OK. Obama. On DU, there are many people who

[babylonsister]

hate Barack for his tin ear regarding gay rights. It overshadows your perception of him, so who is your candidate? Who best represents you?

[1corona4u]

1. 38 & Counting...

[babylonsister]

4. What does that mean? nt

[NMDemDist2]

2. I don't hate Obama

I just don't think he's ready for prime time.

I don't know who's getting my vote at Caucus, but I've narrowed it down to three names

:shrug:

[babylonsister]

3. 3 names - the luxury of being there is delicious!

:thumbsup:

[babylonsister]

7. You're not gay either, which was the question,. Is he too young at

46, like Kennedy was? I'm going with my gut on this one.

[ingac70]

11. Only gays are to answer?

I didn't see that in your question.

[babylonsister]

12. Ha! You're right, and I'm off to bed. I was thinking of a different

thread, so sorry.

[NMDemDist2]

13. JFK had been to war and led men in battle

JFK had proven his leadership ability under fire

BHO strikes me as wet behind the ears. I don't get the feeling he's been tested yet to show his true mettle like HRC or Biden or even Edwards. He hasn't dealt with a major life blow yet, and I don't want to have it be when he's in the WH.

That's just my opinion, I'll vote for whoever has the (D) after their name in the General, but I just can't see myself giving my support in the primary.

as for the Gay issue, I am pretty up on Gay issues and that's the least of my problems with BHO

[babylonsister]

16. What 'mettle' did HRC address? Or Edwards? Being involved in a

campaign?

[NMDemDist2]

20. Edwards lost his oldest son and his wife is battling cancer

Hillary has been under the neocon microscope for decades, they've tried everything they could think of to throw at her and she's come back stronger every time.

what great tragedy or test has Obama ever faced?

[babylonsister]

23. Please. No life tragedy will equip you for leadership, or do you consider

that a necessity? Obama's mom died young of cancer, I think at the age of 47 - does that count?
Travails will make you stronger, and will help shape character. They all have it, and aren't we lucky.
I'm not about to measure who had the worst tragedy to determine who to pick for prez.

[Maven]

26. His political life has certainly been a charmed one by comparison to the other two.

I don't mean to put words in the other poster's mouth but I think that was the intended meaning.

[babylonsister]

28. Life happens. I'm about to turn 52. I've had my share, as has

everyone. I won't vote for anyone because of their problems but perhaps despite of them.
But we in this country have so much to worry about; give me someone stable who can address
the many problems we have.

[Maven]

31. I agree with you entirely.

I'm just not convinced that Obama has the grit to win a general election, and I don't think his proposals are innovative or even detailed enough to address the problems we face. I realize that people are starving for an uplifting message, but the McClurkin incident represents to me the naivete (or the danger) of Obama's "I can please everyone" approach. I'm more interested in knowing that the person we're electing is grounded and competent enough to undo the damage of the last 7 years.

[NMDemDist2]

32. grit, that's a good word for it

thanks Harvey!

:hi:

[Maven]

34. I thought "steel" was a good word for it too

Thanks back!

:hi:

[NMDemDist2]

36. cool, I'll steal yours and you can use mine hehehehe :hi: n/t

[babylonsister]

37. Well, we disagree right there. You are taking an instance that wounded

you, and I don't blame you. I, however, like Obama for his hope. I don't feel that from Hil, and it's a damn good thing she didn't schedule a similar event, because no offense, but she couldn't care less.

Who does? Yes, Kucinich. I am grateful our Dems are so superior to the rethugs.

And I'm out of here now - the sandman got me!

bye!

[Maven]

38. Nite for now.

:)

[NMDemDist2]

27. you're missing my point sis

I'm not judging who's tragedy was 'worst'. there is no such thing as comparative pain.

I'm just saying I don't think Obama has ever hit that 'dark night of the soul' that makes people know their limits of strength.

and i'm not saying Obama doesn't have strength, only that I don't see in him that he's been tested and came out the other side with a firm grasp on the depths of his character, that core of steel that you only find through being tested.

yes, we are lucky to have so many talented and passionate people running. wish we could pick them all, but we can't.

[Steely_Dan]

40. As An Example...

When I was about twelve, my father told me that he would never hire someone to a high level position in his company unless they have failed at least twice in their lives. When I asked him why, he stated that only someone that has faced the abyss and picked himself up has the character necessary to work for him. I never forgot that.

-Paige

[NMDemDist2]

61. your Father was a wise man n/t

[beaconess]

48. Obama is a black man living in America

That in and of itself is a test - and he has managed to achieve great things despite the obstacles that this has put in front of him.

