The Hill: Geraldine Ferraro, who made history in 1984 as the first woman nominated on the ticket of a major national party, died on Saturday. She was 75 years old.
According to a statement from her family, Ferraro passed away at Massachusetts General Hospital due to complications from multiple myeloma, a blood cancer she battled for twelve years.
“Geraldine Anne Ferraro Zaccaro was widely known as a leader, a fighter for justice, and a tireless advocate for those without a voice," said her family in a statement.
"To us, she was a wife, mother, grandmother and aunt, a woman devoted to and deeply loved by her family. Her courage and generosity of spirit throughout her life waging battles big and small, public and personal, will never be forgotten and will be sorely missed.” [MORE]
I remember when Geraldine was chosen. It was so controversial for the times. I recall the discussions of the day. Today, so many of those discussions would be easily termed sexist and primitive. Surprisingly, despite the advance of women in politics it would be 24 years until other women would be on major party ticket at the top level.
I do have to say that they don't make Democrats like Ferraro anymore. I remember how despite ideological differences, Ferraro's treatment of Palin in 2008 was nothing but pure class. Where have Democrats like that gone?
Palin has left a note of condolence on her Facebook page today.
My family and I would like to express our sincere condolences to the family of Geraldine Ferraro. When I had the honor of working alongside Geraldine on election night last year, we both discussed the role of women in politics and our excited expectation that someday that final glass ceiling would be shattered by the election of a woman president. She was an amazing woman who dedicated her life to public service as a teacher, prosecutor, Congresswoman, and Vice Presidential candidate. She broke one huge barrier and then went on to break many more. The world will miss her. May she rest in peace and may her example of hard work and dedication to America continue to inspire all women.
- Sarah Palin
The feminists of NOW can learn a lot from the relationship between Ferraro and Palin. They truly understand what it means to support all women and not just the ones that share an ideological dogma.
Rest in peace Geraldine and thank you for your service.
Via: Memeorandum
Via: The Hill
Via: Newsbusters