Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Politics / Homo Fierce Advocacy Watch
Posted by Dan Savage on Tue, Nov 3, 2009 at 8:17 AM
Barack Obama made time to campaign in New Jersey and Virginia and sent Joe Biden to upstate New York to campaign for a Democrat running for Congress. But the Obama administration refused to do the bare minimum for the president's LGBT supporters. Obama didn't issue an explicit statement calling on voters in Maine to vote "NO" on Question 1 and he didn't ask voters in Washington state to approve R-71. Obama's political organization—Organizing for America—sent an email to voters in Maine yesterday asking them to remember to vote. But it didn't mention Question 1 or ask Maine voters to vote "NO" on Question 1.
The votes in Maine and Washington state today are likely to be very, very close, and Obama's inaction—his refusal to advocate for the equality of same-sex couples—could hand the bigots a victory.
UPDATE: It gets worse. Organizing for America sent another email to Maine voters today asking them to get involved and take action and help out of the vote... in New Jersey.
UPDATE 2: Kevin in comments points us to a mealymouthed, vague, and useless statement issued by the White House in mid-October that said president "has long opposed divisive and discriminatory efforts to deny rights and benefits to same-sex couples." It was issued in response to a request for comment by The Advocate. The statement did not make headlines in Maine or Washington state or anywhere else because it didn't specifically and explicitly call on voters in Maine and Washington state to vote "NO" on Question 1 and vote to approve R-71 respectively. Here's me and Corey Johnson from Towleroad on AC360 two weeks ago talking about what Obama needed to do for Washington and Maine...
And he didn't do it. No one felt that statement went far enough—and it wasn't just dismissed by gay activists. Obama's vague statement wasn't even mentioned by mainstream newspapers or broadcasts in Washington state or Maine because it didn't specifically and explicitly call on voters, again, to vote "NO" on Prop 1 in Maine and vote to approve R-71 in Washington state.
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2
I think you are seriously overestimating Obama's influence with the liberals and seriously underestimating the contempt for Obama in the right wing universe. An Obama endorsement could very well bring more crazy righties to the ballot box.
3
And correct me if I'm wrong, but Organizing for America isn't Obama's political organization, anymore--isn't it run by the DNC?
5
The big problem is that the left and the middle in this country actually seemed to believe that Obama wasn't just another, ordinary politician. One of prodigious skills, certainly. Great charisma, and impressive vision.
But still pragmatic. And for some reason, Obama has determined that true fierce advocacy in favor of Gay Rights is not the best thing for his agenda. I think that's sad, because although I tend to be conservative fiscally, I believe in Gay rights and Gay marriage.
I had thought that this issue would be one on which I would agree with Obama while I tended to disagree elsewhere in his policies. Instead, I find that he has disappointed me in the one major area that I thought he would come through.
But still pragmatic. And for some reason, Obama has determined that true fierce advocacy in favor of Gay Rights is not the best thing for his agenda. I think that's sad, because although I tend to be conservative fiscally, I believe in Gay rights and Gay marriage.
I had thought that this issue would be one on which I would agree with Obama while I tended to disagree elsewhere in his policies. Instead, I find that he has disappointed me in the one major area that I thought he would come through.
6
Darlings, Obama isn't going to lobby to help gays keep rights he doesn't think we should have. The man's fundamental opposition to same sex marriage is a matter of public record.
7
@6 is right.
And the CONSTANT indignant agrieved bitching from Dan et al and the CONSTANT finding betrayal in Obama's every action and statement will only piss him off royally.
It surprises what a poor job the gays, with their DINK spare cash and no-kids-to-raise free time, do at effective political action. No grassroots. No pressure on Congress.
The only strategy seems to be armies of dyke lawyers trying to overturn this and that decision by the voters. Sure to boost popular support...
Dan seems to be under the illusion that if he rubbed the fuzzy top of the Magic Negro Gay Rights would come spilling out. And when that didn't work he will scream at it and bang it against the wall, hoping to make the damn thing finally work...
And the CONSTANT indignant agrieved bitching from Dan et al and the CONSTANT finding betrayal in Obama's every action and statement will only piss him off royally.
It surprises what a poor job the gays, with their DINK spare cash and no-kids-to-raise free time, do at effective political action. No grassroots. No pressure on Congress.
The only strategy seems to be armies of dyke lawyers trying to overturn this and that decision by the voters. Sure to boost popular support...
Dan seems to be under the illusion that if he rubbed the fuzzy top of the Magic Negro Gay Rights would come spilling out. And when that didn't work he will scream at it and bang it against the wall, hoping to make the damn thing finally work...
8
Obama has been a major disappointment. Who knew he would turn out to be such a cautious wus trying to "reach across the aisle" to Republicans who will never give him the time of day. You gotta give the Republicans credit for one thing: when they win, they do everything they can to pass the policies they campaigned for, cramming them down the opposition's throat. When the Democrats win, all they do is cower from every wing-nut on the right who says all those "terrible, mean nasty things" about them.
9
at this point in time, it is most important for obama to stay politically favorable... his national strategy has always been to never give republicans any red meat to chew on.... FISA, public option, gay marriage, etc....
10
I trust you're as outraged as I that they clipped the mike to your collar like that. What sort of ultra-low-rated closet case would order his people to take such a cruel measure, just to make sure Coop stayed the cutest one in that threeway?
13
We're not just complaining about his inaction on same-sex marriage. The man has repeatedly called himself a fierce advocate for equality, his actions give the lie to his claims, but we continue to hope that he will really act on his assertions even as we watch him duck and cover. If his attitude is a calculated political position, then he needs to rethink his calculations, because as things stand now he's not going to get anything like the same support from the gay community in 2012 that he enjoyed in 2008, and we all know that by 2012 the Democrats are going to need serious shoring up.
14
I've learned my lesson. Fundraising letters from Obama go straight to the trash now (as does HRC mail).
15
Well, we've established that he's most definitely *not* a fierce advocate. But my sense is that in his own personal beliefs he feels like one, and really did intend to shake things up once in office. ...And then he confronted the very powerful conservative front once he got there. So now he stays tight-lipped and is very careful about picking his battles.
The guy really does have a difficult job - it's like he's in a vise at all times. None of us can possibly imagine. I sure don't envy him. Cut the man some slack, wouldja?
The guy really does have a difficult job - it's like he's in a vise at all times. None of us can possibly imagine. I sure don't envy him. Cut the man some slack, wouldja?
16
'(The) president "has long opposed divisive and discriminatory efforts to deny rights and benefits to same-sex couples."'
That would be like FDR issueing a statement saying that it was not a very nice thing for the Nazis to gas the Jews.
That would be like FDR issueing a statement saying that it was not a very nice thing for the Nazis to gas the Jews.
17
If you read David Mixner today, you will see that he agrees with you, Dan.
In addition to having to fight religious extremists that insist on enforcing their superstitions via legislation, we also must combat the willful ignorance of our supposed allies.
How many people that identified as liberal or as Democrats voted to pass Prop 8? According to CNN exit poll far too many did.
36% Democrat / 46% Independent / 22% Liberal
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results…
How many Mainers consider themselves to be Obama supporters that oppose marriage equality? According to Mixner:
"54% of the voters say they supported Obama...28%
of the Obama supporters say they were voting against marriage equality."
http://www.davidmixner.com/2009/11/maine…
The minds we need to change are those that supposed agree the most with us in all other ideological areas. And those are the people Obama can help with...but he refuses...and THAT is what we must remember in 2010 and 2012.
You don't show up for us when we need you and we will remember to return the favor...because the right wing Lieberman types sure as hell do not have your back, do they?
In addition to having to fight religious extremists that insist on enforcing their superstitions via legislation, we also must combat the willful ignorance of our supposed allies.
How many people that identified as liberal or as Democrats voted to pass Prop 8? According to CNN exit poll far too many did.
36% Democrat / 46% Independent / 22% Liberal
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results…
How many Mainers consider themselves to be Obama supporters that oppose marriage equality? According to Mixner:
"54% of the voters say they supported Obama...28%
of the Obama supporters say they were voting against marriage equality."
http://www.davidmixner.com/2009/11/maine…
The minds we need to change are those that supposed agree the most with us in all other ideological areas. And those are the people Obama can help with...but he refuses...and THAT is what we must remember in 2010 and 2012.
You don't show up for us when we need you and we will remember to return the favor...because the right wing Lieberman types sure as hell do not have your back, do they?
18
@16.
that's just offensive. Marriage equality is important. VERY important. But lack of it does not compare to the systematic murder of six million Jews, three million Romani, and millions of others. Including Gays.
that's just offensive. Marriage equality is important. VERY important. But lack of it does not compare to the systematic murder of six million Jews, three million Romani, and millions of others. Including Gays.
19
His parents went through the same struggle, being an interracial couple back in the time before interracial marriage was legal. I think that's what pisses me off the most.
