Eyewitness to History: A Personal Reflection From Pathbreaking Journalist Norma Quarles

Norma Quarles, a legendary network anchor and correspondent at NBC News, CNN, and PBS, made history as one of the first African American reporters and network anchors. The Newswomen’s Club of New York presented its Front Page Award to Quarles for Best Television Reporting in 1973. In 1984 she was one of four journalists chosen as panelists for the historic vice presidential debate between Vice President George H.W. Bush and Rep. Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman to be a major-party candidate for the office. On the eve of this year’s first presidential debate, Quarles reflects on her experience.

It was about 7 p.m. on October 10, 1984, and I was in New Jersey preparing for a minor surgery the next morning. The phone rang and I was told it was the head of the League of Women Voters. Was I willing to be a member of the press asking questions at the vice presidential debate the next evening between Vice President Bush and Rep. Ferraro?

I explained that I was scheduled for surgery. The question they wanted answered was: Had I been given anesthesia? The answer was no. They asked a few times to be sure.

I didn’t jump at the opportunity to be a part of history. Although I had done stories about the candidates, I was unsure that the debate format was in my area of expertise. But I rose to the occasion after a friend convinced me to do it. Then there were other considerations. I was in New Jersey and my clothing was home in New York. I had to get clothing and go to the hotel in Philadelphia.

I talked to NBC and asked if the makeup person and hairdresser could assist me, since I was representing the network. They said yes. I stayed up a few hours studying the topics we would be covering. I had to get over some nervousness, but I was glad that I took part in the vice presidential debate.

The debate covered topics including affirmative action, voting rights, the U.S. response to terrorism, arms control, global human rights, preventing nuclear war, and the two candidates’ experience and qualifications for the office. My questions focused on abortion rights, the separation of church and state, and nuclear arms negotiations with the Soviet Union.

I was grateful that the League of Women Voters had prepared background materials, and we had a few hours to prepare. Even so, it was nerve-wracking. But fortunately, I knew the moderator, ABC senior political correspondent Sander Vanocur, and was familiar with the camera crew — which brought a level of comfort.

Aftermath: When asked what she thought of Ferraro, Barbara Bush said she could not say on television other than it rhymes with “rich.”

Later than evening, Mrs. Bush called Ferraro to apologize for allegedly calling her a “witch.”