"The gay community MUST get behind Hillary Clinton"

[Bluebear]

This could be the most important election of our generation. There is a lot on the line here. GaySocialites.com endorsed Hillary Clinton for President, and as a gay organization our choice was clear.

Let me just say, before picking a candidate, we did our research. GaySocialites.com did not just hop on the Hillary bandwagon, simply because she is the most likely to win. We support Hillary, because she supports us!

Senator Clinton has worked very hard for LGBT community throughout her political career.

Hillary opposed the Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) and helped to defeat it twice on the floor of the United States Senate. The LGBT community and activists turned to Hillary Rodham Clinton in both 2004 and again in 2006 to help defeat the FMA.

While First Lady, Hillary broke with the Clinton Administration and called for the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell policy.

Senator Clinton has been a leader in the fight for increased AIDS funding and access to services for HIV positive and AIDS patients. Hillary wrote the Early Treatment for HIV Act that would allow states to provide Medicaid coverage to low-income individuals living with HIV.

Hillary Rodham Clinton supports a trans-inclusive Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA). She favors ending discrimination in the workplace against individuals based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Hillary is also the strongest champion of full adoption rights for LGBT couples.

"Gay and lesbian couples are just as loving and nurturing as any other parents," Clinton said. "Anyone who thinks children are better off in foster care or orphanages than in a home where they are cared for and loved by a same-sex couple just doesn't understand a child's best interest."

Hillary Clinton has a proven track record of working for us! That's the lady I want as my President! If you live in one of those all important "Super Tuesday" states, then I encourage you to go out and support a candidate who really supports our community. The gay community MUST get behind Hillary Clinton!

http://gaysocialites.com/2008/01/the_gay_community_must_get_beh.html

[goldcanyonaz]

1. That's the lady I want as my President too!

:woohoo:

[DURHAM D]

2. I rise. eom

[Tektonik]

3. lgbt'ers must kick the candidates in the balls and the ovaries

and tell them the community demands and deserves equality and if we do not get it in these next four years, fuck the Democratic party.

[Ediacara]

4. That is one heck of a hat

Although she's hardly better on gay rights that Mr Obama.

[Bluebear]

6. At least she doesn't feature anti-gay sermons at her events.

I just trust her more than Obama on gay issues.

[Ediacara]

41. That's what I mean

I don't think either of them are homophobic, but not inviting McClurkin to campaign on her behalf doesn't make her a champion of gay rights. I wish she'd just say she supports civil unions because they're a damn stepping stone and the best we can do for the next 10 years.

[ruggerson]

53. She has actually pretty much said just that

[Name removed]

5. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Bluebear]

7. 'I would expect the LGBT community to support one of their own' What does THAT stupidity mean?

Bluegrass "dem" indeed.

[cboy4]

11. He's calling her a lesbian.

:eyes:

[pnwmom]

57. Another immature DUer.

Not you, cboy4!


:hi:

[LostinVA]

119. At least it got deleted -- that's a step forward

[TheWatcher]

98. Bluegrass Bigot is more like it.

[TheWatcher]

99. Bluegrass Bigot is more like it.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

115. Thanks For Letting Me Know It Was BLUEGRASS DEM

Instead of deleting the whole post the mods should just superimpose a dunce cap over it...

[goldcanyonaz]

8. wtf does that mean?

[Bluebear]

9. Oh, she must be a lesbian or some such idiocy.

Why this crackpot is still on here I will never know.

[UALRBSofL]

16. That article made me feel good

And I am proud of her support. She has always been supportive of the LGBT movement. That's what I have said for years.

[billbuckhead]

13. That's a very interesting observation

Wonder if the candidate of your choice has had gay sex but you didn't know it and then found out when you went to the mens room of an airport, still vote for them?

[unapatriciated]

80. A wide stance is not what I'm looking for in a candidate.

:rofl: Since my candidate pulled out I was just going to skip the primaries or still vote for my candidate. I could see little difference in the two front runners policies. I almost forgot about his stance on this issue. Health care was another issue that is important to me. IMHO Edwards plan was the best but Clinton's at least has a goal of a single payer plan. So I have some serious thinking to do before Tuesday. I want to vote my conscious but I also want a clear conscious. For me it has always been the issues.

