Washington Blade Endorses Hillary Clinton Uh oh.

[William769]

PRESS RELEASE.





In an editorial written by its editor Kevin Naff, The Washington Blade endorsed Hillary Clinton for President. The editorial not only cites Hillary’s strong record on behalf of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, but also lauds Hillary’s experience and ability to address the global challenges that the country faces.

"Clinton has demonstrated a mastery of detail during the campaign. Whatever you think of her, there’s no denying her intellect and willingness to work hard. She knows the issues, the history and players and has repeatedly pledged to work to restore the country’s reputation around the world. That’s a much-needed common sense perspective on where to start in 2009. And with an eight-year record of extensive globetrotting as first lady, she’s well positioned to serve as the diplomat the country needs."

The endorsement also notes Hillary’s success in reaching out to independent and Republican voters to find common ground. "For those who doubt her ability to win over moderate and conservative voters, look at what she accomplished in upstate New York, where she carried ‘red’ counties in a landslide Senate re-election victory. I’ve interviewed elected officials, including conservative Republicans, from those areas and they agree that Clinton is a hard-working and accessible leader with a focus on constituent service.

Hillary has been a longtime ally of the LGBT community. She fought against the Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) both times and has worked on legislation that would promote equality for LGBT Americans. As President, Hillary will work to ensure that gay and lesbian couples in committed relationships have the same legal rights and responsibilities as all Americans. She will also work to end discrimination in adoption laws, sign hate crimes legislation and ENDA into law, and put an end to the failed policy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

The Washington Blade is one of the most influential LGBT newspapers in the country and regularly serves as a national source of political news for LGBT media outlets around the country.

"But in the end, Hillary Rodham Clinton stands the best chance of sending the Republicans into eight years of a well-deserved political wilderness. She’s smart, tenacious, hard working and willing to cede the spotlight in the interest of bipartisan cooperation. She has marched in our Pride parades, promised unprecedented access to her administration and backed nearly all of our issues. Clinton has earned the support of gay voters in 2008."

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=4858

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

1. All teh gay are for Hillary!

[BOSSHOG]

2. Thats the first endorsement this year I can sit up and take notice of

And I hope to Christ it pisses off to blindness the lunatic christian constitution haters in this country.

[ronnykmarshall]

3. Oh dear.

[William769]

5. More like

[LostinVA]

18. Jeebus

[maximusveritas]

4. I think she deserves it

She's been the strongest on LGBT issues out of the top tier.

[aquart]

6. I guess, once you've been called "Lesbian! as an insult

Two or three thousand times, you get an idea how it might feel.

[goodgd_yall]

7. Obama's people aren't going to like this

As a lesbian, I'd vote HRC over Obama any day.

[ronnykmarshall]

9. Same here

and I'm only an honorary lesbian.

[goodgd_yall]

11. You go , girl!

To spout an overused phrase. :hi:

[LostinVA]

20. You can be a real one if you want

[ronnykmarshall]

30. I've always have been

One of my best friends is a lesbian and we came out at the same time.

I was always hanging out with the girls. They called me their "pet gay".

[LostinVA]

42. You DO like Stevie Nicks

[ronnykmarshall]

46. That's right!

[LostinVA]

72. That makes you a lesbian

[NewHampster]

32. I'd be one for you Ronny

and I'm a guy

[VarnettaTuckpocket]

16. One of them started a Hillary vs. Donnie McClurkin poll this morning

Thinking wouldn't it be cute to have poll showing McClurkin beating Hillary. That's how little the McClurkin fiasco means to a lot of them, it doesn't mean anything to them. The poll's been deleted.

[William769]

17. Just goes to show the mentality.

Also how little they think it means.

[maximusveritas]

26. Why do you say that?

Sure, it might give her a bit of a boost in the polls which I wouldn't like, but I think they made the right decision. I prefer Obama over Hillary overall, but on these issues, Hillary is better than him.

[Stephanie]

8. She's still trying to have it both ways on marriage equality >

From Ben Smith at Politico >

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0607/Hillary_repudiates_DOMA.html

The news, though, seems to be that Hillary is repudiating her long (if tepidly) held support for the Defense of Marriage Act, which her husband signed, and which drew her criticism in New York.

Her unadvertised shift is a very big deal, and reflects, among other things, the rapidly shifting national terrain on the issue.

UPDATE: Clinton's spokesman points me to the text of her actual questionnaire (.pdf), in which she distances herself from a central plank of DOMA -- its bar on the federal recognition of same-sex marriages -- but not from the portion which allows states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages from other states.

So this is a central, but not total, repudiation of the act.

"I support repealing the provision of DOMA that may prohibit the federal government from providing benefits to people in states that recognize same sex marriage. I strongly support ensuring people in stable, long-term same sex relationships have full equality of benefits, rights, and responsibilities," she writes.

