The Democratic candidates for President made history last night by participating in the first-ever televised forum on LGBT issues. The event was hosted by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and carried by LOGO-TV.
Candidates Sen. Hilary Clinton, Sen. Barack Obama, Sen. John Edwards, Gov. Bill Richardson, Congressman Dennis Kucinich and Sen. Mike Gravel, ventured to the stage alone alone and for about 15 minutes, answered questions posed by rock singer Melissa Etheridge, journalista Margaret Carlson and Jonathan Capehart and HRC executive director, Joe Solomonese.
The one question that dominated the event and lent insight into the disconnect between the Democratic front runners and America’s LGBT community was marriage. With the exception of Congressman Dennis Kucinich and Sen. Mike Gravel — both of whom support gay marriage equity, the candidates refused to state for the record that they support gay marriage, preferring instead the separate, but equal, civil unions.
Rewind:
BARACK OBAMA: “I will continue to focus on the rights provided by the Federal and state governments are provided to everybody.”
HILLARY CLINTON: “It’s a personal position. I’ve also been a strong supporter of states maintaining their jurisdiction over marriage.”
JOHN EDWARDS: “I do not support same-sex marriage.”
Of the Democratic front runners, Obama offered what was arguably, the closest position statement to full gay marriage equality beginning at the Federal level. Clinton’s enthusiastic embrace of allowing states to determine how they treat gay couples was the scariest. Imagine Texas and Utah holding sway over your relationship? Edwards flat-out rejects gay marriage equity — period.
I found it funny to watch how they tap-danced around their personal beliefs around same-sex marriage, even if they wanted to grant federal-level rights. The Big 3 (as I term them) seemed quite wooden and uncomfortable in HRC’s atmosphere and considering how much double-speak was done, it doesn’t surprise me that they would feel discomfort.
Ya gotta love Kucinich and Gravel as hippie-esque love children, huh?
I like Dennis Kucinich and I wish he was electable but, I am also pragmatic and I don’t see him as a national presidential candidate. A cabinet position? Absolutely. Director of Health and Human Services, perhaps?
Back to gay marriage equity.
The fact remains that the moment a man and a woman marry, they receive more than 1,100 Federal rights. Civil unions aren’t even a close approximation to marriage. Obama, to me, came out the best of the top three. Hillary, the worst.
Dodd and Biden were no shows. Maybe they were the winners.
I feel sorry for you folks. I don’t mean this in a condescending way and I hope it doesn’t come across condescendingly. I just think the gay community deserves a better shake in this country and better candidates who will take a stand and say they fully support marriage between gay men and women. It’s the 21st century for God’s sake and the time has come to treat everyone equally.
Mary Beth,
I appreciate your heartfelt comments and you do not sound condescending.
The comments counter isn’t working. I thought everyone was MIA. I have to agree. Obama came out on top. Hillary was just full of shit.
Chris, although I agree with you 99.9% of the time, no way. Kucinish is a wack job. I’m also looking at issues beyond just marriage rights. I thought Edwards did the best at expressing sincerity.
Hey Phil,
I didn’t say Kucinich is a whacko. In fact, my positions on most issues are pretty much aligned with his.
I just don’t see him as a national figure. Let’s be honest: the Kucinich campaign hasn’t caught on and I don’t think it will. I think he would be great as the head of education or HHS.
lol…Very true.
Phil,
I think the fix for Hillary is in.
It happened the moment Wall Street fell in-line behind her and not Obama or Edwards. The behavior of Wall Street is very predictive of presidential victories.
Business likes certainty and Hillary is pro-business, pro-Israel and hawkish on the Middle East.
ciao, great liberal blog! visit mine and let’s swap links if you want
It says something to me that all of the Democrats running for president except Dodd and Biden agreed to show up for this historic event.
It also says something to me about the lack of character that not a single Republican would dare step onto that stage and address gay issues.
Correct me if I’m wrong but, isn’t there a group of gay Republicans? How do they square the cowardly behavior of their team?
You’re correct, DCVet. They call themselves Log Cabin Republicans. They’re a front operation for the RNC.
Here’s where I get to sit back and play my ‘Enlightened Canadian’ card and wonder what all the fuss is about
AS we type the economy is tanking…ah the smell of debt in the morning…what is it gonna take to make people feel the pain of the Neo cons..could this be it ?
As for Clinton i do not trust her, as far as i could throw her and never will – states rights are NOT ok for LGBT rights , its got to come from a federal level. She is the money machine candidate. If i have to vote for her I will hold my nose…hell we got 450 some days left to make sure our votes are counted , that is an elephant in the living rm. If she does win, well there will be no major celebrations at my house. I am liking Obama more, Kucinich has actually recieved some money from me.
OK. Fine. Parse away Dems. Civil Unions is the best you can offer me and my spouse? Then, we demand fiscal remedy for your wars and the debt.
Sound fair?
Overall, I was extremely disappointed with the Democrats last night.
There were a few bright spots but, I am left to scratch my head why these men and women won’t lead on the issue of gay marriage? Maybe, this was a uniformly controversial issue even a decade ago, but times change and recent polls suggest more Americans than ever support the legal union between two men or two women.
I think gay kitten (hi girl!) is so spot-on. If this country refuses to treat me and mine equally and grant us the same rights as Hets then, I don’t think I should be asked to support Congressional pay raises, foreign aid or wars. If we’re not equal, then we shouldn’t be asked to support the agenda of this government.
JOHN EDWARDS: “I do not support same-sex marriage.”
Peachy. Then I don’t support YOU. Next?
I didn’t watch the debate but after reading all of the comments posted, now I wish I had paid more attention. As a straight (but not narrow) man, I fully support gay rights — nothing less than full equality for my gay bros. and sisters. Of course, I’m 27 years old and I came up in a world where gay people were as common as any other group, so I don’t freak around you folks. I have gay friends and a gay cousin who could kick my ass if I made him mad. Bottom line — don’t compromise. I say take from the black civil rights movement who led the way.
In a nation of 300 million people, these 6 are the Democrats’ best? This is the best we can muster? I feel depressed and I should feel excited about ’08.
Richardson used his classic tactic:
Say what will appeal to a larger audience, then issue a ‘clarification’ that will reach a small audience.
Excluding Kucinich who is unelectable, the candidates are a disgrace. And infuriating disgrace.
Chrisopher:
If Kucinich was electable this would be such a non issue. Maybe everyone could pull a coupe for him in the primaries.
Out of Hilary, Edwards and Obama, I think Obama will be the only one that could get the 1,100 + Federal rights done.
Hillary doesn’t care she’s going after money and votes. Last night she uses the line “I’m your girl” funny she said the same thing at the AFL-CIO debate. I wonder if she said that at the NAACP forum.
Edwards was too uncomfortable to follow through. Hell I’m sure Elizabeth made him go.
HILLARY CLINTON: “It’s a personal position. I’ve also been a strong supporter of states maintaining their jurisdiction over marriage.”
The was once a time when southern states refused to treat black people equal to white people and they carried out this injustice under the guise of “States Rights.” If Hillary Clinton doesn’t have anymore sense than to sacrifice gays and lesbians to red state injustice then she isn’t fit to be the next president.
Does anyone know precisely where All Gore stands on LGBT issues? Like marriage v. civil unions? I would be very interested in reading where he stands. Depending on his views, I could become a lot less excited about him entering the race for the White House.
Hillary’s arrogance is palpable. She tells Melissa Etheridge that “I’m the leader” and when asked to explain why she opposes gay marriage, Hillary allows “It’s a personal decision.” That doesn’t explain anything. She acts like the election is behind her, the votes have been tabulated and she’s already the president. Unbelievable. I really can’t stand Hillary.