[Webster Green]

14. WTF?!

Are you on the right board?

WTF?!:thumbsdown:

[orleans]

18. so then who is the gay candidate, pray tell? n/t

[BlackVelvet04]

20. Listen to rush much, do ya?

What an obnoxious, ridiculous, slimy thing for you to say.

[gaiilonfong]

10. NOT THIS GAY GUY

She thru us under the bus in the 90's with DONT ASK DONT TELL and DOMA
She will do it AGAIN
She is the ONLY DEm candidate who will not get rid of DOMA completely.


SO MOST of my gay friends are voting for Obama

[Bluebear]

12. And Obama thru us under the bus in OCTOBER with McClurkin & company

[billbuckhead]

15. Hey they bragged about it, said it was just politics

[Bluebear]

17. "We got what we needed out of it" they bragged. NObama.

[cboy4]

21. Yup

[Bluebear]

22. Any pictures of Obama available marching with gays & lesbians?

We're patient, we can wait. :)

[cboy4]

33. I'm guessing I'd have to photoshop something bud.

:)

[Duke Newcombe]

56. Because, as we know...

...a picture is an indication of a meeting of the minds between individuals? :shrug:

Duke

[gaiilonfong]

27. Obama went to A.A. ministers

and said they HAVE to stop discriminating against the LGBT community on MLK Day

NOT HILLARY....That to me is MORE important than that idiot McClurkin.

You can have your opinion vote for her and then say hello to President McCain.


25% of White Gay Men voted for Chimpy.....so gay men who vote for Hillary won't surprise me.

[Bluebear]

29. LOL one phrase in a speech on MLK day vs a half hour antigay sermon.

Big deal.

[gaiilonfong]

31. A BIG DEAL INDEED

As I said 25% of self hateing gay men voted for Chimpy, so when gay men who vote for Hillary won't surprise me.

[Bluebear]

38. Yeah I am really self "hateing"

Piss off.

[gaiilonfong]

40. Whatever

IF the shoe fits it wear it!

[Bluebear]

43. You have been a major league ass ever since arriving here, by the way.

Ignore ON.

[Bluenorthwest]

121. no, he did not say any such thing

What he said was 'we have scorned gays instead of embracing them'. Embracing being the McClurkinite word which means the opposite of acceptance.
He in no way said they HAVE to stop discriminating, what he said was 'love the sinner, hate the sin' in Exodus code speak.
I have heard ministers and Gospel starts actually enplore the churchs to stop the McClurkins among them for the sake of the health of the community, in clear, uncoded words, for over 20 years. So Obama's forked tounge message was weak, watered down and had two meanings for two sets of listeners.
Let Obama say he accepts and respects gay people, and that our families will be treated equally in the financial aspects of his health plan. Let him drop all of his religious toned talk of 'embracing our brothers and sisters' and actually say what you say he said...let him stand and say 'you have to stop disriminating against the LGBT community' and I will vote for him. Thus far what he says is not at all the same.
Hillary, who started out as my last choice, uses clear and accepting language about gays. Obama uses language clearly writtem by Pentacostal Christianists.
I probably will not vote at all in this Presidential Primary. Thanks to McClurkin, Caldwell, Sister, Sister, and the rest of them. And Obama's vocabulary about gays.
And his homophobic backers who make comments like yours.

[Bluebear]

128. An excellent post.

[Joe the Revelator]

49. Yeah, what actual policy postion does that apply to?

[Bluebear]

59. The policy of pandering whoever he needs to do get votes in that state.

[okasha]

32. That was one sentence in a long speech.

Not impressive.

[ForRusty]

74. THIS GAY GUY IS!

She didn't throw us under the bus, Clinton did. And it might be worth saying, put down the gay cross to crucify me, that maybe, just MAYBE, he was thinking a bit to far ahead of the times.

As we say on the internet... QQ. Hillary > Obama.

[CorpGovActivist]

97. Fully agreed.

Thank you for standing up to say so.

I have a very large circle of LGBT friends here in DC/VA/MD. We held a recent secret ballot, after Edwards dropped out. Overwhelmingly Obama.

- Dave

[Bluebear]

110. 'We held a recent secret ballot' - oh, please.

