Battle For LGBT Voters Rages On

Photo: Getty Images

Even as Barack Obama's campaign finalized an ad buy last week for four full-page ads in local gay weeklies in Ohio and Texas, Hillary Clinton was conducting a conference call on LGBT issues and answering the questions of local reporters from the Dallas Voice and two Ohio publications: Outlook Weekly and Gay People's Chronicle. Altogether, Clinton has done interviews with six LGBT outlets, including The Advocate, Logo, and The Washington Blade. Clinton also published a message to LGBT Americans on OurChart.com.

Obama has given one interview to an LGBT news outlet: last October to The Advocate. Today he published an open letter to the LGBT community on the blog Bilerico Project, the second such post he has made to that site.

Comments

[Shawn K]

Just Words, Just Speeches

Senator Obama recently launched a PR campaign targeting GLBT voters in upcoming primary elections by simultaneously buying ad space in local gay publications and releasing an “Open Letter from Barack Obama to the GLBT Community.” On one hand, it is a testament of how far we have come as a party that a serious contender for the Presidential nomination is addressing civil unions, equal rights for GLBT, ending don't ask don't tell, and support for hate crimes legislation. These positions sound beautiful and our community is desperate to hear them, but in the end it's just words and just speeches.

The problem is the disparity between what Obama says and what he does. Is this just another PR campaign? Will he deliver? Perhaps it’s telling that in the Dallas Voice, Obama holds the coveted back page, glossy, color ad space. However, if you look inside the issue is a full page ad placed by a local grass-roots gay organization, supporting Hillary Clinton.

In June 2007 Obama made a slight gaffe when he made a point of stating he had been HIV tested with his wife during a debate response. His comments were construed as being borderline homophobic and inflammatory to the stigma surrounding HIV testing.

Later on in October, while campaigning for the hard-fought South Carolina Primary, Obama came under fire from the Human Rights Campaign for touring with a Born-Straight-Again performer, Donnie McClurkin. Mr. McClurkin had preached that homosexuality was a curse that could be cured through prayer.

In January, Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell endorsed Obama. Gay activists were outraged when they discovered that Caldwell's church website outlined a ministry which provided “… Christ Centered instruction for those seeking freedom from homosexuality, lesbianism, prostitution, sex addiction and other habitual sins.” Caldwell denied having known anything about the ministry, but when asked if he supported gay marriage or gay civil unions he skirted the question.

In the lead-up to the California Primary, the SF Chronicle reported that Barack Obama had slighted San Francisco mayor, Gavin Newsom, at a fundraiser four years ago, telling former SF mayor Willie Brown that he would “really not like to have his picture taken with Gavin.” At the time, Gavin Newsom was in the midst of a well-publicized controversy over gay marriages. Gavin Newsom endorsed Hillary Clinton.

That's because Gavin Newsom, GLBT communities, and proponents of GLBT legislation, like Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solomonese know that Hillary has proven that she's willing to roll up her sleeves and fight for gay rights. In a testament before the HRC board Solomonese tells about how Hillary was actively involved in coordinating and ultimately defeating the Family Marriage Amendment. It's that kind of action and know-how that our community needs.

As New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn said, "I've seen how Hillary Clinton's experience, commitment, and leadership have made a difference for the LGBT community. From her efforts to defeat the Federal Marriage Amendment to standing up for our rights in employment practices, there is no one else in this race who will fight harder for the LGBT community. She's ready to be our next president and I look forward to organizing the LGBT community on her behalf."

READ MORE:
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=2196
http://www.ourchart.com/node/299303

[James Lockwood]

Those ad buys in the Gay publications were cheap token purchases for Obama's multi million dollar campaign. I am sticking with Clinton, I feel like I can trust her.

[Sylvia B]

I find it very disturbing that the LGBT community is now flocking like Lemmings to the Obama campaign. Whatever happened to loyalty? Trust? Support? Senator Obama has none of those things in the Congress and I doubt will be able to negotiate on our behalf for anything. We will be the "trade off" for other projects he considers more worthwhile. Business as usual for our community.

