Not a Symbol, A Breakthrough: 30 Years Since Geraldine

By Stephanie Schriock
President of EMILY's List and American Women



Today marks 30 years since Geraldine Ferraro became the first woman to join a major party's presidential ticket. When she joined Vice President Walter Mondale's presidential ticket in 1984, Geraldine Ferraro didn't just make history, she changed the political world for women -- for women as candidates and as participants in our democracy.

During the campaign she said, "This candidacy is not just a symbol, it's a breakthrough. It's not just a statement, it's a bond between women all over America." And she was right, having women run for office isn't about symbolism -- it's about having a truly representative democracy. Everyone needs to have a voice at the table.

That's what we work toward at EMILY's List. EMILY's List got its start in 1985, building on the momentum for women that Geraldine helped kick start. The women we see in the House and Senate today owe a great deal to Geraldine -- she showed voters that women could compete and be tough under pressure while still being likable. Her candidacy gave credibility to women in all walks of life.

Her running mate Mondale said "I thought that putting a woman on a major-party ticket would change American expectations, permanently and for the better." And he was right.

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