[Stand and Fight]

100. Apparently you didn't read the fucking article OR do research.

Bloody fucking hell people!

What is it lately with DUers! They attack without reading the article or researching their points!

She ran maverick to her husband's administration on DADT for the love of heaven!

Get. A. Clue.

[stevietheman]

129. I am gay, former Edwards supporter, and I say GOBAMA!!! n/t

n/t

[MoonRiver]

19. Hillary is for HUMAN rights. That includes gays.

I salute her progressive values. And yes gay Americans should support and vote for her. :thumbsup:

[newmajority]

64. Hillary is for the "rights" of Corporations above all else.

Why would Unions support a WalMart union buster?
How can gays support the "co-president" who brought them Don't Ask Don't Tell and DOMA?
Health Care reform advocates support a retread of Romneycare??

What planet are these people living on? Must be in that mirror universe where Spock had a beard.

[DURHAM D]

68. Self delete - alerted instead.

What is a homophob doing in the middle of this thread?

[newmajority]

83. I am not a homophobe by any stretch of the imagination.

Because I don't accept Hillary Rodham Wife Of the Bastard Who Signed DOMA Clinton as the new Messiah, that makes me a homophobe??

How does that work, exactly?

[stevietheman]

130. Exactly! This gay is tired of corporatists like Hillary. n/t

n/t

[BlackVelvet04]

23. I'm not gay, but I support the fact she supports the gay

community. I'm really sick and tired of the hatred, discrimination and disrespect the GLBT community has suffered.

[Bluebear]

25. Love to you, BV

[BlackVelvet04]

46. Thanks.....

I met a woman on another message board whose lover was dying of cancer. The hoops she had to jump through to have any contact with her lover at the hospital was criminal. They had been together for over 20 years....which is more than most marriages last....yet she had to have a friggin' permission slip to get into her partner's room. that's just fucking sick.

The last job I had they hounded my boss out of the job when they found out she is a lesbian. The day she told me she was a lesbian she was so nervous I felt really bad for her. She asked me how I felt about it and I told her I couldn't have cared less.

What she was put through in that little hick town was criminal and that really is the point. It's CRIMINAL to not extend the same rights to all. Not to mention just plain inhumane. What gives anyone the right to decide another person's sexuality is less important than their own?

[NMMNG]

24. I don't like any "must" messages

Orders and ultimatums are not my style.

Nonetheless I am supporting HRC for a number of reasons, one of them being I believe she will be best on GLBT rights.

[ErnestoG]

94. Smacks of authoritarianism.

[msongs]

26. gays shoulda voted for the progressive, kucinich, but they didnt. too bad for them in that case

not voting for the one who was completely on their side leaves them with 2 front runners who do not want full equality for the glbt crowd. Obama says his religion is the reason he is against gay marriage, and he is willing to impose his religion on the issue even though many glbts are not christian. not sure what clinton's justification is.

Msongs

[Bluebear]

28. Obama/McClurkin vs. even this picture of Clinton marching with gays and lesbians...

gives me more hope that she at least views us as human not in need of "saving". I have no reason to believe that Obama will forget what he owes his Christian conservative voters in SC if he is elected.

[cboy4]

37. I don't understand your point regarding Kucinich.

Just about every gay person on this board has been for either Kucinich or Edwards.

Many of us, including myself, haven't even had a chance to vote for anyone until Tuesday.

Are you saying that DK is out of the race because not enough gay people voted for him in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina?

Maybe I'm totally misunderstanding your post...

[NMMNG]

47. I was for Kucinich

He dropped out before our primary.

I would have gone for Edwards, but he dropped out as well. That left HRC and Obama.

[newmajority]

62. How ironic... that you go from the most liberal candidate to the neocon status quo repub-lite.

The Clintons lied to the gay community the last time they ran for the White House. Why would you give them another chance?

Life can be better for ALL Americans without Bush-Clinton in charge. Tragically, after 28 years of it, a lot of people out there don't even know the difference.

[NMMNG]

63. Read Lavender Newswire

It will spell everything out in minute detail for you. I don't feel like writing an epic right now.

[DURHAM D]

70. Why would anyone want to hear your bigoted opinions?

"these people" - these people indeed!

