Extra interview:
Geraldine Ferraro
The first woman vice-presidential candidate on a national party ticket.


When do you think we'll have a woman or minority president?

Why would you (or wouldn't you) encourage teens to consider politics/public
service?

I encourage young people to get involved in politics. I believe as citizens they have not only the right to vote, but an obligation to learn the issues so that they vote intelligently. The best way to do that, is to get involved in politics. I also believe that it is important that young people understand the power of public office to do good. I believe, despite what may be making cheap headlines in the last few years, that politics is an honorable profession.

What steps should teens take if they're interested in a career in politics/public service?

If a teen is interested in a career in politics, (s)he should begin immediately. Find a politician, a party. an issue (s)he cares about, get informed and then get involved. Volunteer. Though no professional training is required - in the past 25 years we've had a nuclear physicist (Carter) actor (Reagan) businessman (Bush) and attorney (Clinton), an education is essential so my most important advice is finish school and stay out of trouble!

What motivates you to "do what you do"?

I believe we are put on this earth for a reason and that reason is more than advancing our own self interest. I ran for office because I truly believed that I could make life better for others if I were given the oppunity to do so. I did so as a prosecutor, I did so when I was in Congress, I did so when I was Ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Commission. I'm sorry I was not able to do so as the Vice President or as a Senator.

What has been the most rewarding moment/aspect of your public service?

Running for Vice President. The candidacy (and I'm not speaking about me, because any one of a number of other women could have done precisely what I did) but the candidacy did have an effect on this country. We took down the "Men Only" sign on the door of the White House. Also in the sixteen years since, women have come up to me in airports, on the street, in stores to tell me that the campaign had an impact on their lives. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to represent them.

What were the low points?

The low points were when my family was attacked by the Press and the Republicans in 1984 in an effort to weaken me and my candidacy.

What else would you like to say to teens about the election process?

I have just returned from a trip to Russia. Though things are significantly better than when I visited the Soviet Union 15 years ago, you walk away thrilled to be an American. All Americans, not only teenagers, should know that our precious democracy is something that much be preserved and nurtured. Caring about and participating in government is the way to do both.

When you were a teenager what did you want to be? Why?

When I was a teenager I wanted to be a newspaper reporter. I loved my English courses, enjoyed writing and was good enough at it to win a contest at a Catholic Monthly Magazine, be editor or my newspaper, and copy editor of the year book. I also thought it would be an interesting life.

What advice would you give to a teen today on setting and reaching their goals?

Finish school, work hard, and be flexible.

I switched from Journalism to teaching when I was in college, went to law school at night while teaching in a NYC Public School, stayed home for 13 years to raise my three children, I've been a prosecutor, Member of Congress, Corporate Lawyer, Ambassador and Lecturer. I have written three books, hosted a TV program on CNN, and when I lost the Senate primary in 98, went to work as a consultant on workplace practices. I also taught a course at Georgetown's School of Public Polic wrote a bi-weekly column on politics for the New York Times Syndicate and work as a political analyst for FOX News.

Every job I have ever had has in some way helped me further my goal of fulfilling my reason for being here. Being flexible gave me all kinds of opportunity. I feel good about that. And though I'll be 65 next month, my children are still asking me what I want to be when I grow up!!

What additional advice would you give to a woman or a minority teen?

Go for it!

What was the most important piece of advice given to you as a teenager?

My mother told me that if things didn't go exactly as I planned, if something went wrong, that I should learn from the experience, not wallow in the loss, and move on. I've passed that advice on to my children.

What were the major turning points in your life?

The major turning points in my life were my father's sudden death when I was eight years old, receiving my law degree, getting married, having children, winning elective office, running for vice president and having grandchildren.