If the first woman ever nominated Vice President by a major political party left the door open to voting for the second such woman EVEN if she was in the opposing political party, would that be newsworthy?
Well, on Saturday, Geraldine Ferraro told NPR that she hasn't decided who she's going to vote for in November, while also stating that whatever Sarah Palin doesn't know about foreign policy "she will learn very quickly - she seems smart enough."
Maybe more important, Ferraro said (audio available here):
But the other piece of it is that whatever position she has, they have to be those of John McCain. He's the president. She's not going to take a position anything different from what he has on the latest foreign policy stuff.
Here's the entire shocking transcript most media members will clearly choose not to share with their readers and viewers:
JACKI LYDEN, host: A month ago Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin said this on CNBC:
Ms. SARAH PALIN (Governor, Alaska, Republican Vice Presidential Candidate): As for that VP talk all the time, I tell you, I still can't answer that question until somebody answers for me: What is it exactly that the VP does every day?
LYDEN: Well, she could get the chance to find out firsthand. She's the first woman chosen for a Republican ticket but she isn't the first woman ever picked as a major party vice presidential candidate. That, of course, was Geraldine Ferraro, who ran with Walter Mondale in 1984.
Geraldine Ferraro is on the line now from New York. Thanks so much for joining us.
Former Representative GERALDINE FERRARO (Democrat, New York, Former Vice Presidential Nominee): I'm delighted to be with you, Jacki. Thank you.
LYDEN: Geraldine Ferraro, when Walter Mondale chose you as his partner in 1984, it was a historic moment. So, how did you feel when you saw Sarah Palin get the nod yesterday?
Rep. FERRARO: Well, I must say I've been very, very honored that I was chosen 24 years ago. For the past 24 years, I keep on saying, it's great to be the first but, you know, I don't want to be the only. And so now it is wonderful to see a woman on a national ticket.
And this election, in particular, to me, is important because one way or the other we're going to see a historic first. So, for our country either one of these two historic candidacies, to me, is very, very important because one of them is going to actually make it.
LYDEN: We know that Sarah Palin referred both to you and Hillary Clinton in her acceptance speech. And I understand that you called to congratulate her. How did that go?
Rep. FERRARO: Actually, I had gotten a message that Senator McCain had wanted me to speak to him, so I did call up and I did speak to the senator and wished him a happy birthday - 'cause my birthday was also Tuesday, and I'm a year older than he. But she was also there and I said please give her my congratulations, and he said, why don't you speak to her? And I did.
And she was very, very nice and I do congratulate her.
LYDEN: I want to come back to a comparison between you as a candidate and Governor Palin. Before you were chosen for the ticket, you had served three terms in Congress; you had long experience in New York politics. Governor Palin hasn't had any national experience. The New York Times reported today that she got her passport for the first time last year. Global issues are, of course, critical ones.
Isn't this going to be really a difficult problem for her?
Rep. FERRARO: Once I got the nomination, you know, that was also, you know, something that people would say to me - you really don't have the foreign policy experience. A person came on my staff, who is my national security adviser during the course of the campaign - her name was Madeline Albright. She was a teacher at Georgetown. And we got to be fast friends.
She and Barry Carter, who was also teaching there - we managed to kind of alternate when they weren't teaching. They would be on my plane, they'd be feeding information into my head. We'd be watching everything that was going on, (unintelligible) papers. It was like a constant course.
And so, you know, what she doesn't know so far she will learn very quickly - she seems smart enough. But the other piece of it is that whatever position she has, they have to be those of John McCain. He's the president. She's not going to take a position anything different from what he has on the latest foreign policy stuff.
LYDEN: Geraldine Ferraro, let me turn to the other headline in your party's news this past week. In March, you stepped down from your post in Hillary Clinton's campaign because of comments you made suggesting Barack Obama was the frontrunner because he was black. Barack Obama's speech Thursday night drew nearly 40 million viewers. What's going on in the electorate?
Rep. FERRARO: Well, you know, let me get back to - since you raised that whole issue once again about my comment. My comment was that I was asked why he's doing so well, and I said because he's black. When people are looking at the polls, when they were going to the polls, first of all, African-Americans were registering by huge numbers, which was really important.