[votenic]

2008 Presidential Election Weekly Poll
http://www.votenic.com
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[Noah Samuels]

The Clinton's came to us for cash & votes and what did we get return: DOMA and DADT.
Nuff said!

[Alex R.]

You know, I think we should all keep in mind that Senator Clinton betrayed the LGBT community in the worst way when she said that the morality of homosexuality was for "others to conclude." Not only is it politically calculating, but it is a deep injustice to the community, and she has been able to slide by unscathed while Barack Obama has been villified for touring with McClurkin, etc. although Obama, a religious Christian, has taken to task the notion that homosexuality is against the bible: "For many practicing Christians, the same inability to compromise may apply to gay marriage. I find such a position troublesome, particularly in a society in which Christian men and women have been known to engage in adultery or other violations of their faith without civil penalty. ? I [am not] willing to accept a reading of the Bible that considers an obscure line in Romans to be more defining of Christianity than the Sermon on the Mount." (222) The bottom line is that Obama never lies about where he stands; Clinton will do anything to get elected.

[Will]

Excuse me. The Clintons made the deal on DADT but went to the mat for universal healthcare. And I agreed. Considering our own community's need for healthcare, I think healthcare for all Americans is just a tad more important than being able to do the double snap in basic training. Try and get some perspective, please.
http://a-civilife.blogspot.com

[camlaen]

Wake up people do you really want another 4 more years of someone who will say and do anything for power, time for a change..... already, I used to like Hillary, but this election season, she has shown her true colors....( and they are not in this season)

Someone posted "what about Loyalty?" What about loyalty to a better America and world to live in?

Ask yourself, are you not just sick of the same old crap year in year out.... why do we have to keep bouncing back and forth bush.clinton.bush.clinton.........................boring, take a chance on Obama I think he will greatly surprise the gay community!!!! (in a good way)

[Michael]

Trust a Clinton? What planet have you been on?

[W. Andrew Stricklin]

Hiliary Clinton will do nothing for the rights of Gay, Lesiban, Bisexual & Transgendered Americans. Plain and simple!

I am very sad at the blind, educated cattle that our community has in regards to the Clinton's and their alleged support of GLBT rights. You follow right along even though the evidence of the truth is clearly infront of you!

If Bill Clinton had TRULY cared about the GLBT Community, he would have signed an Executive Order banning sexual orientation discrimination like that was signed concerning black americans.

Instead, we receive the typical slick willie double-talk...and most of the GLBT community bought into it. Blindly!

The same arguements that were made about blacks, and also woman, are presently being made concerning open homosexuals in the military branches.

There would not have been this HUGE REVOLT among our nations military. It would not have left this country defenseless. The same fears that were shoved down the country's throat when talk first began of letting blacks and women serve.

If you want to continue to believe that the "Clintons" really have our best interests and concerns at heart, then you should blame no one but yourself when we get nothing but endless banter of who is to blame instead of them because we receive nothing!

[Rocky]

I don't recall either Obama or Clinton taking out an ad in the Bay Area Reporter (San Francisco's main gay publication) or being interviewed by one of its reporters prior to the California primary on Feb. 5. I wouldn't get your hopes up about either candidate issuing executive orders banning discrimination against gays and lesbians and recognizing civil unions. Quite frankly, I don't think gay rights will be a priority of Congress either, considering that many House and Senate Democrats from small town America would have a problem with such bills. More likely is a tax increase which would hit gays and lesbians from big cities harder than most other Americans. A $125,000 annual income makes you rich in South Carolina, but it is barely enough to afford market rate housing in Manhattan or San Francisco. If you didn't qualify for a Federal tax rebate in 2008, you are a good candidate for a tax increase in 2009 under a Democratic administration, even if it is only a tax increase on your dividends. Both Obama and Clinton are on record as supporting a tax increase in 2009.

[Anonymous]

The Bible warns us of Barack Obama!
Body: The Bible warns us of Barack Obama! Please Read All!

Body: The Bible has warned us that 'A man will come from the East that will be charismatic in nature and have proposed solutions for all our problems and his rhetoric will attr act many supporters!'

When will our pathetic Nation quit turning their back on God and understand that this man is 'A Muslim'....First, Last and always....and we are AT WAR with the Muslim Nation, whether our bleeding-heart, secular, Liberal friends believe it or not. This man fits every description from the Bible of the 'Anti-Christ'!

I'm just glad to know that there are others that are frightened by this man!

Who is Barack Obama?

Very interesting and something that should be considered in your choice.

If you do not ever forward anything else, please forward this to all your contacts...this is very scary to think of what lies ahead of us here in our own United States...better heed this and pray about it and share it.

snopes.com ..' confirms this is factual. Check for yourself.

Who is Barack Obama?

Probable U. S. presidential c andidate, Barack Hussein Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., a bla ck MUSLIM from Nyangoma-Kogel, Kenya and Ann Dunham, a white ATHEIST from Wichita , Kansas.

Obama's parents met at the University of Hawaii.

When Obama was two years old, his parents divorced. His father returned to Kenya. His mother t hen married Lolo Soetoro, a RADICAL Muslim from Indonesia.

When Obama was 6 years old, the family relocated to Indonesia. Obama attended a MUSLIM school in Jakarta. He also spent two years in a Catholic school.

Obama takes great care to conceal the fact that he is a Muslim. He is quick to point out that, 'He was once a Muslim, but that he also attended Catholic school.'

Obama's political handlers are attempting to make it appear that that he is not a radical.

Obama's introduction to Islam came via his father, and that this influence was temporary at best. In reality, the senior Obama returned to Kenya soon after the divorce, and never again had any direct influence over his son's
education.

Lolo Soe toro, the second husband of Obama's mother, Ann Dunham, introduced his stepson to Islam. Obama was enrolled in a Wahabi school in Jakarta.

Wahabism is the RADICAL teaching that is followed by the Muslim terrorists who are now waging Jihad agai nst the western world. Since it is politically expedient to be a CHRISTIAN when seeking major public office in the United States, Barack Hussein Obama has joined the United Church of Christ in an attempt to downplay his Muslim background. ALSO, keep in mind that when he was sworn into office he DID NOT use the Holy Bible, but instead the Koran.

Barack Hussein Obama will NOT recite the Pledge of Allegiance nor will he show any reverence for our flag. While others place their hands over their hearts, Obama turns his back to the flag and slouches. Do you want someone like this as your PRESIDENT?

Let us all remain alert concerning Ob ama's expected presidential candidacy.

The Muslims have said they plan on destroying t he US from the inside out, what better way to start than at the highest level - through the President of the United States, one of their own!

Please forward to everyone you know. Would you want this man leading our country?...... NOT ME!
If this world was thinking clearly they would not vote for Obama, if you do may God have mercy on you,and you better tell your family you love them because you might not see them again, the world will come to a end sooner then you think if Obama becomes President, also Democrats are not what they use to be, the best thing for this Country is a Republican this is not a joking matter this is are country we need to stick together for our right and life, Why do you think the united state are loosing job to China because of a Democrat, Clinton signing the Trade agreement when his was President to do trading over sea's thats why people are losing jobs sit back and think (PLEASE VOTE FOR A REPUBLICAN)

[Will]

As a community we should NEVER forgive the Defense of Marriage Act or Don't ask, Don't Tell.

The Clinton's made so many promises to our community..then broke them all.

I was on active duty in the USAF when Bill got elected. I watched in absolute fear as the number of my fellow Airman discharged (for being gay) INCREASED every year during his terms. They destroyed the lives of so many of my friends...so many of OUR brothers & sisters. I don't remember Hillary "Standing up" for us back then..yet now, I'm supposed to believe her promises again.? Never.

The image of Obama speaking in front of that Black/Southern Baptist crowd and scolding them for their anti-gay views, gives me chills. That was bold leadership...that was more than any Clinton has ever done for me.

