Reading The Pictures: Old Ferraro CW: Glass Ceiling Hero... New CW: Trouble From The Beginning

July 23, 1984

Sep. 3, 1984

The problem started with a refusal to release her taxes.

Deriving financial benefit from her husband's real estate business but failing to disclose it put Ferraro on the wrong side of House of Representative rules.  There was also the issue of a loan from the family to her campaign in violation of FEC rules.  Everything got addressed, but these questions following Ferraro's Vice Presidential nomination cast her in a terribly awkward light, and raised early questions about her legitimacy as a number two.

What comes through, in retrospect, is how personally combative Ferraro is.  In light of her unapologetic racist comments directed at Obama, motivated by an apparent blind loyalty to Hillary, the second cover (as if, suddenly, the embodiment of Ferraro's character problems) supersedes the tarnished frame of the "Historic" first.

In spite of the headline, there is an ambiguity to the gesture because of the slightly relaxed thumb and the fact the hand is turned out rather than in.  Still -- paired with the impression we're getting an earful -- it remains a clenched fist.

For more leading -- and misleading -- political pictures, visit BAGnewsNotes.com.

Ferraro Is Unapologetic for Remarks and Ends Her Role in Clinton Campaign (NYT)
Four TIME Ferraro Covers (TIME)
Show and Tell (Sep. 03, 1984 - TIME)

(image 1: July '84 issue: Diana Walker.  image 2: Sep. 3, 1984 issue: Ted Thai)

Comments

[QueenCeleste]

It is shameful that Ferraro has been bashed by almost one and all for simply telling the truth. Hillary should not have accepted her resignation from her campaign.

[TalAura]

Do you honestly think the only reason Barack Obama has more than a snowball's chance in hell of being president is because he is black? That line of thinking is tired and as stale as old bread. It's bad enough that in this day and age a black person that accomplishes still has to face down that kind of drivel; to hear it from another presidential candidate's staffer is especially sad. What would you prefer? Hillary VS. McCain? Would you say "he's only in this position because he's a man" if she was losing to McCain? No. Ms. Ferraro was not telling the "truth," she was speaking out of spite because she couldn't do HER job and figure out a way to get Mrs. Clinton ahead.

P. S. I heard a LOT more of "let's hear her out, maybe there's some truth in what she's saying" than anything that could be called "bashing!"

[thatvisionthing]

She noticed he was black! I noticed he was black! Being black is fine! We all come from somewhere, and I hear that we all come from Africa and all have black heritage if you follow the DNA trail all the way way way back. We are all black. Heritage is meaningful and positive.

The trouble with starting out with slavery is that anger and guilt just don't end when slavery ends. I'm white, I never owned a slave, never wanted racial intolerance, yet it's baggage you tell me I can't shake. Why can't I SEE a person's color and appreciate differences? Why can't I love this and this and this flavor in the soup? I don't want to be color blind, I want to be color joyful.

Barack Obama is black and white, 50-50. He has a fabulous heritage. He's not inbred to idiocy, condescension and insensitivity. I'm learning that black churches notice when we kill innocent people and criticize that. (Thank you, David Gergen, and hallelujah! I want my candidate to consider these things.) In that sense, Geraldine Ferraro was right. I am enthralled with his concept, because he seems to have been nourished and flourished by it all. Hurray, hurray, hurray. And Ferraro noted that she herself was chosen as VP material 20 years ago because she was a woman. The trouble here is that she didn't go on to say that by the same token, same token, we're looking at Hillary as a candidate because SHE'S a woman, and because she's Bill Clinton's wife. That's her job-qualifying experience, and unlike Barack Obama's, the concept does not enthrall me.

One more thing: Keith Olbermann and the rest of the MSM pick out race and sex and wealth and age and region all the time. We can't see a poll or an election result without constant harping on what demographic voted how and what that means. They dwell on race and sex and what candidate can "overcome" that. They slice and dice, like Obama says. When they quit doing that, THEN they can criticize Ferraro for her comments. I don't care about the demographics, I care about whether a candidate supported the war and whether the candidate intends to refer to "we the people" as a resource to involve as opposed to an audience to be managed and satisfied. Issues, not demographics, make me choose Obama. My God I have hopes!

[MadeinAmericaProud]

thank you, I agree with every word of this very positive message. thanks for taking the time to put out. The more of these the more YES WE CAN unite as a Nation.

Thank you very much, for a moment I felt my candle light was almost gone. I am unemployed but not counted in those TV announcement percentage.

I have been reading all day, Your message give me hope.

Senator was very brave knowing in is heart this election cycle would not be easy. He started with a warning, To fight for American we all must be involved.

I found today as Paul Harvey said on the radio "THE REST OF THE STORY" a more positive side
why the Senator stayed at this church for 20 years.

www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/03/20/obama_odyssey_on-race/?page+1

I feel this proof he never change from his original message. We the people can have change if we first change our mind set we want change. Than we can unite as a nation. Without each of having a mind set for change no matter what is thrown at us, we stand united for change.

We the People, must all be involved seek out more positive message or write these TV station as a protest. We should not let and side feed us with trash. GOD Bless America

[rudyacuna]

Ms. Ferraro. It is a case of hypocrisy. In my lifetime I have not known another politico who has been on the ticket of a major political party who was from the House of Representatives where she incidently only served for six years. Before that she taught second grade and unlike Obama was never known to have worked as an organirer or have served in the state legislature. It was played up at the time that she was the child of an Italian immigrant and her candidacy would appeal to the women's vote, the Italians and Catholics. She was also married to a wealthy real estate developer with an alleged questionable background. Obama is also the son of an immigrant. He graduated from law school and worked in Chicago's Southside for a dozen years before being elected to the Illinois State legislature in 1996 where he served until 2002 when he was elected to Congress serving in public office twice as long as Ferraro and Clinto combined. What irks me is Ms. Ferraro's sense of entitlement. Italian Americans have a rich history but they were discriminated against and when I was a kid we did not consider them to be white which was considered a compliment. In my most recent book Corridors of Migration (UArizona 2007) I show how Italian miners often sided and lived with Mexicans. Unfortunately people like Ferraro disown this history.

[lboucher]

If Obama had more of a history and a track record we could give him the benefit of the doubt. But he does not. On top of now being kind of scary based on his choice of friends, Obama is unqualified, inexperienced and untested as well. No thanks. During this troubled time, we will not take a risk on that. We shouldn't.

BE CAREFUL --- BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER

[rudyacuna]

this is stupid,. See current issue of Time for Clinto record. Obama has served much more time in public office than Hillary

[XCITIZEN]

Wow, that's a worn out old cliche of a phrase - what exactly do you mean? Another cryptic comment from a Hillary supporter, or perhaps, a troll? Birds of a feather flock together - hmmmm. Are you making some kind of comment about Obama's race? About the 'flock' to which he belongs, about the (former) pastor of his church? Hmm, very strange. A flock of birds, you want us to think of a flock of birds. Jim Crow perhaps? "BE CAREFUL." Wow, be careful of what? The 'dangerous black man?"

This comment is very insidious, and you play it so causally, just an old fashioned saying eh? Actually, Hillary and her bunch have played that card in many ways....Geraldine, is that you????

[Rockerbabe]

Geraldine Ferraro is not a racist. She did, however, commit the unpardonable sin of telling the truth. If anyone with Obama's record, but Obama ran for office, he or she would have been laughed off the stage ages ago. Mrs. Ferraro, as I recall, held a long press conference and she and her accountant answered all the questions regarding her finances during her run for the VP years ago. I listed to the conference in awe of this woman and her composure during all the hostile questions from the press. As I recall, the matter was laid to rest shortly afterwards.

It amazes me. She tells the truth as she sees it; the fellows in his campaign and the media are so thinned skinned they can't handle the truth, so they smear the messanger. Obama and his buddies in the media need to APOLOGY to Geraldine for the very ungentlemanlike odious behavior.

[rudyacuna]

This is stupid. Ferraro served in the lowly House for 6 years -- i want to see her record

[thatvisionthing]

Geraldine Ferraro spoke as if anybody with Barack's background could interchangeably be put in Barack's position as candidate for president.

Ferraro failed to make the same observations about Hillary -- failed to say that Hillary is benefiting from being a woman, from being the wife of that president. I hear far more feminists saying we have to vote for Hillary because she's a woman than I do from blacks who say we have to vote for Barack because he's black. These feminists are making a farce of feminism, turning it upside down.

And Rockerbabe, as I'm a woman, I except myself from your categorizing us Ferraro critics as being odious and ungentlemanlike. And I'm not looking for a candidate who describes herself as "your girl" either. Expletive deleted.

You want to SEE and HEAR what Ferraro missed (or is jealous about)? Check out Obama's speech at the 2004 Democratic convention. Look at the faces of the people in the crowd. He's talking to America and America is, yes, enthralled. Hillary doesn't inspire, Obama does, and it's not vague, it's specific: http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/convention2004/barackobama2004dnc.htm

[MadeinAmericaProud]

I am 61 years living in American. I still have my sight, I can see Senator Obama is black. I can also read and understand what I am reading to include reading more than just reading silly season blogs.

I know the truth about the Senator's record. The documents that are available are not blacked out
to avoid the complete truth as some others have done with recent documents finally opened to all of us.

Please provide more details,other white men you know I can compare to you and Ms Ferraro's truth telling comments so I can make make the truth rating label for myself. Everyone bang the drum for Sen. Obama to provide more info in his speech when most homes have a computer available and go on the internet and read.

If you are saying you believe we cannot read and understand, and it will always be necessary for Ms. Ferraro will be providing simple instructions for us stupid people. That's another factor.

[Fez]

It is long past time for the progressives to leave the Democratic Party and form a "Progressive Party." The "big tent" of the DLC has no room for true progressives. The Republicans represent the right-wing, the Democrats represent the center-right, and the Progessives represent... well, progressives. Those of us who have wasted our votes on Al Gore and John Kerrey are not about to waste another vote on someone like Hillary Clinton. Obama appears to have some progressive views, but his bellicose comments on invading Pakistan are troubling. This country desperately needs a parliamentary system of government so that many political parties can exist and represent the views of all the people. The two-party system is a colossal failure and, irony of ironies, offers no choice whatsoever in a country where you can choose between 75 brands of breakfast cereal and 500 brands of soap.

[thatvisionthing]

The only wasted vote is the one not counted. In that sense, there were many votes wasted on Gore and Kerry, in Florida, in Ohio, in New Mexico.

[Sepiastar]

To Rudyinbama:

Why is it hard to imagine this campaign will continue after the Reverend Wright foolishness and Rezko revelations? WHAT Rezko revelations. Tony Rezko has donated to the Clintons and many other powerful Democrats and Republicans. It's unfortunate that the press and illogical posters seem to only connect him to Senator Obama yet there are pictures of him with the Clintons also. Now, Rev Wright is a pastor of a church, what about Hagee with McCain and the white pastor in Ohio that spoke of death to Islam and Muslims. Now, gas is approaching $4.00 per gallons, the dollar is at an all time low and the only issue you can decipher is Senator Obama's relationship with his pastor and Tony Rezko. I am almost positive you can locate more information to align Senator Mccain connections to lobbyist and Senator's Clinton financial backing from Saudi Arabians and Norman Hsu. . Many of you elected George W. Bush Jr (twice) and his religious affiliations were not a primary issue and he stated his religious convictions were the basis of his judgement in all matters (ironic)!! Now, can some of you get on track and stop the menial diversions and focus on issues that REALLY AFFECT THIS COUNTRY!!!

[mellene]

This is what Americans have come to expect from the elite and rich amongst us. Pastor Wright did have this right that America is being controlled and led by the ultra rich white.

[SUNRAI]

"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude."

Thomas Jefferson
Third President of the United States

[Purple Girl]

Hindsight is 20/20. I voted for that ticket in '84- becasue I like so many now were caught up in the possiblity of a Woman in the WH (even as VP) I failed to really look at her with an Equal Rights Eye- just my myopic Feminist eye. seh was a failure, she was merely a Token, she should keep her mouth shut- this time for good.
But she has helped solidify y opinion regading the Feminists of the Past- who I whole heartedly supported in my Starry Eyed Youth.
here's my more mature and insightful views of many of those old Fallacies.
I am a Libber - for all minorities, I'm a Equal Rights Defender. I am Not a Feminist - it's sexist at its's Core
I'm a Right to Lifer - for those that have already been born and have a life. Once those are cared for, I'll worry about multicelled parasitic organisms
I am a Steward. I am not a Person of 'Faith'. Faith has gotten nothing done because they lack the iniative to take responsiblity and action . But I still ahve a 'Dream ' and I can still "imagine"
I am an American - I am not Red or Blue. I am a Patriot, an advocate and activist for the principles set down by our Founding Fathers, not by the current flavors (or Fears) of the Decade, year , week.
It has become Painfully apparent those Organizations I had placed any 'faith' in have failed US miserably. So I no longer supoort them an dhave in fact become one of their most harsh Detractors. Our misguided Faith in these Brick & mortar have been Betrayed.
There time has passed and they have proven their Ineffectual natures and their Allegience to to the Doctrines who have blocked Our Progress. Thou protest to much for your myopic 'visions' to be genuin or useful. Ger can take NOW with her back to what every Rock she crawled out from under. .

