 As the 1984 U.S. presidential election primary season neared its end and Walter Mondale became the likely Democratic nominee , the idea of picking a woman as his vice @-@ presidential running mate gained considerable momentum . The National Organization for Women and the National Women 's Political Caucus pushed the notion , as did several top Democratic figures such as Speaker Tip O 'Neill . Women mentioned for the role included Ferraro and Mayor of San Francisco Dianne Feinstein , both of whom were on Mondale 's five @-@ person short list . 