Oh - I forgot. In addition to being a bigot you are profoundly ignorant.

[newmajority]

84. I am neither a bigot nor ignorant.

Why are you posting hysterical flamebait responses to everything I post?

[mondo joe]

75. When you sincerely care about gay issues, you might be worth talking with about this.

But you're not there.

[newmajority]

85. Why would you assume such a thing?

You know nothing about me. What have I said that would make you think I don't care about gay issues? Just because I can't stand Hillary Clinton??

What does one have anything to do with the other? I'm sick and fucking tired of the direction this country has been going the last 28 years, and that INCLUDES discrimination against the LGBT community. And a Hillary presidency means 4 more years of this shit.

[mondo joe]

87. It's plain you don't care because you're looking to core political hits rather than

acknowledge the issues for GLBT persons.

[newmajority]

90. What I'm looking to do, is change this country for the better.

And my definition of "for the better" includes an end to ALL discrimination. It's the 21st fucking century, and there are no more excuses for it.

And I do not believe that the people who have been in power for the last 28 years have any intention of changing their ways.

[mondo joe]

92. When it's your ass on the line you may be more sensitive. NT

[newmajority]

93. I notice you have a pattern of using the same script in every thread, Joe.

So it seems to me that the only thing you are REALLY here to do, is to belittle anyone who doesn't accept Hillary Clinton as the Second Coming of Christ. Which she definitely isn't. Nor is she even a Moses. Not for the gay community, or anyone else either.

As I said, you know nothing about me, who I am, or who my family and friends are. They happen to include a decent cross section of people from several different ethnic backgrounds, religious backgrounds, and yes, sexual orientations. If you wish to label me, I suppose "straight" would fit best, though I don't believe anyone's 100% one direction or the other. I could expand on that, but this thread is neither the time or place.

Don't throw me in with McClurkin, and I won't throw you in with Marc Rich. Deal?

[mondo joe]

95. Yet more know-nothing shit.

If you see the same answers from me, it's because they are in response to the same BS claims by people more interested in Obama than in LGBT people.

[ForRusty]

77. You better check yourself, before you wreck yourself baby.

First off, DOMA was a compromise so as to not have a Constitutional Amendment to ban same sex marriage be brought up then and probably surely pass Congress. Be thankful for it. You heard me, be thankful for Doma because it stopped something in a time that was unstoppable.

Did Bill Clinton fail us on DADT? Absolutely, however I am one to incline that perhaps, just perhaps, he was thinking way, way to ahead of his time. I'm hoping she can rectify it and I have faith that she will.

As for Obama? I prefer Hillary, but I don't think he'd ditch us. His lack of a track record on our issues makes me nervous though.

[newmajority]

86. Obama has a lack of a track record, but the Clintons track record sucks.

After 28 years of Bush Clinton, I think we're better off trying something new. As Albert Einstein said "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results".

[mondo joe]

73. I've got to support the most viable candidate that will be best on my issues.

That's not Kucinich.

[Bluenorthwest]

122. Hey, I supported Kucinich, Don't vote until March.

I guess you mean the huge gay community in the States that have voted thus far? Who had a chance to vote for Dennis? 1% of America?
I backed Dennis like a madman, and now I have no candidate who is of interest. The Christian comment, you know, in the USA, many members of any group are not Christian. Many black people, many Asians, many hetrosexuals. Just saying. And many GLBT people are Christians, and many churchs do in fact support gay equality in marriage, including the church Obama attends in Chicago, so when he says his religion is the reason, he has either picked the wrong chruch or what he really means is the religion of bigoted voters he covets is the reason. The Gay Pride Rainbow flag flies outside Trinty UCC, Obama's church home. And yet Obama speaks with the words of the Exodus and Dominionist movement to attract the more hardcore Petacostal types. Pandering in its purest form.

[IndianaGreen]

30. HELL NO!!

Hillary's wearing of one of Bella Abzug's hats won't erase the memory of the Clintons throwing LGBTs under the bus with DOMA and DADT. Hillary and Bill both say it was a co-presidency. Hillary said nothing then, and whatever she says now is because she will say anything to win.

[Bluebear]

39. And Obama will pander depending on what state he is in.

[IndianaGreen]

126. One thing for certain: the Clintons will throw LGBTs under the bus again, and again.

I'll take my chances with someone that is NOT from the Clintons' generation.

[ronnykmarshall]

34. These two gay boys in LA

and my two lesbian neighbors are/have voted for Hillary!!!

[Straight Shooter]

35. Not just the gay community, but anyone who loves someone who is a member of that community.

The thought of voting for Barack makes me feel queasy, him and his dog whistle politics.

[BlackVelvet04]

48. Or anyone who just hates bigoted

anti-gay assholes.

[Straight Shooter]

52. You're right. I didn't mean to limit it in any way.

I was thinking of my best friend, who left town with her lover, because her church said she couldn't attend services unless she gave up her "sinful" ways. She moved so far away, we rarely get to visit. I really miss her.

[BlackVelvet04]

55. I'm sorry....

that is just so wrong. I really hate shit like that and is one of the biggest reasons I don't go to church any more.

[Duke Newcombe]

58. "dog whistle politics"...

What is this term you speak of?

Duke

[Straight Shooter]

89. Coded language in political speech.

Like Barack talking about "embracing" gays.

The Wikipedia definition: "Putting out a political message that, like a high-pitched dog-whistle, is only audible to those at whom it is directed. The intention is to make potential supporters sit up and take notice while avoiding offending those to whom the message will not appeal."

[Tatiana]

36. That is a very good endorsement. Congrats to Hillary.

Obama Statement on Pride Month
June 01, 2007

CHICAGO , IL-- U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement to commemorate Pride Month.

"Pride Month is a reminder that while we have come a long way since the Stonewall riots in 1969, we still have a lot of work to do."

"Too often, the issue of LGBT rights is exploited by those seeking to divide us. But at its core, this issue is about who we are as Americans. It's about whether this nation is going to live up to its founding promise of equality by treating all its citizens with dignity and respect."

"It's time to turn the page on the bitterness and bigotry that fill so much of today's LGBT rights debate. The rights of all Americans should be protected -- whether it's at work or anyplace else. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" needs to be repealed because patriotism and a sense of duty should be the key tests for military service, not sexual orientation. Civil unions should give gay couples full rights. And those who commit hate crimes should be punished no matter whether those crimes are committed on account of race, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation."

"This Pride Month, let's make our founding promise of equality a reality for every American."

http://www.barackobama.com/2007/06/01/obama_statement_on_pride_month.php

Just sayin'...

[jackpan1260]

42. I will never vote for Hillary.

I will vote for Obama.

[ronnykmarshall]

50. So you'll vote for McCain in the general?

[NMMNG]

51. He's voting for Obama eom

meep

[Sapphocrat]

78. Thank you, Mr. Broken Record. n/t

[1776Forever]

44. Barack Obama scored 89 out of 100% in the 2006 Human Rights Campaign scorecard.

Sources: Chicago Daily Tribune, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

Barack Obama and Gay Rights in Illinois: Barack Obama supported gay rights during his Illinois Senate tenure. He sponsored legislation in Illinois that would ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Barack Obama in the United States Senate: Every two years the Human Rights Campaign, the largest national gay and lesbian organization, issues a scorecard for members of the Senate based on their sponsorship and voting on key issues of importance to gay and lesbian citizens. Barack Obama scored 89 out of 100% in the 2006 scorecard.

Barack Obama on Hate Crimes: Barack Obama co-sponsored legislation to expand federal hate crimes laws to include crimes perpetrated because of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Employment Non-Discrimination: Barack Obama supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and believes it should be expanded to include sexual orientation and gender identity.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell - Gays in the Military: Barack Obama believes we need to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military. His campaign literature says, "The key test for military service should be patriotism, a sense of duty, and a willingness to serve."

Gay & Lesbian Adoption: Barack Obama believes gays and lesbians should have the same rights to adopt children as heterosexuals.

He said he would support civil unions between gay and lesbian couples, as well as letting individual states determine if marriage between gay and lesbian couples should be legalized.

"Giving them a set of basic rights would allow them to experience their relationship and live their lives in a way that doesn't cause discrimination," Obama said. "I think it is the right balance to strike in this society."

http://lesbianlife.about.com/od/lesbianactivism/p/BarackObama.htm

[Divine Discontent]

67. that is good, and I think that's Obama's biggest argument in disputing this, however...

