Showdown in St. Louis: Gender vs. Agenda
Tonight, eyes will be glued to TV sets across the nation for the Biden-Palin political showdown. Though historic in its own right, the debate will not be a political first: in 1984, Geraldine Ferraro became the first woman candidate to hold her own in a vice presidential debate against then-VP George Bush. At the time, I was an eager first-term Councilmember-at-Large in Des Moines, and I channeled my enthusiasm for the historic face-off into quite the neighborhood debate watch party.
Everyone made a big deal of presidential politics in Iowa; as the traditional site of the first caucuses that tend to shape the road to the presidency, our interest in national politics was strong. Yet for this debate, the attraction was overwhelming — the first woman to appear on a major party ticket would be “on trial” against a long-term, and very seasoned, opponent: the vice president of the United States. So we took the night on with fanfare, and I rented a sizable hall with a movie screen, inviting my constituents to watch history being made up close, large and personal.
Over two decades have past since that historic night, but Ferraro’s considerations at that time were the same as Palin’s will be when she takes the stage tomorrow evening: the evaluation of both her opponent and herself on the issue of who could best assume the presidency if something happened to their respective running mates; the need to attract those who were going to vote for the ticket based on the vice presidential selection; and the careful negotiation of her dual identities as candidate and woman. The latter was perhaps the most important for Ferraro, and may be for Palin as well: could she stand “toe to toe” with the vice president of the United Sates (or in Palin’s case, an esteemed veteran senator) and hold her own?
The issues to which Ferraro had to speak were eerily similar to the ones confronting us today. What would her party do about the national deficit? How would they protect industrial jobs while protecting the environment? And on the international level, where did she stand in terms of diplomacy in the Middle East and Nicaragua and the popular call for a mutually verifiable nuclear arms freeze with Russia? While “bailout” was not a term in question, the differences between Democrats and Republicans on economic policies loomed large in regard to tax and budget policies that would be fair to the poor, the middle class, and minorities.
The stakes were high indeed — not just for Ferraro the contender or for the Democratic party, but for Ferraro the woman candidate. When she told columnist Ellen Goodman that she felt she could not make a mistake, she said it was because “It’s not just for me, it’s for every one of us. To show that we’re as good as–” “As good as men…” Ellen knowingly interjected.
That evening, the tension in the large Des Moines hall was palpable: we all knew that when it came to scrutiny around gender, Ferraro was right.
The big screen turned out to be an excellent cinematic choice: as the debate progressed, Ferraro did better and better, and seeing Bush’s face up close, we were afforded a revealing view that many television viewers were not as he became visibly shaken. It seemed that the Vice President had underestimated this highly experienced congresswoman and former Queens district attorney, who could handle herself under pressure while maintaining a strong command of the issues. As I watched Ferraro’s performance with increasing optimism, I turned to my best friend Lois Braverman, now the President of the Ackerman Institute here in New York City, who was analyzing it from a very different perspective.
“A woman can’t make a man look this bad and survive,” she whispered.
I looked at her quizzically, not wanting to concede any of my inner optimism, and kept watching and enjoying Ferraro shine on the big screen.
At the close of the Ferraro-Bush debate, I stepped to the platform at the front of the room, and with complete and utter confidence — ignoring Lois’s gendered perspective — announced that we would now see how the press responded to this amazing piece of history.
Imagine my disheartened surprise when the anchors began to weigh in. I am pretty sure that Tom Brokaw was the first to announce that Bush had won — and as the other male anchors followed in chorus, “Bush has won the debate!”, my fellow Iowans watched my jaw drop in shock.
My own sense of reality began to crack. What I had watched with my own eyes and heard with my own ears was denied by every male with authority on every network across America. And so despite encouragement to stay in Iowa and shoot for governor or congresswoman, I instead left the next year to see if I could help my state from New York as head of the Ms. Foundation for Women. It was then that I began to realize that to really see women in power, and collectively admit when they had equaled or bested a man, we would have to work to change the very fabric of American culture. We would have to change the way people thought about women, and our understanding of what a leader really looks like.
The world has changed greatly in the past 24 years. I think that if that debate were held today, Ferraro would have been declared the winner. But I don’t think that our national way of dealing with gender has evolved to the point where it won’t be a lurking presence on stage tomorrow in St. Louis. Just as Ferraro before her, Palin will have to tend to the issues, as all candidates must and should. Yet her gender will be as much a factor as her agenda, as is always the case when women are underrepresented in the halls of power.
I don’t think we are yet at any reverse point where you can’t make a woman look bad and survive. What I do know is that gender issues are alive and well, and that it is up to the press and to us — as voters and media consumers — to give thoughtful and diligent attention to the ways in which gender is influencing our discussions and opinions. When we tune into the debate tomorrow night, let’s pay attention to the agendas at play, not the genders which deliver them.
http://Atlanta,GA October 2nd, 2008 at 5:56 pm |
The nomination of Sarah Palin- regardless of your views on her personally and politically- has ripped off the ropes that have hampered working women forever. I would never have dreamed that the most conservative stalwarts of the Republican Party would be crying “sexism” and “howdaretheyaskheraboutherfamilyobligationswhenthey wouldn’taskamanthatquestion”. The glass ceiling may not have been broken, but the floor has been raised considerably.
I personally think her political leanings would set women citizens back considerably (okay, horrifically). But like it or not- she is our dark angel in politics this year. When Ultra-conservative Republican mothers of small children can make the ticket- and actually WANT to make the ticket, the camel’s nose is in the tent. And the camel will surely follow.
The charter is to get women involved in all aspects of politics…not just women we like, and not just women with whom we agree. As painful as it is for me to reconcile that in my heart, it is the path to our representation and to our seat at the table.
http://CharlotteNC October 2nd, 2008 at 6:30 pm |
The path to representation does not and should not include women who cannot demonstrate the intellectual and personal courage that we have developed over all these years — just because they are women. Whereas, I am proud that a woman is in this debate I am upset that we have to justify this particular woman - not only because she offends my sensibilities or because I disagree with her positions - frankly I am more mature than that. But as we can all see over the last couple of weeks she is an intellectual light weight and we should be very concerned that this particular person is one heart beat away from being president.
We have lived with 8 years of a person at the helm who simply did not possess the strategic leadership skills required of the role and who ultimately relied on people who have simply led him down the wrong path. I believe she could be similarly influenced and that is bad for our country.
http://AlbanyNY October 2nd, 2008 at 8:10 pm |
Marie!
They have a women asking the debate questions tonight! Remember what I said when you were here? The only way to offset was to have Gwen asking the questions! WOW!
http://Cincinnati,OH October 2nd, 2008 at 8:55 pm |
I must say I think it was incredibly inappropriate for Palin to blow kisses to the audience as she entered the stage. She’s running for VP not Miss America. I think, for the first time since taking the national stage, she has revealed her ability to answer questions and think on her feet. Women in politics face many obsticles than men do not, it’s important to maintain a professional demeanor and blowing kisses in not professional - not in politics but perhaps on the runway.
http://LosAlamos,NM October 2nd, 2008 at 9:42 pm |
Both VP candidates showed themselves well. They were better than the presidential candidates in their first debate.
Gov. Palin did very well and Senator Biden did too. Party folks probably hold that each won. In my mind, they did very, very well. I am still undecided. I am so happy that for the sake of women, Gov. Palin held her own and did well. For the sake of men, I am glad that Sen. Biden was respectful and dealt professionally with Gov. Palin.
http://BethlehemPA October 2nd, 2008 at 10:20 pm |
Whatever party you belong to you should see that Gov.Sarah Palin did a fabulous job tonight. If Senator Biden, a 33 year Washington insider couldn’t resoundingly trounce a relative newcomer-then either he did a poor job or she did a very very good job. It was the latter. She didn’t back down, appear nervous or weak and she hasn’t participated in a debate like this on this level before. The two that have the least experience, Obama and Palin should be debating-they have limited experience. McCain and Biden are experienced leaders a debate between those two would yield more information. Palin’s spirit is refreshing.