There, I said it.

(Yes, I know we're not supposed to talk about his race, unless we're using it as proof that he can't be elected. It can't be brought up as evidence of any personal achievement, overcoming of hardship or any other factor that demonstrates a positive quality, since we all know the playing field is perfectly even and that black men do not face any difficulties that aren't faced by anyone else in this society and that the only reason we haven't heretofore had a black man as a viable presidential candidate is that there just haven't been any qualified black men running before Obama).

[snowbear]

22. AZ (now NM) Dem.... answer us this.....

Do you think that George (worst governor in the U.S.) Bush was ready for prime time when he won?



Barack Obama has more intellegence in his little finger than Mr. Bush has in his whole body.

And he, unlike some other candidates are not radio active:




You are selling Senator Obama short.

[NMDemDist2]

25. hell no Bush was and still is an Ass. I have no doubts on Sen. Obama's

intelligence or his natural political skills (much like Sen. Clinton's spouse) but honestly I don't see the steel in him that I think a president needs.

That is not to say he won't develop it, just that I don't see it at this point.

I'm not a Clintonista, but she's one smart, tough lady. But Edwards is pretty damned smart too and Biden is a good man with the seeds of greatness in him IMO.

I'm not dissing Obama, but I'm not voting for him either unless he's the Dem candidate and then I'll do everything I can to get him elected as I pray he has the 'stuff' to do the job.

[snowbear]

29. None of us know who will win the nomination....

And I agree with you (to some degree) ..

I agree with you that Edwards, Biden, and Obama are smarter than hell and that all three of them are electable.

Clinton -- sadly --- is just too (((POLARIZING)))

Don't worry AZ.. turned NM... :)

If Obama is our nominee, we're gonna be JUST FINE! ~~



We'll know soon enough who it is!

[NMDemDist2]

30. well, we sure as hell can't be any worse! anything to make this nightmare end

please.

[snowbear]

33. I agree!

Now please... send me some NM sunshine..

And some salsa..

And a maybe a cactus..

~~~~

[NMDemDist2]

35. I got tons of tumbleweeds I can spare for sure

:rofl:

[Blue_In_AK]

67. Photos of Hillary should not be "sharpened"

or "clarified" in PhotoShop. Ouch.

[ingac70]

5. Bill Richardson is my pick...

He's not dancing around when asked about getting troops out of Iraq, unlike the top three. That, combined with his political experience and the region of the country he comes from, makes him a big A+ in my book.

[Bolo Boffin]

6. Dodd.

<-----used to be Obama

I've only withdrawn my support because of that, and Obama's so much better than any of the Republicans. I've no problem supporting him in the generals. But in the primaries, you vote your heart. Obama put a damper on my heart.

[sandnsea]

8. His church performs gay marriages

He does not have a tin ear regarding gay rights. He has a realistic ear about the black church and homophobia and realizes the way to confront it is not to hide from it.

[ingac70]

9. Having an "ex-gay "headline one of his functions...

Is NOT confronting homophobia in black churches.

[sandnsea]

17. Saying not to be homophobic is

and that's what he's done, no mincing of words at all. You don't always have to hit people over the head with a baseball bat to get them to change.

[Lucinda]

10. I'm sure you'll hear from some who will tell you it DEFINES their perception

of Obama, not "overshadows" it.

[babylonsister]

18. Yes, many on DU. I'm sorry he pissed so many people off. I think

he made a conscious decision and knew what would happen. I'm not gay, I 'get' it, but who has replaced him? Who is watching out for gay rights?

[Lucinda]

58. He wasn't a GLBT "saviour" to start with...

If you are looking for an annointed successor, I doubt you'll find one.

[Nailzberg]

14. I haven't decided yet

Barack was there for LGBTs in the state house. There was a huge battle over SB101 which eventually passed as SB3186. So I know he'll be there for equal rights, as I'm sure all the candidates would, but it would be nice to hear it.

I thought I was down to Edwards and Obama, but Biden and Richardson have been making an impression on me lately, so I really don't know anymore.

[AndyTiedye]

15. Haven't Got a Candidate. Who Best Represents Me? GORE!

DRAFT GORE

[gulliver]

19. Hillary unfortunately.

I can't stand the fact I am forced to accept an impure candidate who would not be a candidate but for her marriage. But I want Clintonism (or better) back, and I think wanting to get Clintonism back is a powerful argument for Hillary to make to the country. She can get us back to something that worked. She can get us health care. She can get the world back on our side.

There is no no-risk candidate. I think Clark would have been that. We apparently don't get that, though.

[babylonsister]

21. Clintonism? UGH! She never made it work to begin with.

You need to read up on the candidates. Really. And my biggest fear is people think they will get Bill with Hillary. That's the wrong reason to vote for her, or anyone. He is not running.

[gulliver]

39. From what I can tell...

...and I can't tell a whole lot at 2:31 AM CST, Hillary could actually be better than Bill. She is probably more liberal, and certainly more predictable. With Hillary, I think we would get professional-level government and a good-hearted approach. Bill Clinton is an amazing--if flawed--human being. Hillary obviously has issues (witness her pathetic, transparent, backfiring attempt to "fight back" against "attacks" from other candidates). But I currently see her as the best, most electable "package."

I originally thought Obama would step up and prove to be a leadership genius on par with a Kennedy or MLK. Although I still think he would make a vastly better president than any of the Republicans, I don't see Obama as "the one" any more. I see him as a risk. With him not being a genius, I don't trust the American public to elect him in the general election. I think a "go back to what we had before" approach (a la Clinton) is a simpler, much more reliable sell and its likelihood is much more assured.

[maddiejoan]

41. I don't think we get Bill.

I think we get Hillary.

Which is exactly why I'm supporting Hillary.

That's who I want as my next President. Guess what? When Bill was President -- Hillary was who I wanted.

I voted for Bill -- so I could have Hillary.

There. I've said it.

[Rockholm]

54. Clinton-Clark ticket. Would be pretty sweet.

[Maven]

24. Kucinich.

I support him because I want to lend support to his message, and part of that message is that GLBT people should be treated equally under the law, without qualification or equivocation.

I should add, though, that Obama's pandering to bigots is not the only reason I'm against him getting the nomination, just a major one.

[readmoreoften]

42. It doesn't "overshadow my perception of him"; it perfectly clarifies who he is.

Barack Obama is the first democratic candidate to introduce hatred into the 2008 campaign. It was an absolutely calculated stunt to gain rabid anti-gay voters in pivotal South Carolina and it worked. He has run on anti-gay code terms, for example, "faith and family tour" and gave a microphone to a man who recently said on national TV "gays are killing our children." He also put three other rabid anti-gay performers on the stage. Barack Obama is not "challenging the left to take back religion"; he is demanding that the left concede to rightwing ideals.

I don't like the Clintons, but I know why gay people do. Even though they capitulated to the right and enacted horrible triangulating policies, their public face was accepting. Oddly enough, this actually means something because it sets the tone of the nation. We felt included, even though we really weren't. We're used to that feeling. It's the way many of our parents and families have always treated us.

But Obama is cultivating a climate of distaste for us. If he can barely contain his distain for us, what kind of policies will he support as president? If he capitulates now, how bad will it get? I shudder to think what a debate between him and Huckabee will be like. What will he do? Out-Christian a pastor? Will so many bible verses be quoted that the average American can't even follow what the hell they're talking about?

I also can't stand the fact that he pretends to be a progressive when he's a rightwing democrat. The Peru Trade agreement. His actions not always matching his rhetoric on union solidarity. Privatizing Social Security. Not showing up for pivotal votes and telling us how he "would've voted". All this garbage about reaching across the aisle. Demonizing left-leaning babyboomers. Nuking Pakistan (what...?)

Kucinich or Edwards. When Edwards says "My whole family is pro gay-marriage, but I'm just not there yet." That's code for...but "I'm there I'm just being cautious." When Obama put "Mr. Gays Kill Children" on the stage, that was code for "I share your distaste, if I could make these people shut up I would."


Kucinich wants LGBT people sitting next to him on the bus.
Edwards will sneak us onto the bus when no one's looking.
Clinton will make us sit in the back of the bus.
Obama will chop off our arms, fuel the bus with our bones and blood, and then tell us: hey, stopping complaining, at least I saved your lives...

[Bluebear]

43. Well said.

[readmoreoften]

45. Heya Bluebear! Missed ya...It's been a year or so.... :)

I was lurking--watching you take on all those McClurkin threads made me come out of the shadows again. :pals:

[Bluebear]

46. I'm glad you're out of the shadows again!

:hug:

[zulchzulu]

50. You are incorrect on many statements on Obama

Your assessment is garbled and dishonest. Obama is strong on unions, doesn't want to privatize Social Security, doesn't want to "demonize" baby boomers, never said he's "nuke Pakistan"...

As for working with others, perhaps you realize that that's how things get done in life. The fact that he uses "faith" is not "anti-gay"...if that's the case, ALL of the candidates have used that term. And what's wrong with "faith"?

What is over the top delusional nonsense is your screed "Obama will chop off our arms, fuel the bus with our bones and blood..."

Don't bother responding. With shit like that, you're on Ignore. Have a good life if that's possible.

[readmoreoften]

52. Over the top screed. Please. You're most likely a paid schill anyway.

I've never seen you do anything but fight gay people on this board and promote your candidate. I suppose you responded to me because I'm the only gay person you didn't have on ignore yet.

[readmoreoften]

53. Oh, and aren't you supposed to be reaching out to me and uniting with me?

Not putting me on ignore and telling me that my dislike of your candidates behavior doesn't matter? Where's the reaching out and coming together and all that. I thought your candidate was "a uniter, not a divider." If you people can't even stop belittling and berating your own damn party members for being baby boomers and uppity gays, how do you think you're going to take on republicans?

[Name removed]

59. Deleted message

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

[readmoreoften]

55. Sorry "Faith and Family Gospel Tour" is code for anti-gay, and the event was in fact anti-gay.

If he had actually CHALLENGED right-wing talking points and had pro-gay and inclusive performers it would've been a true reclamation of the words for our party. But it wasn't. It challenged nothing other than LGBT people's patience. He didn't reclaim faith for Democrats, he showed that Democrats are just as bigoted as Republicans. There's a huge difference.

[Maven]

63. VERY well said.

You covered it all.

[Skittles]

73. this is worthy of its own thread

you put into words exactly the feeling I get that I THINK a gay person would get, watching and listening to Obama. YES.

[robbedvoter]

44. DK, Gravel. But I could see myself voting for Obama - easier than for the IWR

sponsors, voters.

[readmoreoften]

47. Okay but do you really believe that BO wouldn't have voted pro IWR if he were in office at the time?

I don't buy it. If Obama had done anything SUBSTANTIVE to stop the war, it'd be a turning point for me. But he didn't even show up to vote against Kyle-Lieberman. He considers Lieberman a mentor, and Obama actually openly talked about nuking Pakistan--which caused an international brouhaha. Personally, I'll buy Edwards' 5 years late conversion over Obama's speechifying. I truly believe that Obama will be as hawkish as he pleases.

Cheers. :toast:

[robbedvoter]

57. He put himself on the record AT THE TIME as opposing it. Like Gore, Clark

and a few others - he gets the same credit from me for that.

[zulchzulu]

49. Obama's record proves he doesn't have a "tin ear" to gay rights

Yes, the McClurkin concert where Donnie stepped over the line in that one concert was not the best thing politically to do (where Obama was not there), but Obama's record on LGBT issues is excellent in my view.

We can talk about that one concert all day and for some, it is something they will either use overdemonstrably for political jousting or act like it's something more than it really is. Others in the LGBT community are well past the event and see the full picture.

Here's some of the record Obama has with LGBT issues:

BARACK OBAMA’S SUPPORT FOR THE GAY AND LESBIAN COMMUNITY
“Most of us do believe that gay couples should be able to visit each other in the hospital and share health care
benefits; most of us do believe that they should be treated with dignity and have their privacy respected by the
federal government.”

BARACK OBAMA ON GAY AND LESBIAN ISSUES
Expand Hate Crimes Statutes: In 2004, crimes against homosexuals constituted the third-highest category of hate crime reported and made up more than 15 percent of such crimes. Barack Obama cosponsored legislation that would expand federal jurisdiction to reach violent hate crimes perpetrated because of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical disability. As a state senator, Obama passed tough legislation that made hate crimes and conspiracy to commit them against the law.

Fight Workplace Discrimination: Barack Obama believes the Employment Non-Discrimination Act should be expanded to include sexual orientation. While an increasing number of employers have extended benefits to their employees’ domestic partners, discrimination based on sexual orientation in the workplace occurs with no federal legal remedy. Obama also sponsored and passed legislation in the Illinois State Senate that would ban employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Promote Gay and Lesbian Rights: Barack Obama supported legislation in the Illinois State Senate to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing and public accommodations.

