Geraldine Ferraro: Paving the Way

In 1984, Geraldine Ferraro (1935–2011) became the first woman to run on a major American political party's presidential ticket. As the Democratic nominee for vice president and running mate to Walter Mondale, she broke ground for her gender in politics, but filmmaker Donna Zaccaro argues that she also faced unprecedented attacks aimed at her ethical and moral fitness as a candidate. Paving the Way traces Ferraro's story, from her childhood, education, and marriage up through her early career as a Queens prosecuting attorney specializing in child-abuse cases and sex crimes, followed by three terms in the House of Representatives. Focusing on the 1984 campaign, the film illustrates the political savvy and persona that made Ferraro a success; she was known for her Italian-American working-class background and her ability to work well with Congressional Republicans. But Ferraro's 1984 effort was hampered by assertions—alleged here to have been spearheaded by Nancy Reagan—of improprieties in her and her husband's finances and by pro-life demonstrations and admonitions from Catholic leaders who felt her pro-choice stance betrayed her faith. Footage from the Democratic convention and her debate with then Vice President George H.W. Bush highlight her political skills and the excitement generated by her candidacy. An extensive interview conducted with Ferraro after her 1998 cancer diagnosis is interwoven with news footage and family comments, along with remarks from journalists and political figures including Bill and Hillary Clinton, George H.W. and Barbara Bush, Mondale, Madeleine Albright, and Nancy Pelosi. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)