But in addition to that, I've never seen a race where 95 percent of them were voting for one candidate, and it happened to be the black candidate. And it was - you saw it on television, you saw it everywhere. You saw it with reporters. You saw this excitement and enthusiasm about a historic campaign. I wasn't putting that down and I wasn't being racist. I was making a statement of fact.
LYDEN: May we ask who you're supporting for president?
Rep. FERRARO: Sure you can ask but I have, you know, I'm like one of you people. I'm sitting here working on my decision. Yeah, I'm a Democrat and I am a person who feels very, very strongly about issues that face this country. So, when I go into the booth I will make my decision.
LYDEN: Former Congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro ran for vice president as a Democrat in 1984. She joined us from New York. Thanks very much for being with us.
Rep. FERRARO: Thank you.
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Don't underestimate the power of the sisterhood...
September 1, 2008 - 01:46 ET by wnaegele...the Dems have been pooh-poohing the theory that Palin would pick up a significant amount of the Hillary vote. I, too, never saw her doing it -- I thought her biggest impact would be in nailing down the conservative vote. But both the Dems and I may have been very wrong...
Race is the reason
September 1, 2008 - 05:50 ET by DontFeedTheTrolls"When people are looking at the polls, when they were going to the
polls, first of all, African-Americans were registering by huge
numbers, which was really important.But in addition to that,
I've never seen a race where 95 percent of them were voting for one
candidate, and it happened to be the black candidate."
And there's the elephant in the room that no one in the MSM wants to aknowledge. If 95 percent of whites were to vote for McCain the headlines (RACISTS) would be huge.
D
Keep the ILLEGALS out, join NumbersUSA to send free faxes to your reps.
"And there's the elephant
September 1, 2008 - 06:51 ET by ckc1227"And there's the elephant in the room that no one in the MSM wants to
aknowledge. If 95 percent of whites were to vote for McCain the
headlines (RACISTS) would be huge."
Heck, they were already saying that because 60% of whites voted for Hillary during the Democrat primary.
I would disagree here.
September 1, 2008 - 10:27 ET by bdshepherdI would disagree here. Not saying that there is no racism involved, because I'm sure there is, but there is a difference in voting for someone because of their race and voting against someone (or for the other candidate) because of their race. Blacks voting for Barry because he is black is a bit different than whites voting for Hillary (or McCain) because her opponent is black.
That said, I think it is sublimely stupid to vote for someone just because they happen to be the same skin color or have the same internal plumbing. I just don't think it is racist, misogynistic, etc.
X
September 1, 2008 - 13:15 ET by serfer62bd sheppard you have got to be a lawyer or a liberal to twist logic into a pretzel with no end
For or against if race is the criteria then its racial
No pretzel, just a line
What next; if you are a black you can't be a racist????
100%
September 1, 2008 - 16:32 ET by docbof whites have voted for whites because that was the choice we had!!!
We, as Americans, have had little choice in the matter and blacks had no choice ...until 15 yrs ago or so...
We have a choice for the first time and some people will take it ---others will be afraid [white] or bigoted[again]...Then some black women and men will be afraid to believe or that something might happen to Obama.
I think the more we get the elephant out the more we can have a true election!!!Let's get rid of the myths and lies and judge our candidates by their character and how their principles match ours!
Ferraro is a dolt and an angry bitter irrelevant person that lost her place in the spotlight! Continue to ignore her!!!
Just The Facts, For Your Reading Pleasure
September 1, 2008 - 06:31 ET by ConservativeRexOffice being sought
Vice President
President of the United States and Leader of the Free World
Full name
Sarah Louise Heath Palin
Barack Hussein Obama II
Nickname
Sarah Barracuda
Barry Obama; "The One"
Public opinion
Smoking hot in a "naughty librarian" sort of way
May be The Messiah
Age
44
48
Children
5: two sons, three daughters
2: two daughters
Religion/Church attendance
Evangelical Christian;
attends Juneau Christian Center when in Juneau and grew up attending Wasilla Assembly of God
Attended Trinity United Church of Christ for 20 years, a "black liberation theology" church formerly led by Rev. Jeremiah Wright and governed according to the Black Value System
Current Job
Governor of Alaska
Junior Senator from Illinois
Previous Public Jobs
Mayor of Wasilla, AK (1996-2002); President of Alaska Conference of Mayors;
City Council member (1992-1996)
State Senator (1997-2004);
Community Organizer
Executive Experience
Governor for 2 years;
Mayor for 10 years
None
Foreign Relations experience
Governor of state that borders two foreign countries (Canada and Russia)
Chaired Senate subcommittee on Europe but never called it into session;
once gave a speech to 200,000 screaming Germans
Military Affairs experience
Commander in Chief of Alaska National Guard;
Son is enlisted Infantryman in U.S. Army
None
Speaking ability
Beautifully executed initial stump speech in Dayton, OH hockey arena without a teleprompter
An enter...wait--did you say without a teleprompter??
