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Gubernatorial Girlfriends: an Analysis of News Media Frames of Political Scandal

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Gubernatorial Girlfriends: an Analysis of News Media Frames of Political Scandal GUBERNATORIAL GIRLFRIENDS: AN ANALYSIS OF NEWS MEDIA FRAMES OF POLITICAL SCANDAL RICHARD ANDREW MARRS Thesis submitted to the faculty of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts In Political Science Craig L. Brians, Chair Karen Hult, Committee Member Charles Walcott, Committee Member May 5, 2010 Blacksburg, Virginia Key Terms: Political Scandal, Political Sex Scandal, Media Reporting, Political Infidelity GUBERNATORIAL GIRLFRIENDS: AN ANALYSIS OF NEWS MEDIA FRAMES OF POLITICAL SCANDAL Richard Andrew Marrs Abstract Since the earliest days of the American republic, political sex scandals have been a part of the political discourse. Despite the passing of several hundred years, much discussion is still given to political sex scandals by the popular media. Little attention, however, is paid to research into the relationship among political sex scandals, the media reporting of sex scandals, and the ways in which politicians are able to use the media during admissions of sex scandals. This project analyzes the most common characteristics within three major newspapers reporting on five cases of gubernatorial admissions of extramarital affairs. The multiple case studies analysis observes 89 newspaper articles to secure data from the initial speculation of a gubernatorial extramarital affair to the admission of an extramarital affair and the period of time (up to one month) following the admission of an extramarital affair. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I wish to acknowledge with deep gratitude my thesis committee. Many thanks go out to my chair, Dr. Brians, for his many hours of assistance and conversation on and off the topic of my thesis. The time we were able to spend together has been an inspiration to my work as a young researcher and my growth as a person. To my committee members Dr. Hult and Dr. Walcott, who provided one of the most memorable college classroom environments during my first graduate class, the Executive Branch. The willingness to be a part of this process was, and still is, greatly appreciated and the contributions to this project have certainly not gone unnoticed. I can say with great certainty that a finer group of educators and mentors would be hard to find. Much love and thanks goes to my Dad who understood that golf during the spring of 2010 would have to be put on hold. To my dear mother who initially gave me the idea for this thesis and who allowed me to call and vent during times of frustration, love is not strong enough a word to express myself. To my brothers who show tough love at all times, but love nonetheless, and to my dear friends who have been pillars of strength and support and sources of laughs, tears, and wonderful memories – each of you mean the world to me. I also appreciate the many friends of the graduate student body within the Political Science Department for their assistance, including Sandra Via and Courtney I.P. Thomas. I also must express my gratitude to Dr. Edward Weisband for encouraging me to give graduate school a try. A final word of appreciation is expressed to the many members of my extended family who have offered support during this project and many others. iii Table of Contents ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................................................ iii List of Tables............................................................................................................................................... vii Chapter 1: Introduction............................................................................................................................... 1 Importance................................................................................................................................................. 3 Political Sex Scandals in History............................................................................................................... 6 Media Reporting........................................................................................................................................ 9 Chapter Summary.................................................................................................................................... 11 Chapter 2: Literature Review ................................................................................................................... 15 What are Political Scandals? .................................................................................................................. 15 Social, Moral, and Private Transgression............................................................................................... 21 History of Media and Political Scandal................................................................................................... 26 Political Infidelity.................................................................................................................................... 30 Media Framing........................................................................................................................................ 31 Apologia Speech ...................................................................................................................................... 32 Research Questions ................................................................................................................................. 35 Conclusion............................................................................................................................................... 37 Chapter 3: Methodology ............................................................................................................................ 39 Type of Research ..................................................................................................................................... 40 Multiple Case Study Analysis .................................................................................................................. 41 Framing ................................................................................................................................................... 43 Admission of Marital Infidelity................................................................................................................ 44 Gathering Data........................................................................................................................................ 44 Analyzing News Stories............................................................................................................................ 48 Individual Level Characteristics.............................................................................................................. 49 Chapter 4 – Qualitative Study................................................................................................................... 55 Paul Edward Patton – Governor of Kentucky (D-KY) ............................................................................ 56 Previous Scandal................................................................................................................................. 57 Previous Statements Reflecting Hypocrisy......................................................................................... 57 Previous Denial................................................................................................................................... 57 Past Accomplishments........................................................................................................................ 58 Criminal Activity ................................................................................................................................ 58 Family Status ...................................................................................................................................... 59 Emotionality........................................................................................................................................ 59 Presence of Wife at Press Conference ................................................................................................ 60 Inclusion of Quotes from Press Conference........................................................................................ 60 Future Plans ........................................................................................................................................ 61 iv Partner By Name................................................................................................................................. 61 Post Sex Scandal Life ......................................................................................................................... 61 Robert Ellsworth Wise - Governor of West Virginia (D-WV).................................................................. 63 Previous Scandal, Previous Statements Reflecting Hypocrisy, Previous Denial, Criminal Activity, Presence of Wife................................................................................................................................. 64 Past Accomplishments........................................................................................................................ 65 Family Status ...................................................................................................................................... 65 Emotionality.......................................................................................................................................
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