I wish he would rebuke the affiliation of the Rev. Caldwell and his endorsement of Obama - which I will say won't happen.

The exgay movement tortures gay youth and has been shown to encourage them to be lobotomized and even some in the movement have told those who have failed "conversion therapy" to kill themselves, but even if those are just a small amount of cases, ALL of those in the exgay movement tell those in their programs they were not made gay, that they are at odds with Christ, and that they are being controlled by lust and need to repent of their desires - as if choosing who one's attracted to is a choice, which it is not.

This Caldwell prick is in charge of Metanoia, out of Texas, and as one of Bush's spiritual advisers I'd think it prudent for Sen. Obama to quickly push Caldwell away instead of having any association with him, like he had with the "Gospel Tour" run by Obama's campaign that had antigay crusaders, "Mary Mary", Donnie McClurkin, and Rev. Caldwell on the stage. Perhaps Sen. Obama will not have Caldwell do anything else for him, but the connection between the two should not be overlooked.

God bless

[1776Forever]

117. Obama's statement on the Hate Crime Legislation he cosponsored - please read:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/12/9/20828/1298/45/419994

Obama released this statement after House and Senate Conferees failed to include the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. Obama is an original cosponsor of the legislation:

"The Senate took an important step forward in strengthening current law and fulfilling our nation’s founding principle of equality by passing the Hate Crimes Prevention Act in September. While it is imperative that the Congress move this Defense Authorization bill, I am extremely disappointed that House and Senate negotiators failed to include this important provision in the bill being sent to the President.

"Hate crimes are unacceptable. All Americans deserve to live their lives without fear of hate driven attacks. Those who commit such heinous crimes should be punished to the fullest extent of the law, no matter whether those crimes are committed on account of race, gender, gender identity, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.

"Almost 40 years after Congress first enacted a federal hate crimes law, it is our moral obligation to continue striving for equality, and ensure that the federal government, along with state and local jurisdictions, have the tools necessary to effectively prosecute these crimes. Given the rise in hate crimes nationally, failure to pass this vital legislation is truly unacceptable."

"I remember looking at some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle prior to the vote," he said. Their message was clear: A vote for this measure just might guarantee that this will be your only term in Congress.

"But you know what? "I'd rather be happily teaching back here in Mankato and able to look at myself in the mirror each morning than being in Congress knowing I didn't do the right thing."

*****************
It is very unfortunate that some who would like to undermine Obama's changes are out there trying to make him into something he isn't. Please go by his words and deeds, not by his supporters. It is he we are looking at.

[Divine Discontent]

127. I would have no problem voting for him

not that my vote would be counted fairly when the BFEE is in power rigging the system. I would like to ask him if he believes that being 'sexually broken' (the term the exgay movement uses a lot) applies to all people who classify themselves either gay, bi or trans. Because, many Christians believe it is wrong for people to harm with violence, anyone, regardless of the reason. What he states above tells me he believes it's wrong to hurt others because of differences. I would think he would say no if he were being honest, however, his allowing certain individuals to be 'faces' of his campaign is far from a smart move.

I agree, we need to go by the man, not his supporters. His supporters on this site, and from what I've read in blogs have been very assaulting to others with differing opinions. This does not mean every supporter of his, by any means, but it's much like those who believe in Jesus as Savior - a lot of His followers are not very compassionate, but should people base their views on Christ according to those who say they follow Him? Hardly.

Good point.

I still predict Hillary wins Super Tuesday in a landslide since John left the race for whatever the reason is. He was going to win a few states I believe, and his leaving seems very odd to me, but he knows why he did that he won't say - I hope it was a guarantee to be VP for either of them.

[ruggerson]

45. Recommended

[Bonobo]

54. I'm sorry that although Obama is very clear in his support, it is not enough.

He is a STRONG and CLEAR advocate of GLBT rights. No one seriously doubts it.

I am sorry that this has become the only thing you can see. You are truly a one-issue voter and the irony is that Obama is as strongly pro GLBT rights as you are ever likely to see.

So even on your one-issue, you should be happy to support Obama.

