Elizabeth Hanford Dole: Speaking from the Heart (Praeger Series in Political Communication) (Hardcover)

~ (Author), (Author) "Now, you know, tradition is that speakers at the Republican National Convention remain at this very imposing podium..." (more)
Key Phrases: Red Cross, Elizabeth Dole, North Carolina (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Wertheimer and Gutgold analyze this talented leader's life and her agility in "rhetorical multitasking" and provide a rich context for her speeches. They argue that Dole's life--her education, rhetorical training, advocacies, and religious and patriotic values--can be interpreted as "a new fairy tale" of a capable, confident politician in her own right. In their classic analysis of Dole's political voice, the authors note her "sense of mission ... from the heart" and her efforts to craft a semblance of spontaneity. Important for its serious investigation of the voice of one who has contributed to public service in numerous capacities--secretary of transportation under Reagan, secretary of labor under the first George Bush, president of the Red Cross, presidential candidate in 1999, and US senator from North Carolina--this volume includes a lengthy appendix of 22 speeches delivered by Dole between 1987 and 2003. Highly recommended. Lower-/upper-division undergraduates; general readers.”–Choice

“Elizabeth Dole's life provides rich material for analysis. This volume provides an important contribution to research about women and politics, foreshadowing the specific challenges that women face running for major political offices, especially the U.S. presidency.”–Janette Kenner Muir, Associate Dean for New Century College, George Mason University

“This book...promises to make a significant contribution to the growing area of women's place in political discourse. Dole is an important figure for study, as she is uniquely known for her discourse and work as a political appointee, elected official, and candidate spouse. Thus, she encompasses the many roles for women in the political sphere that compell scholarly attention.”–Janis L. Edwards, Associate Professor, University of Alabama

“This study of Elizabeth Dole's political voice presents careful analysis that preserves the passion of its subject. Wertheimer brings the experience of previous treatments of First Ladies Barbara Bush and Laura Bush to the exuberance of Gutgold's interviews. Together, the authors add new understanding to a famously elusive subject.”–Catherine M. Hastings, Associate Professor, Susquehanna University

Product Description

As a politician, what you say and how you say it is almost as important as what you do. Political careers are made based not only on substantive achievements, but also on style, presentation, speeches, and debates. Dole's is no exception. After a career in government service spanning six presidents, from Lyndon B. Johnson to George H. W. Bush, she became widely recognized as a leading Republican politician in her own right after her 1996 speech at the GOP convention. In 1999 she spent six months campaigning for president before dropping out of the race due to a lack of adequate funds, and in 2002 she was elected U.S. Senator from North Carolina. In this biography of Dole, the authors show how she has been able to advance the causes she cares about, as well as her political career, through her consummate skills as a public speaker. Dole's career included service in two cabinets, as Secretary of Transportation (Reagan) and Secretary of Labor (Bush), and she also served as president of the American Red Cross. The authors quote liberally from her speeches and interviews to illustrate the events of her political career and to place her choices--personal, career, and political--in the context of the times and places in which she grew up and came of age. Her trajectory--from Southern belle debutante to Harvard Law School student and from political wife to presidential candidate and U.S. senator--is fascinating, and the deftness with which she has been able to deflect the criticisms thrown her way is instructive for women of both political parties and for politicians of both genders.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 312 pages
• Publisher: Praeger Publishers (December 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0275983781
• ISBN-13: 978-0275983789
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,348,940 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A different view, December 24, 2004

A Kid's Review

II found this book to be an outstanding perspective on such a fine,
dedicated public servant. It was well written and very informative.
In a a very easy to read, entertaining format, this book summarized much of Ms. Dole's long and fine dedication to her country.
Even if you don't find Ms. Dole interesting, this work highlights her speeches and the drive behind this great American leader.
I highly recommend this book. Reading this book was time well spent
and opened my eyes to this positive, energetic politician.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book on an important politician., August 31, 2005

By	K. Bluttman - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I had not realized the depth and breadth of Ms. Dole's positions and influence throughout her varied political life until I read this book. Her career spans decades and she has served in a number of interesting political roles. This book is great in providing the comprehensive story of Elizabeth Dole, and also how her communication skills and caring concerned nature have helped promote worthy causes. This is an excellent book for all who wish to know more about this influential political figure.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Elizabeth Dole Speaking from the heart., January 12, 2005

By	Richard Day-wilton - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Reading this book is like sitting down and having a personal conversation with Senator Elizabeth Dole.
I found this book on Elizabeth Dole to be informative yet highly entertaining. The authors have shed new light on Dole that presents her like no other Dole book I've read. From her time as Red Cross spokeswoman to Senator she's given some milestone speeches that have been well detailed in the book. I highly recommend this book, even if you're not a huge Dole fan.