Vice President of the U.S., 1989-1993; Former Republican Senator (IN)
Murphy Brown episode was about helping single mothers
[In a speech following the L.A. riots], I expressed concern over how “a single mother raising her children in the ghetto. has an impossible task.” That remark came pages before the single sentence that would create the real ideological firestorm of my
vice-presidency: “It doesn’t help matters when prime-time TV has Murphy Brown-a character who supposedly epitomizes today’s intelligent, highly paid, professional woman-mocking the importance of fathers, by bearing a child alone, and calling it just
another ‘lifestyle choice.’“
Although I’d sometimes glanced at it, I had never seen a whole episode of Murphy Brown. Even so, the reference was my idea. I knew the line would be controversial. Just how controversial, I couldn’t predict.
What distressed me about [the reaction] was the sense that I had attacked single mothers. If anything, I was trying to be their champion, to point out the distinction between real life and what was being shown on Murphy Brown.
[The bases for Quayle’s campaign are]: Lower taxes, smaller government, a bolstered defense and stronger families. Major issues facing the country are the decline in the values that parents try to teach their children, a middle-class tax squeeze,
education, and a rudderless foreign policy.
Source: Associated Press; Reuters News Service
, Jul 2, 1999
A “poverty of values” causes many social ills
America faces overwhelming social challenges today, from drug abuse and teen pregnancy to crime. The root cause is a poverty of values: fractured families cannot pass along to children the core values that allow for happy, productive lives. Dan Quayle
believes we must roll back this assault on our middle-class values. Big government is not the solution. To address what ails our nation, we must first strengthen America’s families. We must promote policies that help, not harm, the family.
Source: www.quayle2000.com/ “Stronger Families”, 5/19/99
, May 19, 1999
Click here for definitions & background information on Principles & Values.
