The NPR Politics Podcast NPR's Throughline Presents: 'She Got Next'
Feb 17, 2020
Jananne Sherman, a biographer of Margaret Chase Smith, sheds light on the first woman in Congress, highlighting her bravery during the McCarthy era. Neon B. Carter, a political science professor, discusses Shirley Chisholm's groundbreaking journey as the first Black woman in Congress and her historic presidential run. Their conversations illuminate the trials and triumphs of female politicians, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for representation and the shifting perceptions of women in leadership roles throughout American history.
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Breaking Barriers
- Margaret Chase Smith, a senator from Maine, broke the sound barrier in a plane in 1957.
- This earned her the title of the first woman in Congress to achieve this feat.
From Secretary to Congresswoman
- Margaret Chase Smith began her political career by working for her husband, Clyde Smith.
- After his death, she successfully ran for his seat, defying expectations and winning multiple elections.
Challenging McCarthy
- Senator Smith challenged Joseph McCarthy's communist accusations, risking her career.
- This bold move earned her respect in Maine, where she got reelected, but isolated her within the Senate.