[Will]

RE: "Posted by:Rocky|April 08, 2008 at 07:16PM The Bible warns us of Barack Obama!"

Geesh...I'm really starting to dislike folks like "Rocky".

Here we are trying to have an important debate on real issues, and this guy just wants to recite this GOP nonsense.

They are just as bad as Hillary and her "sniper" stories...100% B.S.

I wonder which group will get caught trying to put the body of a dead hooker in Obama's trunk.

[Nathan]

Years ago Bill and Hill had two of the most homophobic legislature signed, DoMA and Don't ask Don't Tell. The Clintons do not care about us. A homosexual supporting Clinton must be a self loathing one.

[Rocky]

To Will: I did not post the Bible article. I posted the one above it. But you might be interested to know that HR 4838 on Domestic Partnerships, sponsored by Rep. Tammy Baldwin has received only 61 co-sponsors in the House. Speaker Nancy Pelosi is not a co-sponsor, even though she represents may gay voters in San Francisco. In the Senate, the companion bill HR 4838 introduced by Senator Leiberman (the war hawk) has only 20 co-sponsors. Senator Dianne Feinstein is not a co-sponsor and neither is Senator Reid, the majority leader. Why are so few Democrats supporting domestic partnership legislation for gay people?

As an aside, HRC is a co-sponsor of S. 2521 and was a co-sponsor of its predecessor S. 3955, which died in the Senate at the end of the 109th Congress. BHO is a co-sponsor of S. 2521, but was not a co-sponsor of S. 3955. Does anyone know why BHO was not a co-sponsor of S. 3955?

The Democrats want gay votes but all they are offering in return are crumbs from the table and the prospect of higher taxes for many gay voters.

[Rocky]

Corrections to my posting just above this one: In line 4, "may" should read "many". In line 5, "HR 4838" should read "S. 2521".

These bills would only apply to employees of the Federal government and their domestic partners.

[Tammara]

DADT is exactly why a gay person should support Hillary!!!

Bill Clinton was in '92 the political neophyte that Obama is now - promise 'change' without knowing the political realities. The fact of the matter is that our government is more than the president. Sure you can 'blame' Hillary and continue to look for the get-it-all-right-now savior that doesn't exist. OR we as a community can think STRATEGICALLY and MATURELY and reap the political capacity that those past errors have taught our allies. The Clintons learned the lessons of promising more than can be delivered; they learned that progress is always made in small steps. Hillary now knows how to get it done.

WE must be willing to commit to moving forward, step-by-step, not standing and waiting for the panacea that doesn't exist to come by and pick us up. We have made an investment in Hillary - she's taken hits for us too - let us get her to the White House so we can reap the benefits of experience.

[AncientReader]

To: Populace
From: GP
June 7, 2008

If race for the White House has not done anything, it definitely brings out the fact that humanity as a whole is in deep peril. With man's chaotic nature the way that it is (egotistical and selfish), only placement of accepted system can assured some level of justice for all. The founding fathers of the U.S. created the Republican and Democratic party system (with secondary ones) to carry out the burden of distributing such kind of justice to all. The exercise of justice lies in the power of individual voting within one of these legitimate political parties.

In this 2008 election season chief republican advocates have plunged the knife into main artery of the democratic party, with all implications that it should no longer exist. Well the spirited-wine of partisanship seems to have gotten them stone drunk. The bloodhound-like attitude of these republican advocates is apparently fueled by the lack of good things to sell voters assuring victory this coming fall. For educated voters, there are too many avoidable things that have happened under the watch of current administration and they're not out of their mind to vote for republican comes November.

The bottom line is this. To hell with the tax-cut, most people today have far less cash savings than they had when the democrats last left office. So we can expect republican pundits who are married to the party to dwell upon Senator Barack's church affiliation, and plows into all of his social acquaintances. They will make him carry all of their wrongs on his shoulders as though he committed them but it's coming the heels of having nothing to offer but hypocrisy and hoax. It would do them well to respect the democratic party, who are the so-called liberals. Because at this defining moment, not many people are being benefited by their so-called conservatism.

Tim
GP