Clinton spokeman Phil Singer adds, "Sen. Clinton backed the Defense of Marriage Act because it enabled us to fend off right wing attacks like the Federal Marriage Amendment by keeping marriage as the purview of the states. She believes DOMA served an important purpose in that respect. Marriage should be left up to the states.

"She has also long believed in the need for full equality of benefits for same sex couples, and believes the federal government should recognize civil unions. It was not until Massachusetts passed its law that it became clear that those in civil unions could receive better treatment under DOMA than gay and lesbian couples in Massachusetts who have gotten married, and therefore, that aspect of DOMA makes little sense to her. However, she still affirms the general principle of DOMA that marriage should be left up to each state. "

I'd add that the state-by-state aspect is one general principle, one that's widely supported among Democrats; but another, perhaps more important, is the bar on federal recognition of same-sex marriage. That's what Clinton just walked away from.

An advocate for same-sex marriage rights, Evan Wolfson of Freedom to Marry, emails his reaction: "She is now at the right position on the federal discrimination, and, like the rest of them, inadequate on the underlying question of truly treating same-sex couples equally (as most, if not all, say they are for)." He added that he sees basic contradictions between support for "equality" and opposition to full equality, but that "her evolving position, like the evolving position of the others, is certainly moving in the right direction, and repudiating the federal discrimination piece of the so-called 'Defense of Marriage Act' is a big step.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

12. In Her Heart She's For Gay Marriage Like Most Liberal Folks

I wish to God it wasn't true but gay marriage is a deal breaker for too many folks...If you don't like gay marriage then don't marry a gay...

Simple...

[Stephanie]

15. I suppose in her heart she's against the war, too.?

She's just doing what's expedient on so many fronts we'll never know what she really believes about anything.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

19. She Had A Lot Of Company In Voting For The IWR

~

[William769]

21. They always fall back on that and it still hasn't worked.

[Stephanie]

22. 23 Democratic Senators voted against it.

She had a lot more Republican company in voting for it.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

24. Edwards, Dodd, And Biden Voted For It... Edwards Was A Co-Sponsor

Obama wasn't in the Senate at the time...

[William769]

25. And yet she is the front runner.

[annie1]

27. 23 Senators voted against it, 21 of them were democrats

[Stephanie]

40. thanks for the correction

:hi:

[cali]

38. Actually not. You're including Jeffords and Chafee in that count. n/t

[Stephanie]

41. thanks!

my mistake

[Name removed]

50. Deleted message

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

[Stephanie]

58. Excuse me?

I don't really want a president who's dumber than most of her Democratic colleagues. I guess you don't mind.

[Forkboy]

62. And not one of them has a good excuse.

The "they did it too" defense is sooooo old, and doesn't work for anyone. :shrug:

[annie1]

23. what are you basing that on?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

28. Basing What On

If Hillary Clinton makes her candidacy a referendum on gay marriage she loses... I believe there were gay marriage amendments on the ballot in twelve states in 04 and they lost in all twelve states...

[annie1]

29. what are you basing "in her heart she is for gay marriage".

[DemocratSinceBirth]

33. Because No Social Liberal Could Possibly Be Against Gay Marriage

Unfortunately Americans aren't ready for it yet...I suspect all the other Dems are in favor of it too... They just can't come out and say it...

[annie1]

35. yes, but that doesn't mean the she actually is for it. it means that she MAY be for it....

but it does not point to 'in her heart she is for it'. Have you ever heard her talk about abortion? She can be very conservative in many ways, you can't just lump her in to the "liberal" catagory.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

37. I Agree With Her And Bill

"Abortion should be safe, legal, and rare..."

[DURHAM D]

52. Are you gay or lesbian?

Every gay person over 30 knows where her heart is. You see, we talk among ourselves a lot - we know who she is.

[annie1]

59. ah. ok. i'm not. :)

[NewHampster]

34. you have a wonderful way with words DSB

[Kurovski]

10. Just wait until they see her new policy "Don't talk, go to hell."

Kidding.

I hope.

But really, I know my place as a gay person during national campaigns. Just thought I'd point out how non-uppity I am.

[MethuenProgressive]

13. Good news for Obama!

Now he can point at this when pandering to the bigot wing of his church.
"See? Those people like Hillary, not me! I'm still safe for you to support!"

[DURHAM D]

53. Agree - I actually don't think he would want this endorsement.

It does not fit into the script he has written for getting that homophobic demographic.

[NewHampster]

14. Great endorsement

thanks for posting

[Alamom]

31. k&r

[terrya]

36. This is a pretty impressive endorsement.

The Washington Blade is one of the most influential GLBT newspapers in the country. This carries some weight in our community.

