It should be noted that this is written by Ana Marie Cox, not exactly a WH apologist when it comes to LGBT issues.
Obama Puts "More Muscle" Behind DADT RepealOn May 28, 2010 at 12:01 PM
Per DNC spokesguy Hari Seguvan: The White House push to repeal DADT (Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell) just got more muscular (Mmmmm... muscles.) The DNC is tapping the 14 million-folks-strong Organizing for America (nee Obama for America) mailing list, asking supporters to lobby their senators for repeal. Last night (as I was watching Glee, if you must know), the House passed an amendment that would legislate repeal with a surprisingly strong 234-194 win. Hill-watchers (including the White House) have known that the Senate vote will be closer, though with traditionalists like Robert Byrd now saying they'll support repeal, the White House's stepping in more forcefully does not seem like the waste of political capitol it might have been.
Text of email to OFA members after the jump.
Subject: Keeping the President's promise
Friend --
This is big news: Yesterday, the full House of Representatives and the Armed Services Committee in the Senate voted to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
In his State of the Union address, President Obama pledged to end the law that denies gays and lesbians the right to serve their country. Now, we are closer than ever to making good on that promise.
The full Senate will soon start its debate on repeal. But some Republicans are digging in their heels. Senator John McCain said, "I'll do everything in my power" to block a vote. And Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker called the repeal bill "a major mistake" -- announcing that the GOP plans to filibuster.
We can defeat those who'd stand in the way of history. But we must show our senators that Americans -- in every state -- overwhelmingly support repeal.
Stand with the President and join the pledge to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
From the Recovery Act to health reform to Wall Street reform, one by one President Obama is delivering on his campaign promises. And, now -- if we can overcome Republican obstruction -- we have a chance to deliver on another: bringing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" to an end.
As the President has said, this is about more than just living up to his word. We must end this law because "it's the right thing to do."
Any policy that punishes brave men and women who step forward to serve their country simply for being who they are isn't just misguided -- it's discrimination.
That's why President Obama didn't just campaign on ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"; he made it a priority. And it's why it's now a matter of how and when -- not if -- we will repeal this law.
But as the Republicans prepare to block a vote on this historic legislation, we must do all we can to help deliver on the President's promise.
Add your name to the pledge today -- and then please pass it on:
http://my.barackobama.com/RepealDADT
Thanks,
Mitchhttp://blog.gq.com/blogs/the-q/2010/05/obama-puts-more-muscle-behind-dadt-repeal.html 
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