22
OMG - I'm big gay gushing over that video.
Dan, love you for your big gay mouth and ability to not shut up about shit that matters BUT Corey Johnson is soooo cute. Like super hot. Next time the 2 of you are on AC360 can you ask that when you're speaking they still show Corey's face? Thanks, appreciate it ;-)
Dan, love you for your big gay mouth and ability to not shut up about shit that matters BUT Corey Johnson is soooo cute. Like super hot. Next time the 2 of you are on AC360 can you ask that when you're speaking they still show Corey's face? Thanks, appreciate it ;-)
23
Yeah, I'm sorta in the 'cut the guy some slack' corner, although, would have been nice to have him at least try and mention Maine in the past week...
I mean, the guy has a TON, a TON on his plate from the last 8 nightmare years, and, just think for a moment...McCain/PALIN. We'd be hiding in bunkers by now if that was our reality.
So, sure, you can call it lesser of two evils if you want...I know we've got a smart, savvy, shrewd President in office who ultimately does give a shit about us. ALL of us.
I mean, the guy has a TON, a TON on his plate from the last 8 nightmare years, and, just think for a moment...McCain/PALIN. We'd be hiding in bunkers by now if that was our reality.
So, sure, you can call it lesser of two evils if you want...I know we've got a smart, savvy, shrewd President in office who ultimately does give a shit about us. ALL of us.
24
Actually Obama has failed to use his e mail list and his general ability to stir grass roots passion FOR ANYTHING including gay rights OR health care OR stirring populist passion against excesses of wall street. . . .the real failure is not just his own voice being absent or his own person being absent but his failure to use the 11 million strong list as an organizing tool..it could have been 30 million by now...total fans who'd have been out doorbelling calling sign waving anything he asked us to do....for CHANGE.
25
@9, you're kidding, right? If we've learned anything in the last year, it's that the teabaggers don't need any "red meat" to freak out! It doesn't matter if there's no "there" there. They just make stuff up. Playing nice with them will NOT get him anywhere. The only way to defeat a bully is stand up to him and show that you will not be moved. Unfortunately the President has rarely been willing to do this.
@7, where did you get the idea that gay people don't have kids? You know you're posting these comments on the wesite of a gay man with a kid, right?
@7, where did you get the idea that gay people don't have kids? You know you're posting these comments on the wesite of a gay man with a kid, right?
26
Oh, and to those who want to "cut him slack":
1. If he wanted people to cut him some slack, then he shouldn't have run for President. There is no slack in that job. He told us he would step up, now it's time for him to deliver.
2. You don't win change by electing a nice guy and then cutting him some slack. I agree that the President seems like a good man, but we can't let that stop our movements for change.
1. If he wanted people to cut him some slack, then he shouldn't have run for President. There is no slack in that job. He told us he would step up, now it's time for him to deliver.
2. You don't win change by electing a nice guy and then cutting him some slack. I agree that the President seems like a good man, but we can't let that stop our movements for change.
28
Look no one is stating the obvious for fear of sounding racist but historically Blacks have been very prejudiced towards gays. in a culture that treats black men like garbage and they have to prove their manhood, this is not surprising. Obama is simply going along with the cultural convention. Or he being shrewd and waiting to see how the issue plays out in these elections before taking action. Pick one.
29
Dan, I enjoyed your points, but I found myself becoming distracted by your t-shirt (especially when they had all three of you on screen at once). Maybe toss on something a little nicer? It makes you and your point of view seem more respectable and serious.
30
The biggest issue for me is not whether Obama says anything during the votes, but rather the votes really should never have happened. The majority should *never* have the power to decide the fate of the civil rights of a minority. Mob rule is something our founders were very much against. Ending slavery, black rights in the 50's and 60's, women's rights to vote and abortion rights, all were decided by the government, NOT the masses.
When Loving vs. Virginia passed, only about 30% of the people were in favor of interracial marriage. Imagine the outcome if interracial marriage was put on the ballot then? If it were always up to the masses, civil rights would never have happened for any minority. So why is gay marriage being put to the vote of the people? The courts will have to one day decide, because lgbt people aren't just going to tuck in and take what the "moral majority" says.
When Loving vs. Virginia passed, only about 30% of the people were in favor of interracial marriage. Imagine the outcome if interracial marriage was put on the ballot then? If it were always up to the masses, civil rights would never have happened for any minority. So why is gay marriage being put to the vote of the people? The courts will have to one day decide, because lgbt people aren't just going to tuck in and take what the "moral majority" says.
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