Spouse's name
Todd Mitchell Palin
Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama
Spouse's occupation
Salmon fisherman;
Former North Slope production supervisor for BP Oil
Vice President for Community and External Affairs at University of Chicago Hospitals;
former Associate Dean of Student Services at the University of Chicago;
former Executive Director for the Chicago office of Public Allies;
former Assistant to the Mayor of Chicago;
former associate at Sidley Austin law firm
Reaction to spouse's political success
Quit 17-year BP oil job when BP became involved in natural gas pipeline negotiations with wife's administration
Promoted and given 160% pay raise by UofC hospitals within months of husband's election to U.S. Senate;
Employer received $1,000,000.00 federal earmark, requested by husband, after her promotion
Coolest thing about Spouse
Tesoro Iron Dog Snowmobile race champion (longest snowmobile race in the world);
In 2008, while defending his championship, was injured when he was thrown 70 feet from his machine. He was sent to the hospital but still finished in fourth place
Sister of Oregon State University head basketball coach Craig Robinson
Most Courageous Moment in Public Service
Resigned in protest from position of Ethics Commissioner of Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in order to expose legal violations and conflicts of interest of Alaska Republican leaders, including the former state Attorney General and the State GOP Chairman (who was also an Oil & Gas Commissioner), who was doing work for the party on public time and supplying a lobbyist with a sensitive e-mail.
Gave an anti-Iraq war speech to a crowd of anti-Iraq war demonstrators in Hyde Park in 2002
In Current Office Because...
Upset sitting Governor in GOP primary due to public support for her efforts to clean up corrupt government establishment
Republican opponent, who was leading in the polls, was forced to leave race after unsealing of divorce records exposed a sex scandal
Theme:
Change and Clean Government
Hope and Change;
"Bringing Change from Outside Washington"
What they've done to live that theme:
Replaced entire Board of Agriculture and Conservation because of conflict of interest;
Resigned from position of Ethics Commissioner of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in order to expose corruption among members of own party
Selected 36-year incumbent Senator as running mate
Family Affairs
May have removed State Public Safety Commissioner as part of effort to protect sister in messy divorce and child custody battle
Often says, "I am my brother's keeper";
Brother lives in a hut in Nairobi on $12 per year
Union affiliation
Union member, married to Union member
Endorsed by a union
Iraq and Troop Support
Formerly (pre-surge) critical of apparent lack of long-term strategy for Iraq;
Visited wounded U.S. soldiers in Germany;
visited AK National Guard soldiers deployed to Kuwait;
Son deploying to Iraq on 9/11/08 as Army infantryman
Gave an anti-Iraq war speech to a crowd of anti-Iraq war demonstrators;
almost visited wounded troops in Germany, but decided to go shopping in Berlin instead
Bipartisan/"maverick" credentials
Married to a non-Republican;
Exposed corruption within own party;
Campaigned for Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell against corrupt GOP congressman Don Young;
Called out Sen Ted Stevens (R-AK) to "come clean" about financial dealings that are under fed investigation
Talks about bipartisanship
Legislative Record
Passed a landmark ethics reform bill;
Used veto to cut budgetary spending;
Prevented "bridge to nowhere" that would have cost taxpayers $400 million dollars.
