 The choice of Ferraro was viewed as a gamble , and pundits were uncertain whether it would result in a net gain or loss of votes for the Mondale campaign . While her choice was popular among Democratic activists , polls immediately after the announcement showed that only 22 percent of women were excited about Ferraro 's selection , versus 18 percent who agreed that it was a " bad idea " . By a three @-@ to @-@ one margin , voters thought that pressure from women 's groups had led to Mondale 's decision rather than his having chosen the best available candidate . Nonetheless , in the days after the convention Ferraro proved an effective campaigner , with a brash and confident style that forcefully criticized the Reagan administration and sometimes almost overshadowed Mondale . Mondale had been 16 points behind Reagan in polls before the pick , and after the convention he pulled even for a short time . 
