Who was the first female vice presidential candidate representing a major American political party (Democratic or Republican)?

Geraldine Anne Ferraro, born on the 26th of August, 1935 was a Democratic Party politician, and a member of the United States House of Representatives. In her early life, Geraldine was teaching at a public school, but found this activity unsatisfying and decided to attend law school. It was considered to be man's occupation, but Geraldine was confident and earned a Juris Doctor degree with honors from Fordham University School of Law in 1960. She was one of the two women in her class of 179.

In 1984 Ferraro became the only Italian American to run for the U.S. vice presidency on a major party platform, also being the first woman in this position. Geraldine has inspired a lot of women by her strong-willed personality and hard work. She has written plenty of articles based on her experience and two autobiographical books.

Sarah Palin became the first female vice presidential nominee from the Republican Party in 2008.

More Info: www.wikipedia.com

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43 Comments

William Laughlin

You're young. Pick up a history book and learn more about late 20th century history. You are female and should study the women's movement. It's a struggle that continues today and will have a direct impact on your own life. Fight for women's equality. The fact that you were unaware of Ms. Ferraro is an indication of how women are overlooked in our schools' history classes.

Calvin Taber

This would be a good question to ask in today's college's. History is not taught like it should be anymore.

William Hatter

William Laughlin, Ms. Kukalo being unaware of the first female vice presidential candidate from a major party has nothing to do with women's rights. An overwhelming majority of people cannot name a losing PRESIDENTIAL candidate in past elections regardless of gender.

Dave Mac

How do you write an article about the first female VP candidate and not even mention who picked her to run on his ticket?

Joanne Serin

William Laughlin, not necessarily overlooked, but there's just so much time to fit it all in. When I studied U.S. History in the 60s, we just got to the end of WW2. Now, 50+ years later, there's a lot more to fit in. My history teacher friend, who retired in 2007, just got her classes to the Civil Rights movement.

Jonathan Jobe

Lynne Zeman, Geraldine Ferraro died in 2011.

Laurie Lonnevik

Walter Mondale her running mate. Plain can't hold a candle to her. Like comparing 45 and obama!

Carroll Price

A bush would have been in the White House, even if George Bush had lost to Geraldine Farraro.

Lynne Zeman

she was strong and intelligent. But the world/US opinion was not ready. then i don't recall hearing of her. Perhaps I was distracted. Perhaps she disappeared. The rigors of the race will do that. hope she is well.

Michael Doherty

Not a complete answer without mentioning Mondale.

tbear

William Laughlin, thank you for not making us feel like the underdog! I love to read everything you have to say!

tbear

Dennis Lane, thank you! We women appreciate men like you and William Laughlin!

silrem

cwisconsin, YOU should be ashamed. Tesla did not just repeat the question, he added important info that was left out of the woefully short explanation. Bravo Alset.

silrem

Phydeaux, not as funny as the Palin joke.

Dennis Lane

William Laughlin, I have never commented on your posts, because they speak for themselves. This one, though, deserves some reinforcement. As a father of two women and a grandfather of three young women, I fully support your comments.