New Political Perspective (00:54)

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1992 is a record year for women running for office. View clips of female candidates attending rallies and canvassing.

Sponsor Message: Women in American Politics (00:56)

Sponsor Message: Women in American Politics

Gender Imbalance in Congress (01:21)

Female members of Moyers' staff were angered by footage of a male, white Congress at Bush's State of the Union. Women are starting to challenge the political status quo.

Response to Thomas/Hill Hearings (02:39)

Outraged by dismissive attitudes towards sexual harassment, women began running for office. View clips of Anita Hill's testimony and a "Designing Women" episode.

Search for Political Outsiders (02:59)

Since the Thomas/Hill case, more than 200 women are running for Congress. Harriett Woods describes changes in issues and gender attitudes since 1982.

Challenging Gender and Racial Status Quo (04:04)

African-American candidate Carol Moseley Braun's senate campaign is a symbol of the Thomas/Hill fall out. Having defeated Alan Dixon in the primary, she describes her motivation for running.

Running for Senate Diversity (05:01)

Learn Braun's political background and accompany her on a day of campaigning in Chicago. Supporters are encouraged by her commitment to democracy, women's rights, and representing minorities.

Electing a Fresh Perspective (03:18)

Braun's victory shows that message and timing are important as well as campaign funds—and voters are fed up with unequal representation in Congress.

Incremental Political Gender Changes (03:00)

D-CO Pat Schroeder describes her experience in Congress; she and Labor Secretary Lynn Martin still feel like outsiders after 20 years in Washington.

Remaining Independent (03:47)

Follow Kentucky Republican Susan Stokes on her door-to-door campaign for Congress. Learn how she lost her district after voting against a problematic education reform bill.

Soliciting Campaign Funds (04:03)

Stokes pitches her independent Republican platform against incumbent Democrat Ron Mazzoli to a Louisville bank. Board members say her gender isn't a factor in their decision to donate.

Bipartisan Support for Women's Issues (03:47)

Members of the Kentucky Women's Political Caucus discuss how to overcome gender barriers to candidacy. They believe female voters will cross party lines for Stokes' pro-choice platform.

Female vs. Male Governance (04:12)

Oklahoma state senator Vicki Miles-LaGrange discusses championing family and racial issues. Woods is excited about women's effectiveness in the political process and Schroeder addresses balancing strength with compassion.

Empowering Female Politicians (01:34)

Martin calls for women to recognize their ability rather than match male arrogance. Schroeder believes the Thomas/Hill hearings would have a different outcome if the jury were all female.

Breaking the Glass Ceiling (04:07)

Female politicians discuss how women are gaining traction in the 1992 election. Miles-LaGrange tells how she overcame racial and gender barriers to win in Oklahoma.

Expanding Washington Priorities (02:14)

Female politicians talk about balancing family issues with traditional male power concerns. Woods argues that more women in government will benefit society as a whole.

Right to Choose (03:19)

Female politicians share their views on how abortion will affect the 1992 election year—and how it connects to other life choice issues.

Promoting Equal Representation (03:19)

Female politicians believe women should aim for the presidency—as competent politicians, rather than figureheads. Moyers ends with a Sojourner Truth quote about female leadership.

Credits: Women in American Politics (01:18)

Credits: Women in American Politics