Why I think the GM amendment position hurts Bush

[sidwill]

This tactic by Bush puts this issue front and center, its going to be on everybody's lips for next 8 months.

But how will this debate be played out in the media?

My feeling is that the pro amendment position will end up being most vociferously promoted by representatives of the Evangelical Right, Robertson, Macauthur, etal...

These guys give normal folks the heebie-jeebies to start with, then they have to convince GM is such a grave and pressing issue that it requires a Const Amend. Not only that but when confronted with an enlightened argument such as "why do this when it doesn't harm anyone" they will predictably retreat to theology to support their contentions.

This was played out on LKL last night when the Repuke Pastor went from compassionate conservative to telling Larry that Gay people "are sinners and won't be allowed entry into the kingdom of heaven" as well as this gem "homosexuality is elective and sinful".
The Repub from Colorado (the one sponsoring the bill Marilyn somesuch) was even less effective reduced to repeatedly challenging Mayor Newsom with the "straw man" argument that if you are for GM you must also be for marriage between man and animal and polygamy.

They both looked like scary, scary, right wing bible thumpers to me.


Anyway if the Dems simply adopt the tactic of being opposed to the constitutuional amendment while staying for civil unions, the Repubs will have to devolve the discussion into gay bashing (which is what it really is anyway) and that will be a losing proposition.

At least thats my opinion.

[Skittles]

1. most Americans do NOT want the constitution tampered with

ESPECIALLY for THIS issue. It won't go over well.

[AlinPA]

2. I agree , bottom line effect on the election will be a "draw"

I don't think it is a killer for us- unless media makes it into one .

[Donkeyboy75]

3. I agree

It looks as if the amendment will fail badly. I think this will make his administration look weak. In my opinion, this obvious ploy for more votes really only appeals to those who would already vote for *

[KissMyAsscroft]

4. I agree that the fundie wackos will turn a lot of people off...

When you are a midwest soccer mom and you have to choose bewteen agreeing with a well mannered guy like Chad on Larry King, or a wack job like Falwell....I think it will be a wash...

And this gay marriage issue will not be the front and center issue for 8 months...nothing is front and center for 8 months...this is just a distraction by the Bush administration and needs to be treated as such by the Dem nominees...

[salin]

5. and... in the course - since W is making it a big deal... failure

of the issue - gives him a big fat political LOSS. Meanwhile the serious political problems pile up (from the economy/jobs... to the war... etc.) and his administration keeps appearing more and more out of control (Ashcroft playing an overt and loud J Edgar Hoover with a religious zealousness... Economic teams doing things like suggesting the definition of "manufacturing jobs" - be reconsidered... and maybe something like... "producing burgers" (re: fry cook) should be included... ) In the end he looks even more fringe, more out of touch and completely inept than his daddy ever looked.

[DrWeird]

6. I think it will hurt him also.

The gay marriages in San Fransisco forced his hand. He had to make a play towards his religious wacko base.

The polls bandied about only really indicate a discomfort with the idea of gay marriages. Most americans are against this amendment. And I think people seeing pictures of weddings will only make them more comfortable with the idea.

I think this is hurting Bush in the long run.

[Cronus Protagonist]

7. I think we need to go on the offensive here

It's not the DOMA thing that worries me the most, it's what *else* they would put in while they're at it...



"FUCK BUSH" Buttons, Stickers & Magnets

[Protagoras]

8. Bushco's arrogance isn't a draw.

Even the most conservative people I know, in fact some of them because they ARE conservative, are starting to wonder about Bush precisely because of 2 two constitutional ammendments. Most of them, when reminded of their own "state's rights" positions start to question what the hell is going on.

And then you remind them that Bush is also sniffing around allowing foreign born bodybuilders to run for president and suddenly you can see the hair on the back of their necks stand up.

Bush has gotten too cocky. And he's about to find out what that brings in the most painful way come November 2.

Why couldn't we get the ERA passed again?

[DinahMoeHum]

9. Dumbest idea since Prohibition.

n/t

:kick: