scotland. Thus, such news reports provide her official statements on the development of situation, means of precaution, restriction measures, etc. and they are conveyed neutrally. However, there are more sarcastic comments:

“Nicola Sturgeon will celebrate - or mark - her 50th birthday this summer. By any reasonable estimation she should have a better than even-money chance of enjoying at least 30 more such occasions. Perhaps her 80th birthday celebration will coincide with the moment Scotland, at long last, becomes an independent nation once again” Massie A. (2020, January 14). Sturgeon's best birthday present? Patience. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/sturgeons-best-birthday-present-patience-p777szd2c.

“There was a time when it was almost sacrilegious to suggest that the Queen of Scotland would not rule forever. Now, though, a perfect storm is brewing that threatens to rage out of her control” Chorley M. (2020, February 25). Whisper it… there is life after Nicola Sturgeon. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/whisper-it-there-is-life-after-nicola-sturgeon-x0gxcbwvc.

Quite the contrary, there are also positive opinion pieces:

“She sits very still, listens closely, and her expression is seldom animated. There's none of the wooden coldness of Theresa May, but rather simply no hint of any compulsion to please. Not once does she deploy the classic politician's trick of answering a different question to the one she was actually asked, or say anything that sounds like a rehearsed party line <…> Sturgeon enjoys the distinction of knowing how to talk persuasively to voters who don't already agree with her” Aitkenhead D. (2020, February 16). Nicola Sturgeon on Boris Johnson, Scottish independence, scandal and sexism. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/nicola-sturgeon-on-boris-johnson-scottish-independence-scandal-and-sexism-kc3wjcvfw.

“This, I thought, was Ms Sturgeon at her finest: candid, inclusive, offering what reassurance she can and showing her grip of the situation” Massie A. (2020, March 20). Candid, inclusive, reassuring: Nicola Sturgeon was at her finest. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/candid-inclusive-reassuring-nicola-sturgeon-was-at-her-finest-6jqrcvm8h.

On the whole, the coverage of Nicola Sturgeon appears to be quite controversial in terms of her policies. However, as it concerns the current epidemiologic situation in the country, neutral reporting on her actions and statements receives first priority in media coverage.

The ultimate source for the analysis is the Independent. Since it is not possible to select the period of publications due to the search tool used at the Independent website, the news articles were sorted manually.

In terms of Nancy Pelosi's coverage, there seems to be no intentional biased representation. More than that, some publications present beneficial commentaries that highlight her strength as a political figure:

“… the most powerful Democrat…” Buncombe A. (2019, June 11). Nancy Pelosi says 'she's done' with Donald Trump: 'My stock goes up every time he attacks me'. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-nancy-pelosi-insults-twitter-latest-news-a8954321.html

“If she's not liked, she's respected - or feared” Bennett J.T. (2020, February 6). Nancy Pelosi should have listened to Nancy Pelosi about impeachment. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/trump-pelosi-impeachment-acquittal-iowa-caucus-democrats-a9322726.html.

“Nancy Pelosi's decision to rip up Donald Trump's State of the Union address immediately after the president delivered the speech has been met with praise from his critics…” Riotta C. (2020, February 5). 'She ripped him a new one!': Nancy Pelosi hailed as a 'queen' for tearing up Trump's State of the Union speech. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/nancy-pelosi-trump-speech-state-union-memes-twitter-a9319381.html.

“Whatever one thinks of Pelosi's politics is irrelevant to her record of accomplishments while serving as Speaker of The House” Caruso J. (2019, July 8). Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez shouldn't insult Nancy Pelosi. She should learn from her. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/aoc-nancy-pelosi-twitter-trump-democrat-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-a8995991.html. 

The analysis revealed one instance of referring to Nancy Pelosi's appearance, clothes in particular:

“The speaker - who joined several other members of Congress in wearing black to reflect the historic event - said she "solemnly and sadly" opened the debate” Woodward A. (2019, December 19). Trump impeachment: Nancy Pelosi glares at applauding Democrats after historic vote. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-impeachment-nancy-pelosi-glare-video-vote-reactions-democrats-a9254076.html.

Overall, but for the aforementioned commentary on Nancy Pelosi's choice of clothes, her representation in the Independent can be considered even more favourable than simply neutral.

The next analyzed female politician is Elizabeth Warren. It seems that she receives rather positive coverage in a substantial number of news articles:

“Warren, who was classically prepared and confident…” Baxter H. (2019, September 13). While Bernie and Biden fought, Elizabeth Warren shone -- and Julian Castro made an obvious bid for VP. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/democratic-debate-recap-highlights-winners-losers-biden-warren-castro-sanders-a9103476.html.

“The 70-year-old presidential hopeful was responding to debate moderator <…> who noted she would be the oldest president inaugurated if she wins in 2020. "I'd also be the youngest woman ever inaugurated", she said.