Good for Hillary!

[NewHampster]

39. another well thought out endorsement

by people who read, listen and know what they say.

[LostinVA]

43. Which candidates have marched in Gay Pride parades?

I know Senator Clinton has.

[CyberPieHole]

51. Frightening to point out that Ghouliani has...

in NY. I think.

I am proud that Clinton has done so. I am not too sure what to make of Ghouliani's participation though.:shrug:

[LostinVA]

54. Well, oddly enough, he was "supportive" of equal rights

until he decided to run for Republican president and threw all the gays under the bus.

[CyberPieHole]

57. Are we to assume that Ghouliani might be a hypocrite? Please, say it isn't so!

:evilgrin:

[LostinVA]

60. I'm sorry, but I do believe that's a safe assumption

[zulchzulu]

44. Bill looked so cute when he signed the Defense Of Marriage Act

Wow. What a stud...

:crazy:

[oasis]

45. k and r

[DURHAM D]

56. I am surprised to see you here mucking up this thread - not.

Why aren't you out doing that "grassroots outreach to the gay community thingie" you like to brag about.

I keep asking my friends what the above quote means - we agree you like our bars.

[zulchzulu]

70. Hey! Thanks for denigrating my efforts on your behalf

Yeah, my efforts over the years raising money for AIDS riding bikes and doing benefits and working to stop homophobic laws on election ballots is just a big joke to you!

Ha fuckin' ha! Thanks for that....really...

:freak: :crazy: :eyes:

[ClarkUSA]

61. Has Hillary fired her homophobic SC co-chairs yet?

Guess not.

[JackBeck]

47. Kevin Naff. "Don't Bash Mary Cheney":

“At large gatherings of extended family, I don't always bring my partner because it's easier to just avoid the stress … When we check into a hotel together, sometimes one of us will hold back in the lobby to avoid those awkward confrontations with the front desk staff … Of course, in an ideal world, full openness at all times would be the reality … But who lives in that place? … Before the sanctimonious among us line up to bash Mary again, they should ask themselves if they're really living an honest life 100 percent of the time, no exceptions. I'm not. Are you?”

-- Kevin Naff, in his May 26, 2006 editorial, “Don't Bash Mary Cheney”

http://www.afterelton.com/archive/elton/people/2006/6/blade.html

[JackBeck]

48. At first, I was going to point out the hiring of Jeff Gannon,

but was intrigued more by this quote.

I think I'll pass. Thanks.

[JackBeck]

63. The "major" gay newspaper in the US just endorsed Hillary.

Don't y'all have have a problem with how he treats his "partner"?

[JackBeck]

66. Kick.

Looking for LGBT reactions.

Do you support this statement?

[Catherine Vincent]

49. That's a welcome endorsement!

:kick:

[desi]

55. Yep...

and a big kick in the pants to the :kick: Obama MC Donnie McClurkin

[JackBeck]

64. Why are some of the DU queers ignoring Naff's previous statements?

[VarnettaTuckpocket]

65. Your post didn't specify who Kevin was, Blade editor

I read it and definitely thought he was a jerk, but didn't know why you were posting it. I can't believe he leaves his partner at home during extended-family reunions. Although I'm in extreme where it concerns dealing with family members, I'm even willing to break off relations with a family member simply for being a Republican. And the idea of maintaining a relationship with a homophobic family member is totally unimaginable. I don't like Oprah much, but I remember some simple advice she gave on her show one day, and it's a golden rule for me. If someone doesn't support you, cut. them. out. of. your. life.

[sniffa]

69. because the Goddess of Peace is awesome

[Beacool]

67. Great endorsement and well deserved!!!!

Although it doesn't surprise me. I have plenty of gay friends and have been supportive of the cause. I have gone with them to various rallies and to the Gay Pride Parade in NY many times. Almost all of them speak highly of both Clntons and are planning to vote for Hillary.

[JackBeck]

68. Sorry. I can't support an endorsement from someone who said the following:

“At large gatherings of extended family, I don't always bring my partner because it's easier to just avoid the stress … When we check into a hotel together, sometimes one of us will hold back in the lobby to avoid those awkward confrontations with the front desk staff … Of course, in an ideal world, full openness at all times would be the reality … But who lives in that place? … Before the sanctimonious among us line up to bash Mary again, they should ask themselves if they're really living an honest life 100 percent of the time, no exceptions. I'm not. Are you?”

-- Kevin Naff, in his May 26, 2006 editorial, “Don't Bash Mary Cheney”

http://www.afterelton.com/archive/elton/people/2006/6/blade.html

What's next? Supporting an endorsement from Andrew Sullivan?

[sniffa]

71. if he endorses Hillary, then yes

:patriot: