Geraldine Ferraro Interview : Pt 2
Geraldine Ferraro Interview : Pt 2
Linda Wertheimer (o/s) asks whether current favorable political climate for women to achieve their goals is temporary. U.S. House Representative Geraldine Ferraro (D-NY) sees female political clout growing as society changes, as does women’s role within society. If women don’t get out and do it for themselves, nothing will get done. Wertheimer asks if more women can be expected run for office since their electoral behavior contrasts with that of men. Ferraro believes it's possible, but running for Congress is an expensive endeavor. Fundraising can overcome that, but also legally curtailing money spent in a campaign would encourage more women to run. Ferraro isn’t sure what the polls show in terms of women voting for women, but they certainly are voting for candidates who share similar concerns.
Geraldine Ferraro Interview : Pt 2
Linda Wertheimer (o/s) notes current candidates running for President are discussing disarmament, nuclear war, peace, education, asks U.S. House Representative Geraldine Ferraro (D-NY) if the female vote will be the deciding factor in the 1984 Presidential election. Rep. Ferraro thinks women have already made a difference in '82 elections, believing that women were deciding factor in New York and Ohio gubernatorial races. Women will vote for a strong candidate who stands strong on issues they deem important, and will not only look out for their economic well-being now but in the future as well. Ferraro is concerned about the "middle class suburban housewife," who feels comfortable in their position not to vote. If they can be convinced to vote, then the female vote will effect the 1984 election.
Geraldine Ferraro Interview : Pt 2
Linda Wertheimer asks (o/s) producer if there's anything else to ask; she suggests talking more about Women's Economic Equity Act. Wertheimer asks Rep. Geraldine Ferraro (D-NY) about Women's Economic Equity Act and whether increase in women's political clout makes a difference. Ferraro believes pieces of the Act will pass and become law, lists some of the areas the bill seeks to address: pension reform, daycare programs, alimony support payments, the ability for a housewife to open an individual retirement account at home. Ferraro, using her elderly female constituents as examples, explains phenomena of "feminization of poverty" where widows cannot afford to live off Social Security alone. The bill provides the opportunity for another source of income, be it an I.R.A., or pension fund.
Geraldine Ferraro Interview : Pt 2
Linda Wertheimer (o/s) asks U.S. House Representatives Geraldine Ferraro (D-NY) about daycare proposal in Women's Economic Equity Act, noting it's for the young and old. Rep. Ferraro explains the legislation creates a tax credit for organizations to set-up daycare facilities within its premises, helping women in the workforce, and attracting women to the workforce, thus putting less strain on federal and state programs. Ferraro sees this a matter dignity for women. She believes the vast majority of women would rather work than be "on the public dole," but their options are limited when they have children to take care of.
Geraldine Ferraro Interview : Pt 2
Linda Wertheimer (o/s) notes related topics of discrimination and insurance as big issues going through Congress now. Big companies have asked for no changes because insurance discriminates for good reasons. Women have expressed opposing views. Wertheimer asks U.S. House Representative Geraldine Ferraro (D-NY) what happens when women, who feel strongly about an issue, face-off against a powerful interest group. Ferraro discusses various problems going up against the powerful insurance lobby as they spend money to rile up constituencies against legislation, legislation then having to be broken up to even have a chance of passing on a piecemeal basis. Meanwhile, women pay higher premiums for less benefits and are barred from accessing certain health and disability plans. Insurance companies argue women live longer than men, but Ferraro says argument no longer is valid given new variables in men's and women's health.
Geraldine Ferraro Interview : Pt 2
Linda Wertheimer (o/s) asks how the increasing clout of women, electorally, can be weighed against powerful interest groups. U.S. House Representative Geraldine Ferraro (D-NY) believes the only true measure is to see how votes come out of committee. However, it is hard to measure overall because she knows people in the committees, in the House of Representatives, who see the gender gap as a civil rights issue.
Geraldine Ferraro Interview : Pt 2
Linda Wertheimer (o/s) asks U.S. House Representative Geraldine Ferraro (D-NY) about portion of Women’s Economic Equity Act that would enforce alimony and child-support payments, whether a male-dominated Congress will pass it. Rep. Ferraro frames it as a child issue, referencing comment by Rep. Patricia Shroeder that the government can enforce delinquent car payments but not for child support, what that says about the nation’s priorities. The bill would allow the I.R.S. to hold payments when taxes are filed. Failure to address the problem will just result in these children and mothers going onto state or federal welfare programs. Ferraro says this should pass because it’s fairness issue, and conservatives should support because it would take people off the welfare rolls. Wertheimer and Rep. Ferraro end interview.
Geraldine Ferraro Interview : Pt 2
View from behind U.S. House Representative Geraldine Ferraro (D-NY) as she sits opposite Linda Wertheimer. They talk off-the-record about politicians, political issues, and discuss gray hairs and hair loss.