KU experts on women candidates can discuss historic shift in 2024 presidential campaign

LAWRENCE — President Joe Biden announced he would drop out of the presidential race this weekend and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the new Democratic nominee. The late, dramatic change in the race gives Harris the chance to become the first woman president, as well as the first African American and Asian American woman president. University of Kansas researchers are available to speak with media about the historic shift, media portrayals of women candidates and related topics.

Teri Finneman

Teri Finneman has conducted research and written extensively on the history of journalism, women in politics, first ladies and mass media. She can discuss the evolution of political coverage, especially of women candidates and how those portrayals can influence an election.

“The fact that the United States will now have two women who will be on the ballot for president in the last decade is a monumental shift in political history,” Finneman said. “Yet make no mistake, sexist and delegitimization tactics remain strong after centuries of trying to discredit women in power.”

Finneman is the author of the books “Press Portrayals of Women Politicians, 1870s-2000s” and “Reviving Rural News: Transforming the Business Model of Community Journalism in the U.S. and Beyond.” She is also creator and host of the podcasts “The First Ladies” and “Journalism History.”

To schedule an interview with Finneman, contact Mike Krings at 785-864-8860 or by email.

Mary Banwart

Mary Banwart, professor of communication studies, is available to comment on topics that relate to women in American politics, from suffrage to today. Banwart has co-written the book “Gender and Politics: Changing the Face of Civic Life,” coming out later this summer. The book analyzes the latest research — including results from the 2022 midterms — on the role that gender plays in political campaigns, from media coverage to social attitudes.

To schedule an interview with Banwart, contact Erinn Barcomb-Peterson at 785-864-8858 or by email.