Initial thumbsdown for Obama regarding gay issues

[cboy4]

interview to be published tomorrow (Friday) on The Advocate website.

I cringe to think what else he said, unfortunately.


BC-Obama-Gay Rights,360
Obama says he wouldn't require Joint Chiefs to be opposed to 'don't
ask, don't tell' policy :thumbsdown:

By NEDRA PICKLER
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Barack Obama says if elected president he will
not require that his Joint Chiefs of Staff be opposed to the
"don't ask, don't tell" policy that prevents gays from serving
openly in the military.

***Gee, what a surprise :eyes: ***

The Democratic presidential front-runner favors repealing the
policy, which was instituted during the Clinton administration. He
said his priority for the Joint Chiefs will be that they make
decisions to strengthen the military and keep the country safe, not
their position on the policy.
"I would never make this a litmus test for the Joint Chiefs of
Staff," Obama said in an interview with The Advocate, a gay
newsmagazine.
"But I think there's increasing recognition within the Armed
Forces that this is a counterproductive strategy," he said.
"We're spending large sums of money to kick highly qualified gays
or lesbians out of our military, some of whom possess specialties
like Arab-language capabilities that we desperately need. That
doesn't make us more safe."
The Advocate provided The Associated Press with excerpts of the
interview, to be posted on its Web site Friday.
The interview comes after Obama was criticized by gay advocates
for not speaking to the gay media. The Philadelphia Gay News last
week ran a large blank space on its front page next to an interview
with Hillary Rodham Clinton to highlight that he did not talk to
the publication.
"The gay press may feel like I'm not giving them enough love,
but basically all press feels that way at all times," Obama told
The Advocate. He said he's frequently spoken out against homophobia
and in support of gay rights.
Asked what he could reasonably accomplish for the gay community
as president, Obama said he can "reasonably see" repeal of the
"don't ask, don't tell" policy as well as signing legislation to
ban workplace discrimination against gays. He said he'd like
transgendered people to be covered by the law, but thinks it would
be tough to get such legislation through Congress.
Obama also said he's interested in ensuring that same-sex
couples in civil unions get federal benefits.

[anonymous171]

1. He's a realist when it comes to passing legislation.

Unlike Hillary who seems forget that her HC plan would have to pass the house AND senate.

[merwin]

3. What does the Joint Chiefs opinion have to do with passing legislation?

He and his administration should be 100% against Don't Ask Don't Tell, regardless of whether or not he tries to push legislation through.

[cboy4]

4. Well if he's a realist at passing legislation, why is he saying

he's in favor of repealing DOMA and DADT?

And Hillary has nothing to do with any of this I might add.

I know you're anxious to change the subject, but how about we dicuss the topic at hand?

[FrenchieCat]

8. Let's discuss it. I'm waiting.

The Democratic presidential front-runner favors repealing the
policy, which was instituted during the Clinton administration.

It seems sound to me....except for your headline, and the fact that the actual interview hasn't yet been posted.

overeacting much.....?

[cboy4]

11. That's why I used the word "initial" as opposed to saying

I'm flat out disappointed.

I'm initially disappointed in Obama's reported position of not having a problem hiring openly admitted homophobes for high positions within the administration.

I hardly think that's an overaction. How can it be?

Obama supposedly opposes Don't Ask Don't Tell ---- Obama doesn't mind hiring a person who supports Don't Ask Don't Tell.

Can you say conflict?

[FrenchieCat]

14. It's not a lithmus test.....that is really all that he is saying.

I don't think that it matters....as folks in the Military take an oath and must follow the orders of the Commander in Chief--I believe that's Obama's point.

[cboy4]

16. Oh, so you're backing down on your implication that the

report is not true and that we need to wait to read the article in The Advocate?

Okay, that's cool.

But why would Obama want anyone in his administration who doesn't agree with his key positions?

They may follow his orders, but why would he want them around?

[JoFerret]

19. And he's passed so much of it???

So much for principled stands.

[Maddy McCall]

2. Recommended.

Thanks for posting this!

[FrenchieCat]

5. I'll wait for the Advocate interview...instead of pouncing on Nedra Pickler reporting

on what was actually said, and its context.

I know Nedra Pickler well from 2004, and I know that she's an old pro at wordsmithing.

A negative A/P article out before the actual interview is posted. Almost smells like a set up....or How convenient!

[cboy4]

15. Tell you what Frenchie. If it turns out this AP reporter's

story is wrong, I'll apologize for jumping the gun.

I have absolutely no idea why Nedra Pickler would intentionally (or even unintentionally) print false information. Seems like it's pretty simple print what The Advocate provided.

But okay.

However, if it turns out the story is true, then you have to apologize for your accusations.

I like this offer because you talk a big game Frenchie.

Are you up for it? Or will you ignore my challenge?

[cboy4]

18. Is that a no Frenchie?

I have no desire to gloat if I'm right and you're wrong.

I just think if you're going to make accusations that this Associated Press reporter "wordsmithed" Obama's position(s), you should be willing to stand behind your assertion.

Don't you?

[Maddy McCall]

20. You're like the pope...

except the pope really does know everybody.

[cboy4]

21. .....

:spray:

Why oh why won't Frenchie take me up on my offer? :cry:

[Maddy McCall]

22. Because crow really doesn't taste like chicken...

and you're going to be serving her a big dish of it, as soon as that Advocate article is published.

:*

Here's something for you to serve, when the moment arises:




:D

[cboy4]

23. HA!!

:o

[FrenchieCat]

In other words, it won't matter what his Joint Chief thinks.

Why is that bad? Please elaborate on your "thumbs down" findings.

Thanks.

[FrenchieCat]

6. In other words, it won't matter what his Joint Chief thinks.

Why is that bad? Please elaborate on your "thumbs down" findings.

Thanks.

[blogslut]

7. You broke your promise

You read a spoiler. Why couldn't you wait? Now, you're pre-conditioned.

:(

[FrenchieCat]

9. We're not even worthy of a link.....just cboy4's opinion of an article

not out yet. LOL!

[blogslut]

10. Actually,

Nedra Pickler's

Look, Mr. cboy4 and I have been having a fairly civilized, ongoing discussion. I would like to keep it that way.

[FrenchieCat]

12. Well, here's the link.....and I'll stay out of it.

http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=213&sid=1384373

[blogslut]

13. Thank you

But I also will wait for the Advocate interview. :)

[cboy4]

17. Nah, not really......for one thing, I didn't seek out the story...

I read a lot of news, and it happened to be on the wires.

So I was stuck.

And secondly, I want to know more about what he said concerning this issue...so I look forward to the entire article.

As I said, I'm initially disappointed.

Not completely disappointed. :)