[Bacowall]

I also voted for that ticket-- they lost. But I certainly now regret adding to whatever number it was they got. Shocking behavior!

[williamjgc]

..."multicelled parasitic organisms" ??!!

THINK for a moment. How does not breathing air make a human being less deserving of respect, dignity, and continued life? I find your characterization of the smallest of humans as multicelled parasitic organisms to be well...sad...and unintellectual. At this time in the history of humanity when we are finally waking up to our connection with all of nature and our resulting responsibilty to care for all that we are connected with, it's odd how beings who live on the other side of the vaginal wall are not deserving of that same care. It's as if they live in some alternate universe.

I am not pro life nor am I pro choice. I'm just a Dad who caught a glimpse of his daughter when she was just a bud with hands and a head inside her mothers womb. Instantly I became connected to that little being and all the possibility and wonder and future laugher and joy that accompanied her. Right now my life would be incredibly empty if all I saw was some kind of parasite that as much deserved death as deserved life. (By the way another flaw in your thinking is that my kids could still be considered multicelled parasitic organisms. Look at my empty fridge and their lack of a bank account as proof. By your logic they are still less than human, but to me they are, and always have been (even in the womb) proof, and a representative, of the divine.

Unless you love everyone you don't truly love anyone.

[zull2]

Some people just don't know when to apologize and shut up. Ferraro is a complete moron to allow herself to get sucked up into this sort of argument. IF she had even one brain cell left, she should know that it's an argument that she cannot win, ever. You don't use race to explain someone's success unless that race also happens to be the one that traditionally got the upper hand, the biggest piece of the cake in this country. Black people haven't traditionally been given the biggest piece of the pie. White folks like me and Ferraro have. Therefore, we have no right, none at all, to say what she said.

She should just apologize and walk away. People would forgive and forget in time. If she keeps it up, the racist tag is going to stick on her like crazy glue.

[Purcy]

I know some blacks who do not believe her comment was racist...

[bobdob]

"Everything got addressed, but these questions following Ferraro's Vice Presidential nomination cast her in a terribly awkward light, and raised early questions about her legitimacy as a number two."

Personally, I've always thought of Ms. Ferraro as something of a number two.

[lsbskins1]

Yes, because Hillary is clearly evil incarnate. She is a secret racist, undercover Nazi and wants to Nuke the planet so that mutant Cockroach warriors can eat your children. I would ask any Obama supporter to read these blogs and count how many times HRC supporters schoolyard name call like Obama supporters do. I don't give a crap which you support, Obama or Clinton, as long as you make your choice based on rational judgements. When you start in with the "evil Hillary" crap, you are not participating in the "Audacity of Hope" or in the "politics of change", you are dehumanizing the opposition and weakening your party. Keep it up because that is how you make things better!

[foolchild0]

"I would ask any Obama supporter to read these blogs and count how many times HRC supporters schoolyard name call..."

Constantly. Kind of like Hillary did on the stump. Didn't anyone ever teach you about glass houses?

[Roses]

You are right it is often, but unfortunately, some Obama supporters are also name calling pretty often. I think we should call it even in the wild-eyed, name calling contest and move on. At least the offensive use of "delusional Obamamaniacs" and the "Clintonistas" names are tapering off!
Obama'08

[ctom]

It doesn't matter what one supporter calls another. It's free speech after all and sometimes it's entertaining in how personal and irrational it gets. It's simpe and pure honesty, however ignorant.

What matters is what campaign calls another! That is politics and definitely not free speech.

By my count, HRC has been nastier than BO and to my surprise, BO actually try to live up to his preachings but not always. However the real cockroach in all this is a guy named Penn and who's that Eddie Haskle guy, McCaulife or something like it? Those guys are below human and it's all about making a come back.

[BlueinTheFirstRedState]

** schoolyard name call**

Ah, yes... I remember in the first grade, we would all point at the hapless victim of our childish cruelty and chant "You voted for the AUMF! You voted for AUMF!"

If only we had known how childish we sounded.

[nazgul]

Joe Conasson - Ferraro Still Owes An Apology

http://www.salon.com/opinion/conason/2008/03/14/ferraro_clinton/

Does a pretty good job of contrasting Obama's body of work and Ferraro's career of cronyism, corruption. Pretty clear case of projection.

[Jeffersonian1]

Let's just resolve this mess now.

Two tested leaders with experience:

One who knows where the beef is and knows how to answer those late night phone calls.

One who apparently knows "bitch is the new black".

Mondale/Ferraro '08