Feminine Views in the Feminine Style: Convention Speeches by Presidential Nominees' Spouses

Abstract

The spouse's speech is an expected part of national nominating conventions but is largely ignored in political rhetoric research. This article examines 10 speeches delivered by nominees' spouses between 1992 and 2012 using the feminine style as a critical lens. What emerges are recurring themes and strategies that reinforce a limited perspective on women as political actors. The wives' speeches are restricted to “feminine” political topics or perspectives and reframe the speaking situation in personal terms. The emphasis on tales of home and family also limits the scope of the speakers' perceived expertise and interests. The spouses' speeches embody concerns Parry-Giles and Parry-Giles express regarding the feminine style's use to reinforce a hegemonic masculinity in a traditionally patriarchal political system.