[Bluebear]

60. I am not a one-issue voter, but it is who I am. Obama disrespected that...

...for what he "needed" to do to get votes in South Carolina. It's not that I am a one-issue voter, I just can't trust the man.

[Bonobo]

61. Respectfully, I don't think he disrespected you.

He was talking to an audience of human beings who see things in a different way as a result of their religious upbringing.

They may and hopefully will not always "hate the sin, love the sinner" in those churches. Hopefully, they will one day see that gays are no different than anyone else. But right now, some of them need to be convinced. It comes slowly through talking, not yelling. Loving, not hating.

[NMMNG]

65. "Religious upbringing"

The last refuge of the bigot who wants to justify his hatred with impunity. It was bullsh*t when it was used for racism and it's bullsh*t now that it's used for homophobia. I fail to understand those who try to rationalize it.

[Bonobo]

66. I'm not rationalizing it. I'm trying to explain it.

[ErnestoG]

102. How many supporters of the Democratic Party will you win by alienating people of faith?

I would guess, not many. Also I would guess that had a hand in our election defeats over the 80s and 90s.

Don't hate the religious. Rebuff the bigots.

[Bluenorthwest]

123. I agree

But rebuffing the bigots is exactly what Obama has repeatedly failed to do. He has instead given them a platform, when that platform could have gone to many good Gospel acts that are not bigots. He picked bigots. He should have rebuffed them. In fact, had he simply ignored that aspect of the Gospel world and thrown a great show with inclusive or at least noninflamatory artists, he would have scored just as many if not more Church Lady points and we would not be having this discussion months later. He could have called up that good, religious Democratic voter Patti LaBelle, and produced a fantastic show. Patti, you may recall, sang at the last Democratic Convention, the one where Obama made his mark. Last Republican Convention, Donnie McClurkin sang to George W Bush, whom he has ardently supported from the start. So he should have rebuffed McClurkin. And produced a better show to boot. Why he did not is very clear.

[DURHAM D]

76. Presuming you are white -

If several members of the AA community told you that something you did or said was racists would you argue with them? Of course not.

Then why are you arguing with us? Obviously, because you feel superior in some way.

[Divine Discontent]

69. well that summed my feelings up

My Mom loves Obama. I want to like him, but you just hit the nail on the head for me - if he's not strong enough to stand up for gay people by telling his campaign that McClurkin is not permitted to MC the Gospel Tour event, despite being told of his extreme activism against gay people and our acceptance in society, then how can I trust the man if he will allow extreme bigots to control the stage and say THIS on an Obama campaign stage -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dUp16hFzY8

[okasha]

120. LGBT's are no one?

That about sums it up, doesn't it? Thank you.

[CyberPieHole]

71. K&R for Hillary Clinton the 44th President of the U.S. of A.

Obama's disgusting pandering to Donnie McClurkin and the anti~gay bigots should be shunned! A vote for Obama is a vote for oppression.

[ForRusty]

72. I support her to.

Most likely to win, most likely to bring about change for LGBT issues in her first term. She rocks as a Senator and will rock as the President. I'm caucusing for her this Tuesday.

[REDFISHBLUEFISH]

79. Hillary 08!

[magatte]

81. GLBT people are free to choose between two equally strong supporters in Obama and Clinton

http://blabbeando.blogspot.com/2008/01/openly-gay-latino-mayor-to-endorse.html

[jackson_dem]

82. Both candidates have great records on GLBT issues. So how can GLBT folk decide?

I am not GLBT so I can't speak for them but I presume many of them are using Donniegate as a tiebreaker. At least they know Hillary won't use GLBT-bashing to score cheap political points. Obama has and the bigger question is will he do it again? If you are voting just on GLBT issues, Hillary should be your choice.

[mondo joe]

88. Good job. Good analysis. Thanks. NT

[ErnestoG]

101. Last I heard, the GLBT community are still Americans....

What if I only voted for the good of my group - white male hetero cabinet makers, and screw everybody else?

That doesn't sound very Democratic...very American...to me.

I will do the GLBT community the service of assuming they have more honor and compassion than voting only for their group concerns. You see, it's not just all about me. And that directive is not limited to me, either.