The senator's response was met with immediate cheers from the crowd and a standing ovation from audience members” Riotta C. (2019, December 20). Democratic debate: Warren says she'd be youngest woman president if elected. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/elizabeth-warren-debate-youngest-women-elected-2020-trump-biden-a9254416.html.

“Ms Warren entered the race in February 2019 and made history as one of six female candidates up for nomination for president” Zoellner D. (2020, March 5). `I need some space': Elizabeth Warren says she won't immediately endorse anyone as she quits Democratic race. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-election/elizabeth-warren-drops-out-bernie-sanders-joe-biden-endorsement-democratic-nomination-a9379871.html.

“When it was finally her turn to speak, she seemed propelled by a kind of righteous indignation that can motivate voters as effectively as it can cripple political rivals” Campoamor D. (2020, February 20). I am here for the righteous anger of Elizabeth Warren. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/elizabeth-warren-democrat-debate-las-vegas-anger-bloomberg-a9348631.html.

“But at a time when women are still told to suppress their anger - to “smile more” and work hard to appear “likeable” and “electable” - we need someone in the White House who knows the power of noble indignation and intends use it; who is capable of knowing when and how to use it, who it should be directed towards, and how it can both protect people and hold those in positions of power accountable” Ibid..

And even the articles that cover her failure in the race still describe Elizabeth Warren beneficially:

“Warren is a talented politician with a long history of standing up for the little guy <…> She was more energetic, more on-the-ball and more articulate than her fellow septuagenarians Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders. She had more to say about women's rights and a more coherent policy on gun control <…> Indeed, Warren had the whiff of electability about her, and no doubt Trump's team were glad to see his “Pocahontas” jibes take effect” Baxter H. (2020, March 4). With a defeat in her home state, the humiliation of Elizabeth Warren is complete. So what now? Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/elizabeth-warren-super-tuesday-massachusetts-loses-biden-sanders-win-2020-a9373726.html.

“She would have made a better president than either of the two frontrunners. She deserved better than this” Ibid.. 

It is obvious that such favourable representation can prove advantageous for a female politician. Such coverage may help preserve the audience's positive attitude towards Elizabeth Warren, especially given that she quitted the presidential race with a low score.

Next, I analyzed the Independent representation of Theresa May. First and foremost, it was not possible to retrieve all the recent results due to the fact that the search engine employed at the Independent website displays either ten pages sorted by date, or ten pages sorted by relevance. It was not sufficient to use the former variant since the information offered included too many references to the month of May. Thus, the news articles were selected as sorted by relevance and retrieved manually.

On the whole, the analysis revealed high level of negative representation patterns in the headlines:

“Theresa May planned to defeat herself, then decided not to defeat herself by defeating herself, then lost. To herself” Peck T. (2019, March 13). Theresa May planned to defeat herself, then decided not to defeat herself by defeating herself, then lost. To herself. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/brexit-theresa-may-no-deal-article-50-mp-parliament-vote-a8821991.html

“Theresa May labelled 'disgraceful' by firefighters' union for listing Grenfell response as part of proud legacy” Sharman J. (2019, May 24). Theresa May labelled 'disgraceful' by firefighters' union for listing Grenfell response as part of proud legacy. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-grenfell-resigns-speech-firefighters-inquiry-prime-minister-lfb-a8928851.html

“Now that she's going, it's time to set the record straight on Theresa May's `feminist' legacy” Levin S. (2019, June 6). Now that she's going, it's time to set the record straight on Theresa May's `feminist' legacy. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/theresa-may-resign-leave-tory-leader-feminist-brexit-female-prime-minister-a8947086.html

“Theresa May's offer of a vote in parliament on a second Brexit referendum is a trap” O'Grady S. (2019, May 21). Theresa May's offer of a vote in parliament on a second Brexit referendum is a trap. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/theresa-may-brexit-vote-withdrawal-agreement-second-referendum-a8924136.html

“Please spare us Theresa May's tears over the Brexit result. She only has herself to blame” Peck T. (2019, October 28). Please spare us Theresa May's tears over the Brexit result. She only has herself to blame. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/theresa-may-brexit-tears-referendum-boris-johnson-david-cameron-eu-extension-latest-a9174441.html

“Theresa May resigns: PM breaks down as she announces departure amid Brexit gridlock and expected European election wipeout” Woodcock A. (2019, May 24). Theresa May resigns: PM breaks down as she announces departure amid Brexit gridlock and expected European election wipeout. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-resigns-latest-brexit-deal-conservative-leadership-race-european-elections-tory-party-a8928321.html

At this point of research, Theresa May can be considered the most unfavourably covered female politician and that is already evident from the articles' headlines. Moreover, each of the six cited articles carry a certain degree of negative framing with references to Theresa May's weak policies and personal flaws. Owing to the people's discontent with the Brexit situation, such adverse coverage can only aggravate the stance of Theresa May as a recognizable figure.

On the contrary, the coverage of the other analyzed British female politician, Nicola Sturgeon, seems to be rather positive:

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