Obama needs to do more to show his support of the gay community.

[last1standing]

(puts on flame retardant gear)

I'm supporting Obama in the primaries and I believe that this nomination is pretty much sewn up, but I was listening to Michaelangelo Signorelli today as he talked about how Obama has avoided the gay community for the most part and found myself agreeing with him. I know he's a Clinton supporter and that does bias him but I also respect his opinion and think he's right about this.

Maybe now is the time to put some pressure on Obama to make him understand that GLBT votes are just as important as anyone else's and that he needs to show that we are a valued part of the coalition. I'd definitely say now is the time to do it rather than have something explode in October.

This is a serious post and I hope that this isn't taken for, or used as, an excuse to slam one of our candidates needlessly, but I think it's also something we need to address before the convention.



:hide:

[David Dunham]

1. Obama had a big GLBT fundraiser in NYC last week

[last1standing]

3. Yes, that was mentioned.

He held a short fundraiser for $2300.00 a ticket, and that's a start. However, much more needs to be done if he doesn't want to lose out on a lot of GLBT votes this fall. I had the same complaint about Edwards when he was in the race.

[Zhade]

2. EVERY Dem politician does, at that!

NT!

[last1standing]

4. But all the others aren't the presumptive nominee, only Obama is.

This is 2008, it's time that the Democratic presidential nominee stops avoiding anyone who isn't straight. I'm not saying Obama is ducking into dark corners to avoid being seen with gay people but he hasn't made it a point to vocally stand up for the community, either.

[prolesunited]

7. And Hillary has?

:shrug:

[last1standing]

12. Not really but the perception is that she has.

I'm not saying it's right but it's there.

[Zhade]

8. I am all for anyone standing up with us more often.

Count me in.

[last1standing]

13. Thanks Zhade.

It really is about time that we were given our place at the table.

[sandnsea]

5. Signorili worships Hillary

Not the best source for what Obama needs to do about anything.

http://www.signorile.com/articles/advhvld.html

[last1standing]

6. That article is nine years old.

Besides, I stated in my OP that I knew he supported Clinton. That doesn't make his comments any less valid in this regard. I'm not suggesting that he should bow down to the mighty GLBT altar, but it would be nice if he'd be a bit more vocal in his support for us.

[sandnsea]

9. He's the only one who has been vocal

He's the only one talking about support gay brothers and sisters on a regular basis.

[TheWraith]

10. You know he got up in front of a black church and denounced homophobia recently, right?

Just the other day, I believe it was. He talked a little about the poor record of black churches, and churches in general, on tolerating and embracing gay people.

[last1standing]

11. Yes, I was aware.

And it was a good start but I think we need more conversation about this and now is the time to do it, not in the fall. The majority of GLBTs that I know are supporting Clinton because they feel that Obama has not been enough of an advocate for their concerns. I'm not saying they're right but that is the impression. I think he needs to do a better job in changing that perception.