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On a national ticket, Feinstein's primary appeal, aside from her gender, would be a thorough grounding in urban issues, which in some Administrations have been a vice-presidential responsibility. Her firm leadership in San Francisco should be enough to dispel questions about her backbone. "Toughness," she likes to say, "doesn't have to come in a pinstripe suit." Feinstein is admittedly weak on foreign policy and military matters. What of the fact that the nation has never elected any Jew to the presidency or vice presidency? Says Feinstein, perhaps overoptimistically: "I think most people look beyond those things."
An early Mondale supporter, Feinstein says she has not spoken to the candidate about being on the ticket. Privately, she doubts that Mondale would even seriously consider a female running mate. "He has come into power and position via traditional channels," she says. "Most women have not." Whether or not lightning strikes, Feinstein faces a political future that seemed all but unimaginable a few years ago. Her lease on city hall is secure for 31/2 years, and her growing national prominence could lead to a try for higher office or a Cabinet appointment. For the moment, though, she is content to bask in the glow of vice-presidential speculation. "If nothing else comes of it, it is the apex of my career," Feinstein says. "It makes a lot of tough times worthwhile." —By William R.Doerner. Reported by Michael Moritz/San Francisco