Having It All

(3 of 3)

Bergen insists her grievance is not against Quayle's party. "I'm not a Republican," she says, "but I believe there are a lot of Republicans -- Jack Kemp, Jim Baker -- qualified to be President. And I don't disagree with the Republican message about values. I do fear this country is being shredded apart. But poverty is contributing to an erosion of family values far more , than the media are. A lot of the parents Quayle is telling to read to their kids are parents who are holding down two jobs to survive. They don't have time to read to their kids."

Bergen makes time for Chloe, even during the 21 weeks a year that Murphy Brown is shooting. In the summer they stay with Malle in France, and he is frequently in L.A. Through the commuting and the controversy, Bergen keeps her daughter shielded. Chloe doesn't even watch Murphy Brown. "She really doesn't know what I do for a living," Mom says. "She thought I worked in an office."

Well, yes. An "office" on which 18 million viewers eavesdrop every Monday night. Murphy and Candy: career moms. But the actress has a husband as protective as the journalist could wish for. And one with a message. "Tell Dan Quayle, from us," says Louis Malle, a smile crinkling his voice, "that a woman working is good. In fact, Marilyn should go back to work."