http://Hermitage,TN October 2nd, 2008 at 10:42 pm |
Yes, it is a nice gesture to have a woman on the debate platform again. I do feel that Gov. Palin lacks the depth, experience, and wherewithall to hold the 2nd highest office of our country. As a woman, full-time employee and full-time divorced mom of two school-aged sons, I was offended and even embarrassed by Gov. Palin’s “winking” at the camera and audience during her responses. Also, the little flirtacious crinkling of her nose when giving responses bothered me greatly. Gov. Palin never really responded to questions unrelated to oil resources; she dwelled far too long on the natural resources in Alaska theme - one answer does not fit all questions! She was too rehearsed with her verbiage. One thing that really bothered me was her mispronounciations of names and certain words. To hear her pronounce nuclear as “nuke-u-ler” as opposed to the correct pronounciation, “new-clear” sounded too much like President Bush. I was hoping she would sway me, but she didn’t. I have to give Sen. Biden two-thumbs up on this one.
http://Centennial,CO October 2nd, 2008 at 10:44 pm |
Sen. Biden debated in the best possible way: no patronizing, no condescending, no sexist remarks. He was substantive and persuasive. If one were to pronounce a winner, it would be Biden. Gov. Palin, however, did well. She was confident, poised, quick on her feet, and reasonably conversant on the issues.
http://Hiram,GA October 2nd, 2008 at 10:49 pm |
We had a crowd watching the debate at a local restaurant. We all left there proud of Sarah Palin - her grasp of the issues, her courageous spirit, her ability to “get real” with the American people, and her wit. Biden was OK, but came across as masking anger behind that grin that was almost a grimace. To be fair, it’s quite a task to have to defend your record and not appear to be bullying a woman. Great debate though, and very focused on the issues that matter to America. And the moderator exceeded my expectations for fairness, asking equally tough questions to each candidate.
http://Buckingham,PA October 2nd, 2008 at 10:59 pm |
Ms. Palin has great stage presence, a folksy way about her and is very likeable. All good traits for an actress or a friend but not neccessarily VP. She didn’t answer one question with any substance and in my opinion, is an empty suit. She may be a rising star but she hasn’t risen high enough yet to be the VP candidate. The other thing I don’t like (with her as well as other women) is that she uses her gender to her advantage (her cutsiness, blowing kisses, winking, etc.) but few have dared to attack her for fear they will be called sexist. Come on ladies, we can’t be hipocritical here. If we want to get ahead politically (and there are many great women out there doing this), we’ve got to stop calling the sexist card if we’re going to use it ourselves.
http://SaintPetersburg,FL. October 2nd, 2008 at 11:13 pm |
Senator Biden was on the top of his game tonight. He was not so long winded and sharp edged as he often can be.
Many thought Governor Palin would stumble yet she went toe to toe with Biden.
I find it interesting that so many are concerned with her experience level given John McCain is older and what would happen if she had to assume the Presidency. What about the experience level of Senator Obama being President to begin with?!!!
Palin is a leader and has a record of making things happen. I guess this is the case with most executive experienced individuals outside of Washington. She may not be governor of NY, California, Texas or any other prominent state, but she has experience and capacity to grow quickly.
The problem seems to be the extreme politics and partisan actions (or better said lack of action) taken by congress. There is plenty of blame to go around by both parties as well as this administration.
I am scared to death to have an even bigger government that does nothing. We are already coming to a grinding halt.
