Defining what's missing in our democracy
Clip: 3/17/2026 | 55sVideo has Closed Captions
In 1975, Bella Abzug went on the "Dinah!" show and questioned what was missing in our democracy.
In 1975, Bella Abzug went on the "Dinah!" show and questioned what was missing in our democracy at the time. "Maybe we have wars instead of peace, because a whole part of the people are not involved in deciding what should happen to all of the people," said Abzug.
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Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...
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Defining what's missing in our democracy
Clip: 3/17/2026 | 55sVideo has Closed Captions
In 1975, Bella Abzug went on the "Dinah!" show and questioned what was missing in our democracy at the time. "Maybe we have wars instead of peace, because a whole part of the people are not involved in deciding what should happen to all of the people," said Abzug.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship(audience clapping) - We're beginning to examine, what is our democracy?
What are our origins?
And as we examine it, we have to say, "Hey, there's something wrong," and maybe we have inflation, maybe we have recession, maybe we have wars instead of peace, because a whole part of the people are not involved in deciding what should happen to all of the people.
(upbeat 50s music) In the fifties, after the war, there was this whole cocoon approach to living, that one could withdraw into one's prosperity of having children, materialism, of having a happy life, and women were in the home, largely.
(inspirational music)
NewBella! This Woman's Place Is in the House
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Preview: 3/17/2026 | 2m 41s | Follow the meteoric rise of firebrand politician and activist Bella Abzug. (2m 41s)
NewHow Bella Abzug elevated feminist causes while in office
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Clip: 3/17/2026 | 2m 10s | While in Congress, Bella Abzug elevated feminist causes, including women's financial independence. (2m 10s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Support for PBS provided by:
Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...