Governor Bev Perdue (D) of North Carolina and Governor Chris Christie
(R) of New Jersey are two very interesting political figures. Though divided in
their political leanings, both leaders seem to have garnered the reproach and criticism
of news outlets across the nation. A brief look into the medias portrayal of
these two governors show us the gendered ideas that frame how men and women are
viewed in a time of disaster and crisis, and how leaders sometimes play to
these ideals.
When it
comes to the public image of former Governor Bev Perdue there are two
contrasting pictures to choose from: one image portrays hers as a hardworking,
multi-tasking mother-like figure, while the other paints her as an incompetent
and ineffective leader. An example of this is seen in the news articles that
arose during the time that Hurricane Irene hit North Carolina in 2011.
In the aftermath of the storm many
news outlets commended Governor Perdue’s determination to see her state through
such a trying disaster. Often praised for her ability to “shine in battle,” Perdue and her staff worked hard to create an
image of the Governor as “a wired and multitasking
chief executive…constantly juggling at least two mobile phones” in her attempt
to stay updated on the areas that were most effected by the storm (Politico 2011). Although not necessarily a completely
gendered image, this portrayal of the Governor seems to play up the idea of a
busy, on-the-go mother trying to maintain balance in a chaotic world. In a time
of great change and uncertainty it is interesting to see that the Governor and
her staff play up an image that is welcoming and protective in a very feminine
way.
Although
many news outlets did praise the Governor Perdue for her work in the aftermath of
the storm, these same outlets also criticized her for past performances in disaster
stations and her seeming incompetence in her post. With a 30% approval rating around
the time that Hurricane Irene hit North Carolina, some news outlets worried
that the Governor could not “afford another screw-up,” in which they described
Governor Perdue’s absence from the state during a pervious crisis when a
tornado damaged several small towns (Politico 2011).
In a strange
twist of logic, Governor Perdue’s effectiveness in handling the aftermath of
storm was actually used as a way to criticize her handling of her more mundane.
Analyzing her performance, one political
strategist was quoted as saying, “Perdue likely espouses better leadership
skills in a crisis than in typical day-to-day routine,” and that “she’s able to
delegate to her emergency management staff a lot better than she’s able to delegate
to her chief of staff” (Politico 2011). This strategist then goes on to indicate that the
effective management of the crises had more to do with the “state’s nationally
recognized emergency response operation team” than it did with any of Governor
Perdue’s particular leadership skills (Politico 2011).
It is
interesting to note that Governor Perdue’s accomplishments during the crisis
were eventually ignored and replaced by criticisms of her overall leadership
skills. In this instance the mom-on-the-go image did not help Governor Perdue,
as her opponents and critics failed to see how her grace under pressure could
effectively translate into everyday activities and issues.
Coverage on Governor
Chris Christie’s handling of Hurricane Sandy was quite different form Govern
Perdue, with most news outlets lauding his emergency preparation plans and his
tough guy Jersey attitude. In the days before
Hurricane Sandy hit, news programs across the state presented the governor’s
plan for evacuations and emergency crews. In many instances, video from the
Governors press conference would show Christie assuring his constituent’s that “at the state level, we are taking
immediate steps to prepare for the storm’s impact and ensure that state, local,
and county governments have the tools they need to manage and respond in a
coordinated way” (Lehigh Valley Live
2012). Many outlets across the state used this image of Christie, as an
assuring father figure, to encourage New Jersey citizens to follow the
directions of local and state leaders and to assure everyone that the state
would not let them down in this important time of need.
A few days later, just hours before
Hurricane Sandy touched down, Governor Christie was shown behind the podium at
a conference using his tough guy New Jersey attitude to try and reach those
citizens who were refusing to leave their homes. In a very direct manner
Christie warned people saying, “don’t be stupid –get out…I turn our right, you
turn out to be dead… so clear out, youse wise guys” (MSN 2012). New outlets
across the states praised Christies “always-straight-talking” style, saying
that the use of “his state’s native tongue of tough-talk” may be the only thing
to get through to “hard-headed folks” throughout the coast (MSN 2012) . Rather than criticize Governor Christie for a less than eloquent
approach at a public service announcement, he was hailed a true hero for
working within his culture and embracing the tough guy persona that supposedly
many New Jersey citizens respond to.
Comparing
the news coverage of these two Governors reveals how both used images as
parental figures as a way to connect with their citizens and assure them of the
state’s ability to handle the situation. However, in the case of Governor
Perdue it seems as though many observers refused to see how her work during a
crisis could translate to her everyday work. Part of this may have resulted
from several political and sex scandals that were revealed in the months prior
to Hurricane Irene which lowered many citizens opinion of the Governor, making
it impossible for them to see her in the strong mother-like image for more than
a few tense and uncertain day. In the case of Governor Christie, many observers
were more than willing to accept his father figure role, accepting with this
New Jersey boy needed to dish out some tough love. Because of a cultural image
of tough Jersey men, Governor Christi was not only able to help protect the
citizens of his state, but he was able to create a more positive and “authentic”
image of himself throughout the media.
Cassi, Sarah. “Hurricane Sandy: Gov. Chris Christie declares state of emergency.” Lehigh Valley Live. October 27, 2012. http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/breaking-news/index.ssf/2012/10/hurricane_sandy_gov_chris_chri.html
Catanese, David. “Hurricane Irene in North Carolina a big
moment for Bev Perdue.” Politico August
26, 2011 http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0811/62155_Page2.html
MSN.
“Chris Christie’s wise advice about Hurricane Sandy: ‘Don’t be stupid.’” October 27, 2012. http://now.msn.com/chris-christie-new-jersey-governor-says-dont-be-stupid-get-out
Robertson, Gary. “Hurricane Irene aftermath Boosts North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue.” Fayobserver September 5, 2011. http://fayobserver.com/articles/2011/09/05/1120527
No comments:
Post a Comment