Let’s put politics aside and choose the best ticket to get American on the move again.
http://HighlandsRanch,CO October 2nd, 2008 at 11:14 pm |
I agree with Glyniss above - I am embarrassed at her lack of substance and her use of beauty queen winks. There are so many more qualified owmen on both sides of the aisle.
http://Denver,CO October 3rd, 2008 at 12:01 am |
Still scared that if John McCain becomes our next president, (and should something happen to him because of his age) Sarah Palin would be our next president. To me, she is not presidential material. I sure don’t want her as my president! In the present crisis that our nation is in, again that is a scary thought.
http://Denver,CO October 3rd, 2008 at 12:09 am |
To add to my comment… The reason that I think she is not presidential is not because she’s a woman. Women can be a President! But, I am not confident in Sarah Palin being President, for many many reasons.
http://LosAngeles,CA October 3rd, 2008 at 1:31 am |
Sarah Palin was a talking head today in the VP debate. She regurgitated talking points. She lacked depth, understanding and command of issues so she attempted to cover it up by repeating her talking points as she pleased. This attitude showed great disrespect for the American Public and the Democratic process. I really hope that the American people get even on Election Day. One point in her favor, yes, she was beautiful. I would say, yes, ladies, she is a painful reminder that when it comes to women getting ahead in America, beauty is still the most valuable attribute helping them, in too many instances. I would sincerely encourage this organization as a progressive and feminist organization to denounce the candidacy or Sarah Palin as an assault on women’s intelligence more than celebrating it based on her gender. She deserves ZERO support and recognition from any serious progressive women’s group.
http://LosAngeles,CA October 3rd, 2008 at 2:00 am |
AH! Forgot to say, sorry. To those nice lady who compares above Sarah Palin to Obama, please, Obama was the first African American editor of the Harvard Law review, among many other intellectual achievements. We are referring here not only to a lack of experience; it is lack of substance and understanding. Last time America fell in love with stupidity and commonality we got stuck with George Bush for 8 years to the great detriment of our country and the rest of the world. At that time, when we progressives were outraged, many moderate republicans were trying to rationalize their choice for an obviously incompetent person in order to vote with a clean conscious. Well, no more excuses this time. We have all seen the results of that denial, and given Bush’s approval rating we all seem to pretty much agree on how disastrous it has been. It is about time that moderate republicans and independents, particularly women, come on board and support Obama -Biden, meaning they will support intelligence all around and stop gambling with the future of this country. If Sarah Palin ends up President who is going to run the country? Dick Cheney or somebody like him again? Please get real and honest, or just don’t pretend and just say you vote party lines.
http://Fresno,CA October 6th, 2008 at 11:20 am |
Our we watching a Beauty Pagent or a Debate? Hmmm, not sure! All the slang, blowing kisses, and winking got us a little confuesed. Oh, and she wants more power, for what—-to do more drilling in Alaska?
L8R…Deko and Posh
http://Virginia October 8th, 2008 at 10:02 am |
I have never cared to watch debates before. This was the first time I watched the entire debate. And not only was I enthralled, but I was up jumping and clapping at the end.
Sarah Palin is amazing, and she makes me proud.
And I don’t feel the need to be negative to any “side.” (I don’t believe in party system either) Not sure where all that comes from. Biden did a fine job also.
I’m a broken record about this, but if I could a la’ carte my ticket/vote — I’d be Obama/Palin.
We have both signs outside our home - and it feels like a very positive “hurray to America.”
http://SantaRosa,CA October 10th, 2008 at 3:18 pm |
The ticket should McCain/Biden if you want REAL experience. Obama is very intelligent, but doesn’t know what he’s doing. That is why you didn’t hear any commitments from him until recently when he had talked to all of his advisers (ie-has not experience)… Palin knows abit more as she has run a town and state, credit that she has not been fully appreciated for, but has not been able to articulate it as she is not a fast talking lawyer nor has she been on the campaign trail long enough learn it like others. As for the winking, etc-we should allow ourselves to be women. We are different from men and should embrace our differences. It’s interesting how men love Palin and women don’t-are you threatened??!! Remember, it could end up Palin/Pelosi and that would be fantastic!!!!! BTW-I’ve always voted Demo, but will vote Repub. in Nov.