There was definitely something perfunctory about Hillary gracing the HRC stage.
Hillary’s arrogance is palpable. She tells Melissa Etheridge that “I’m the leader”…
Rachel,
It’s all about the Dynasty.
Bush: Clinton: Clinton: Bush: Bush: and then Clinton.
Between these two families, they can control the presidency into the better first quarter of the 21st century.
Hopefully Hillary will be very surprised during the primaries. The Bush/Clinton dynasty as to end in 2008.
For the life of me I don’t know why so many in the community are for her. Do they not get the states rights issue?
A vote for change is a vote against Hillary.
I posted some of the video from last night on my site.
Hi guys!
Sorry I haven’t been posting but work is taking my last iota of strength lately so I’m usually too tired to post.
But I wanted to say I read the transcript from the debate and I have to say I agree with all of the aforementioned assessments of the candidates performances. In short, they’re cowards.
About Hillary, this is intriguing and suggests to me that her elevation may be a done deal.
SOME CLINTON STAFFING NEWS
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/09/310685.aspx
The three new additions to their fundraising team include: former DNC finance director/John Kerry fundraiser Jay Dunn, former DSCC national finance director Diana Rogalle, and Lieberman 2004 fundraising adviser Fran Katz Watson. Dunn will have the title of deputy national finance director, reporting to Jonathan Mantz. Rogalle and Katz are joining the campaign as senior consultants.
The significance of these additions is twofold: One, they didn’t sign up with someone else (does that mean these folks smell a winner?). Two, while the campaign has done well with their high-dollar fundraising, the second half of a presidential campaign is always tougher, so new blood (and contacts) is important.
No matter how many times Richardson gives that fake apology, he said what was in his blank heart, and false sorry’s won’t change that.
I remember a college professor saying something to the effect that in the south, many of the racist beliefs would have to go to the grave with the people who grew up with those values and a new generation would embrace a more enlightened set of values. Maybe gay marriage falls into a similar category of thinking? Not to left the Democrats off the hook, but I’m just trying to understand what on earth they’re afraid of?
Sorry Christopher this is off topic, but read this:
Joe Biden recently sat down with Newsweek to discuss his presidential campaign and his thoughts on 35 years in the Senate. When asked about impeachment, Biden said he’s against the idea because impeachment proceedings would paralyze Congress and take the nation’s focus off other, more important matters. But he has a pretty stunning Plan B.
The alternative, and it’s taken me time to think through, I think we should be acquiring and accumulating all the data that is appropriate for possibly bringing criminal charges against members of this administration at a later date.
I still like Edwards best and at least he is truthful. I won’t vote for a liar!
Larry,
We need to coordinate our efforts and send Biden everything we can assemble for his office to properly vet and then, BAM, criminal charges. Nothing would make me happier.
The only fly in the ointment is, Bush will hide behind Executive Privilege. If he takes a piss, it’s covered under Executive Privilege.
I appreciated Edwards honesty, even though he’s not my choice. Richardson just tanked – and until last night, he was my choice.
I was just depressed after watching the debate.
It isn’t terribly complicated. You either support equality or you don’t. You either treat people fairly or you don’t. I don’t understand Hillary’s waffling on the issue, claiming it’s a “personal decision” to not support gay marriage. Is her personal decision informed by polls or religious dogma? She makes me sick to my stomach.
Can someone explain why Hillary is only committed to repealing Article 3 of DOMA and not the entire mess? Could it possibly be, Hillary is herself, homophobic and sees her marriage to Bill the Womanizer as superior to gay relationships?
I notice the same thing, Brig. Why only article #3 and not all of DOMA? I don’t trust the Hillary monster and I fear she’s going to win.
I think Dan at Fitness for the Occasion said it best for me:
“This isn’t a tough issue. You either support equality, or you do not.”
Works for me.
I totally agree with you on Dan’s comment! ^_^