On "Unfiltered" AAR this morning....honest criticism of THE SPEECH

[AnnInLa]

One of the hosts, I forget who, said that, while she loved the speech, she was disappointed that Kerry had not said certain liberal words, and addressed the topics that were on the "surface of her skin"..."gay" was one example. Why didn't Kerry address?

I hope she reads this, I tried to get thru on the phone line, but couldn't:

1. If you take Kerry's and Edward's speeches TOGETHER, each issue that she wanted addressed directly WERE addressed. In the 4-day convention speeches, EVERY issue that is "on the surface" of our skins WAS addressed. Remember Sharpton? That must surely be the point of having so many speakers, of having a 4-day platform.

2. Why should Kerry have addressed WEDGE ISSUES in his speech? We all know the hoop-la over the Gay Marriage Ban Amendment was a deliberate attempt to insert a wedge, to unleash a hot-button topic. And I know that a wedge-issue to some is a primary issue to others, but why play into their hands?

I wish she was more satified with Kerry's speech, but understand her objections....I just thought he gave it much thought, and did it the smart way...

My opinion only.

[k in IA]

1. His comment directly to * about not messing with the Constitution was

about the gay marriage amendment.

[hlthe2b]

3. Exactly......

I think it is only natural that some of our Dems will be less enthusiastic if their own number one issue was not addressed to the degree (or as overtly as they would like).

I also think some of the diminished reaction that Liz may be feeling (as the others she was sitting with) may be pure exhaustion. I hope she can rewatch the video of the speech and the transcript after she has had a few days rest...

[AnnInLa]

4. I thought it was a reference to....

the elimination of our personal liberties under the Patriot Act....funny how it can be interpreted several ways, depending on what we want to hear?

[hlthe2b]

7. I wouldn't be surprised if it were not intentionally meant to be

encompassing both-- Kerry has a complex mind and I would not be surprised if this wording was not chosen so that both issues might be assumed as the point...

[AnnInLa]

9. I think you are right....

And, if so, Kerry (and if anyone else helped him with the speech)...is absolutely brilliant....how refreshing

[DenverDem]

2. Liz is a lesbian activist and is a gay ideologue

Too bad she's not more pragmatic and unable to see that the Democrats are the only national party that cares about GLBT issues.

[NYCGirl]

5. No, Rachel is the lesbian activist...

Lizz Winstead is a hetero woman and creator of "The Daily Show."

[DenverDem]

10. You are correct, I misspoke(typed)

Sorry Liz, Sorry Rachel.

BTW, I categorically support GLBT rights.

[hlthe2b]

6. As a woman, I'd think she'd be especially heartened with how

often Kerry brought up women's rights and equity. Seems to me that gender equality goes hand in hand with ensuring rights based on sexual preference (or race/ethnicity).

[blm]

8. Don't use the Constitution for politics was about gay marriage amendment.

Kerry said it in a way that more Americans and conservatives, too, can agree.

It's a brilliant tactic. We need more of that type of logic.

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

11. This wasn't a speech to convert the faithful

It was aimed at that category of voters called "independent" or "undecided". It was a speech of sound bites; nothing could be pulled from it that would offend possible voters. Even his few references to * were couched in positive language -- a challenge to run a positive campaign.

Whether we like it or not, campaigns are decided by images. You saw how quickly the Repugs jumped on that "bunny suit" picture. Just think of the mileage they could get from a quote about "I support the right of any two Americans of the same sex to enter into a marriage." That's all you would see in Repug ads for the next three months.

It is vitally important that Kerry provide the fewest opportunites for giving the GOP something they can use as a hammer to drive their gay marriage wedge. Gay Americans know where Kerry and the Democratic Party stand. His zinger about not using the Constitution for political purposes showed his willingness to take on the issue. I think that's the best thing he could have done under the circumstances.

[Kanary]

12. It's interesting that she would choose that subject to notice the absence

While all civil rights are important, so are issues directly affecting the survival of others.

Right now, HUD housing is being cut, and many people will be on the street. I don't notice ANY politician mentioning that, and I don't notice anyone protesting the absence of that issue.

THere were many people left out of the speeches, and they're mostly all POOR people.

Selective vision?

Kanary