Voted "present" over 100 times as IL state senator
How they dealt with corrupt individuals in home city/state
Exposed legal violations and conflicts of interest of Alaska Republican leaders;
Campaigned against corrupt GOP Representative;
Ran against and defeated corrupt incumbent governor in GOP primary
Launched political career in home of unrepentant domestic terrorist Bill Ayers (and still refers to him as a part of "mainstream Democratic Chicago";
Purchased home with help of convicted felon Tony Rezko
Guns
Lifetime member of NRA and avid hunter;
video can be found on YouTube of Palin firing an M4 at a military firing range
Worked to pass legislation in Illinois that would prevent all law-abiding citizens from owning firearms
Earmarks
Opposed "Bridge to Nowhere" project;
Said Alaska should avoid relying on federal money for projects;
Campaigned against porker Don Young (R-AK) in 2008 primary
Secured federal earmarks for wife's employer and for campaign bundlers
Abortion
Pro life;
gave birth to 5th child knowing that he would have Down's syndrome
Pro-choice;
only IL state sen. to speak against the Born Alive Infant's Protection Act, which required medical care to be given to live infants who survived abortions
Energy
Believes energy independence is a matter of national security;
For drilling in ANWR, which is in her state
Says Americans should "get tune-ups" and "check tire pressure";
Says "we can't expect the world to be okay with" our use of heating and air conditioning
Environment
Chair of Alaska Conservation Commission (2003-4);
Announced plans to create sub-cabinet group of advisors to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in AK
Talks about the environment a lot
Athletic prowess
Runs marathons
Has reporters tailing him to the gym
CRex
September 1, 2008 - 07:44 ET by ThisnThatYou're being awfully unfair to Obama by leaving out his bowling ability. Is this a racist hint that "Black men can't bowl" (we know already that White men can't jump)?
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
GREAT post! CR
September 1, 2008 - 09:30 ET by Cape Conservative!!
I don't blame Ferraro for
September 1, 2008 - 08:14 ET by dscottI don't blame Ferraro for saying she hasn't made up her mind for whom to vote. The shabby treatment Hillary received by the Democrats even though she was more qualified in experience than the empty suit Obama was apparent. I think it is clear that the Dem party doesn't want a woman for president, they have been patronizing to women for years and seeing the GOP with a female VP and the reaction to it, using code words like "inexperienced" is an eye opener to feminists. http://conservablogs...
Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, starving the poor one gallon of ethanol at a time. Fill your tank with E85 and cull a village.
Wait a minute!
September 1, 2008 - 08:25 ET by motherbeltI thought "inexeperienced" was a code word for black!
Only when a Dem white guy is
September 1, 2008 - 08:42 ET by dscottOnly when a Dem white guy is a more viable candidate.
Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, starving the poor one gallon of ethanol at a time. Fill your tank with E85 and cull a village.
What liberal women don't get
September 1, 2008 - 09:29 ET by Cape Conservativeis that the Democrat Party's motto is "do as I say, not as I do" - they could care less about following through on any of their lies!
Well now
September 1, 2008 - 16:46 ET by docbHillery and Sarah have the same experience if you take out Bill's CV...But Sarah is younger and more attractive even though they appeal to the same base!! Low knowledge, rural evangicals with fidelity issues both male and female...
I say let's fire Alan Colmes
September 1, 2008 - 10:19 ET by LilyPearlI say let's fire Alan Colmes from H&C and hire Ferraro to sit in his spot.
Sarah is a three time loser
September 1, 2008 - 11:05 ET by cocodriein the liberal universe. 1- She is a real woman married to a real man. 2- She is a real Christian. 3- She is a real hunter [kills edible animals]. And those are only three of her major liberal sins.
According to liberals, you
September 1, 2008 - 12:02 ET by ThisnThatAccording to liberals, you can't be a real woman unless you (a) hate men, or (b) are a victim (unless, of course, you're a victim of rape or harassment by a sitting Democratic Governor or President Clinton), or (c) are as good looking as, say, Albright or Helen Thomas.
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
I heard Gerry leave the
September 1, 2008 - 13:06 ET by bigtimerI heard Gerry leave the option open on who she is going to vote for on Fox too....somewhere in all the jumble of politics....
She isn't a happy camper with her party...at all.
If anyone really thinks the Clinton Duo are voting for Obama then they have rocks in their heads ...in my humble opinion.
Resentment has ran deep for a lot of leftists in this election.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Methinks she's angry!
September 1, 2008 - 22:39 ET by pbthinkerDoes anyone else get the idea that Ms. Ferraro is a little annoyed about the way she was manhandled by the Obama Campaign? Do you think she could actually vote for McCain? I do.
Democrats: Stuck on Stupid since 2000.