Warren's exit from race continues history of ingrained sexism in politics and coverage, professor says

LAWRENCE — U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren announced today that she will end her presidential campaign, becoming the last woman to exit the race. Warren’s departure brings to an end an election season that originally saw a record number of women seeking the Democratic presidential nomination. Teri Finneman, assistant professor of journalism at the University of Kansas and an expert in women in politics and their media coverage, is available to discuss the development.

After Hillary Clinton’s nomination in 2016 and numerous women announcing their candidacy for the 2020 bid, the race is now seen as a two-man contest between former vice president Joe Biden and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. Finneman can discuss the historical hurdles faced by women in politics and how they continue to play out in the present day with media coverage and public attitudes as well as related issues.

“The ingrained sexism toward women in politics in media coverage and public attitudes continues since 1872. That an educated, qualified woman received less support than a man who tried to buy the presidency speaks volumes about U.S. gender norms,” Finneman said.

Finneman’s research focuses on news coverage of U.S. first ladies throughout history and women in politics. She is the author of the book “Press Portrayals of Women Politicians, 1870s-2000s.” She also studies media ethics, journalism history and oral history, is the executive producer and co-host of the Journalism History podcast and produced the documentary “Newspaper Pioneers: The Story of the North Dakota Press.”

To schedule an interview, contact Mike Krings at 785-864-8860 or mkrings@ku.edu.