[Bluenorthwest]

125. Impuning the integrity and patriotism

of fellow Democrats voting for the other candidate or as yet uncommitted is Democratic?
My mind is far from made up. Much rides on the tone of the boosters of the two remaining Democratic candidates.
You will not be turning any strong Clinton supporters to your side, but the vocabulary used in talking to them may well influence others. Just saying. My current problem with Obama has to do with his use of those who verbally attack others, see? Intimidation, namecalling, the way of the bully, these are all big turn offs to me and lots of other Democrats. Do they actually teach you to do that at Obama Headquarters? Seriously, do they?
I offer to you that you are about as skilled at talking to this community as Bill has been talking to the black community of late.

[LordJFT]

91. Obama wants to repeal DOMA, Hillary doesn't

[ErnestoG]

96. Excellent point.

But don't expect it to be comprehended by the cultists anytime soon....

[Prism]

103. I must do no such thing

I came to a decision about Senator Clinton and it was this:

She wants to take credit for her husband's administration, its accomplishments, its actions.

DADT was an improvement. That I will grant. DOMA is a nightmare for gay families. Her husband signed it.

There are some around these parts who argue DOMA was a good thing, because it staved off a constitutional amendment.

To that I say, if DOMA was merely tactical, why did President Clinton take out radio ads in southern, religiously conservative districts before an election bragging about signing it? Why was he so proud of a law that has proven devastating for gay families?

Why did Bill Clinton tell John Kerry to support a constitutional amendment against gay marriage in 2004?

If she wants credit for her husband, then I will hold her responsible. I have seen nothing - nothing - from Senator Clinton that eases my concerns about her and her husband's use of the gay community as little more than tactical political positioning. They pick us up when they need cash and votes in blue districts and fling us over a cliff when they perceive it will harm their political prospects in red ones.

And now she refuses to support a FULL repeal of DOMA.

I live in Illinois. I've watched Senator Obama fight for LGBT rights. I've seen him do it unapologetically.

If people want to use McClurkin against Obama, because the outrage is just so overpowering that they think one campaign mistake is greater than a first family who worked to DESTROY gay families through that hideous DOMA law, so be it.

But they are fools. And shills.

And they are not part of my community.

[ErnestoG]

104. Don't you just love being told what to do?

My wife grew up in Communist Poland. She knows all about that.

[Prism]

107. Alas

I'm not a very good gay. I don't do what my self-appointed leaders tell me to do.

It drives them to no end of distraction.

I think some people take all that jack-booted Tom of Finland art just a touch too seriously.

[Bluebear]

111. Very dramatic.

[Prism]

112. Not as dramatic as . . .

. . . supporting a candidate who flat out tells us to our face she'll leave parts of DOMA intact.

But, sure, it's a little punchy.

[LordJFT]

105. thank you for speaking some sense!

[LeftCoast]

106. It may mean nothing, but I saw HRC supporters campaigning in the rain in the Castro today

No Obama supporters anywhere. Seemed an oddly appropriate metaphor to me.

[ErnestoG]

108. I think it's telling that they were being rained on.

Funny, what you can see in "signs", eh?

[mondo joe]

118. The Obama supporters may have all been busy praying teh Gay off. NT

[BooScout]

109. Hillary's work on behalf of AIDS funding....

Plays a big part in my support for her. I do it in the memory of my little brother who died 1-1-87 from AIDS.

Signed,

The plump, middle-aged woman who doesn't own an ipod.

[avrdream]

113. This one is behind her.

She has proven herself enough for me. Obama hasn't done anything to help me in that regard and has actually done something that I truly believe will hurt gay teenagers (bringing in the "ex-gay" people).

[VotesForWomen]

114. word. nt

[Alamom]

116. k&r

[Kitsune]

124. No. I'm not behind Clinton OR Obama.

I don't particularly like either of them, and right now I don't think I can bring myself to hold my nose and vote for either one in the general.

The difference is that Obama actually has an extremely (think 'snowball's chance in hell') thin chance of convincing me to vote for him. The same does not hold true of Clinton.

But both of them have done a lot of things to piss me off, and having wasted a vote on a crappy candidate in a previous election, I have no desire to do so again.

(the sad thing is, I would happily take John Kerry over either of these two)