Obama pledges ‘equality for all’ -- exclusive gay interview:

[cboy4]

Senator Barack Obama Reaches Out To LGBT Community in an Exclusive Interview for the Washington Blade

WASHINGTON, Sep 10, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Window Media LLC, the nation's largest gay publishing group announced today that the Washington Blade has landed an exclusive interview with Democratic presidential candidate, Senator Barack Obama--offering the LGBT community an insider's look at the senator's positions on important issues, such as "Don't Ask Don't Tell," DOMA, ENDA, hate crimes legislation and comprehensive sex education in schools. The interview will appear in Friday's print edition and is already posted online at www.washblade.com, along with an exclusive interview with Obama's openly gay college mentor.

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Obama pledges ‘equality for all’
Vows to fight for full federal recognition of couples in civil unions, domestic partnerships
By WILLIAM R. KAPFER | Sep 10, 1:52 PM

Editor’s note: Barack Obama’s presidential campaign this week agreed to respond in writing to a series of questions submitted by William R. Kapfer, co-president of Window Media, the Blade’s parent company.

Washington Blade: What personal experiences or friendships in your life have shaped how you view gay issues?

Barack Obama: Michelle and I have been blessed with many openly gay and lesbian friends and colleagues whom we have been close to for many years. While that fact has made the issue facing the LGBT community more personal, the fundamental reasons I have for supporting equality are greater than any individual. I am running for President because I believe that we as a nation need change. We need to end the divisive politics of George W. Bush and pursue policies that treat all of us, regardless of identity or background, with dignity, equality and respect.

Blade: Do you have any role models who are openly gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender?

Obama: A college professor of mine helped me to see the lives of LGBT people from a different perspective. He was the first openly gay professor that I had ever come in contact with, or openly gay person of authority that I had come in contact with. And he was just a terrific guy. His comfort in his own skin and the friendship we developed helped to educate me on a number of these issues.

Blade: Would you decline to nominate a qualified Supreme Court justice, cabinet member or other appointed position just because the person is openly gay?

Obama: No. If elected, my appointments will be made on the actual qualifications of the candidates for office, and nothing else. In my administration, my first criteria will be competence and capability.

Blade: Would you decline to nominate a qualified Supreme Court justice or cabinet member who had a history of anti-gay rulings?

Obama: I would have to consider the totality of the candidate’s record and qualifications. However, I think someone who has an established record of failing to support equal opportunities for all Americans would not fare well in an Obama-Biden administration.

more----------------------->http://www.washblade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=20935

[NorthCarolina]

1. Great interview

thanks for posting.