I Feel A Little Sorry For Ferraro

   I remember very clearly when Geraldine Ferraro was running for vice president in 1984 as Walter Mondale's Democratic running mate. Though I was just a kid, I recall it was a very exciting time as she was the first woman to appear on a major presidential ticket.

   My mom, a very proud feminist actually took me to hear her speak in person. Though I don't recall what she said, the whole scene was pretty energetic and enthusiastic.

   I think there is definitely similar enthusiasm and energy surrounding Barack Obama's campaign and his campaign (as is Hillary Clinton's, for that matter) is undoubtedly historic as well.

   I am not quite sure why Ferraro felt the need to even speak up as she did - she probably should have anticipated the firestorm comments like hers would likely generate. While I agree with her that people should speak their minds, and certainly have a constitutional right to do so in our great country, the people that don't like what she had to say have an equivalent right to rebut!

   I have stated before, and will do so again, that I think it is a nice bonus that Obama is black. I disagree with Ferraro's claim that if he wasn't black he wouldn't be in the position he is in as I think that is dead wrong. If he was a white guy, saying the things he's saying, the way he's saying them, I think a lot of people would still be drawn to him. But I think it is icing on the cake that he happens to be black because, if for no other reason, his election would finally change the perception of the American presidency from an endless string of white guys to someone who represents the great melting pot that is America. And it sure doesn't hurt that his presidency would come after 8 years of continuous reinforcement of the worst stereotypes you could come up with for a country's leadership - shoot-from-the-hip, confrontational, good ole boy, cowboy leadership!

   I think Ferraro was definitely off, but I do think it is important to consider race in that it contributes to perception in this case. It shouldn't but due to our history, it does.