Abstract

Beware the Bushwomen

The author claims that the Bush administration is trying to soften its hard-core conservative image by employing supposedly moderate women such as Condoleezza Rice, Elaine Chao, Ann Veneman and Laura Bush. The Bushwomen are the Administration's way of sending two contradictory messages at once. Even as her husband courts social conservatives, Laura Bush lulls moderate voters into believing that the White House is not really in the clutches of the extreme right. Likewise, when the President declared the University of Michigan law school's affirmative action policy unconstitutional, Rice came out with a different line: "I believe that while race-neutral means are preferable it is appropriate to use race as one factor among others in achieving a diverse student body." As election 2004 approaches, the Bushwomen are on the march. The President's re-election requires appealing to as many constituencies as possible. On the campaign trail, the Bushwomen's mission is to help the GOP solve its female problem. For twenty years, a smaller percentage of women than men have cast their votes for Republicans for President. As the President's promises on job creation fall flat, Labor Secretary Elaine Chao fronts the Administration line that the economy is full of opportunity. Who better for that job than a self-described Chinese immigrant who is perceived to have risen to high office by dint of family determination, smarts and hard work alone? As US fatalities crossed the 500 mark this January, Chao turned up in Baghdad with a message for Iraqi women. "In a democracy the most important factor is energy," she said.