Support Full Civil Unions: Barack Obama supports civil unions that give gay couples full rights, including the right to assist their loved ones in times of emergency, the right to equal health insurance and other employment benefits currently extended to traditional married couples, and the same property rights as anyone else.

Oppose a Constitutional Ban on Gay Marriage: Barack Obama voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2006 which would have defined marriage as between a man and a woman and prevented judicial extension of marriage-like rights to same-sex or other unmarried couples. “We are better than this. And we certainly owe the American people more than this. I know that this amendment will fail, and when it does, I hope we can start discussing issues and offering proposals that will actually improve the lives of most Americans.” (Barack Obama on the Senate floor regarding the Federal Marriage Amendment, June 5, 2006)

Repeal Don’t Ask-Don’t Tell: Barack Obama agrees with former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff John Shalikashvili and other military experts that we need to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy in consultation with military commanders. The key test for military service should be patriotism, a sense of duty, and a willingness to serve. Discrimination should be prohibited. The U.S. government has spent millions of dollars replacing troops kicked out of the military because of their sexual orientation. Additionally, more than 300 Paid for by Obama for America language experts have been fired under this policy, including more than 50 who are fluent in Arabic. Obama will work with military leaders to repeal the current policy and ensure it helps accomplish our national defense goals.

Expand Adoption Rights. Barack Obama believes that homosexuals should have the same adoption rights as heterosexuals.

Fight AIDS Worldwide: There are 40 million people across the planet infected with HIV/AIDS. Every day, AIDS kills 8,000 and HIV infects 6,000 more people. The disease is set to become the third-leading cause of death worldwide in the coming years. Barack Obama has been a global leader in the fight against AIDS. He traveled to Kenya and took a public HIV test to encourage testing and reduce the stigma of the disease.

Promote AIDS Prevention: Barack Obama believes that we cannot ignore that abstinence and fidelity may too often be the ideal and not the reality. Obama went to a large evangelical conference in 2006 to promote greater investment in the global AIDS battle. At this conservative Christian event, Obama pushed for a balanced approach to fighting the disease that includes condom distribution. In late 2006, Barack Obama worked to reauthorize the Ryan White CARE Act, which is one of the largest sources of federal funds for primary health care and support services for patients with HIV/AIDS. The bill was named after Ryan White, an Indiana teenager whose courageous struggle with HIV/AIDS helped educate the nation.

Empower Women to Prevent HIV/AIDS: In the United States, the percentage of women diagnosed with AIDS has quadrupled over the last 20 years. Today, women account for more than one quarter of all new HIV/AIDS diagnoses. Barack Obama introduced the Microbicide Development Act, which will accelerate the development of products that empower women in the battle against AIDS. Microbicides are a class of products currently under development that women apply topically to prevent transmission of HIV and other infections.

http://www.outfordemocracy.org/docs/2008/obamahrcresponse.pdf

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLhf1YGViyQ

I've done lots of grassroots work over the years for LGBT issues (to the chagrin of some here on DU), and his record on these and other civil rights issues for others is an amazing record for a possible President to begin office with. I'd like to see civil unions and domestic partnerships expand to full acknowledgement of gay marriage, but the first steps are integral to getting that achieved.

[readmoreoften]

51. I've done lots of grassroots work for African Americans over the years and that doesn't mean

I've lived the African-American experience. It only makes me an aware, empathetic, person who recognizes injustice and fights for equality. When you say that LGBT people are "act like it's something more than it really is" you are proving that you have learned zilch from all the "grassroots work" that you've done for "us." I don't care how many of your best friends are gay.

How dare you tell me that I don't have the right to oppose a candidate who gives a microphone to someone who shilled for Republicans and said "gays are killing our kids" on national TV? Why don't you go on the record and tell me exactly HOW MUCH you think giving a microphone to a hatemonger on a "faith and family" tour REALLY MATTERS? Is it bigger than a political breadbox? Is it smaller than a Trans-Am?

And I'll tell you what--Obama supporters who continue to minimize my very real anger at their candidate are only pissing me off more. The supporters who said unequivocably that he was wrong on this issue are the only thing that's stopping me from believing that this whole Obama thing is an irrational cult. So if you want me to vote for your candidate in the general should he (god forbid no) be the nominee, you might want to put me on ignore starting now if you can't resist belittling and demeaning my disapproval of your candidate's craven political cowardice thus far. You'll catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

Mitt Romney passed local pro-gay legislation. So did Guiliani. What someone does when elected by a blue state doesn't necessarily match what they'll do when elected by the "Faith and Family" voters of South Carolina, Alaska, and Texas.

I don't trust him. I have good reason not to trust him.

[ruggerson]

56. I wish you would make this an OP -

k and r

[zulchzulu]

60. You are simply irrational and have anger issues beyond this "debate"

Get help.

[Maven]

64. I don't see her being irrational.

I see you being dismissive and arrogant.

[zulchzulu]

65. You have no clue...

This bullshit about how "I'm fighting gays" was beyond the pale.

I've been doing grassroots efforts for the LGBT community since the 1980's when I started riding in AIDS Rides for my uncle, who passed away from the disease. I've done six of them and have raised thousands of dollars for the cause. I've done a lot of grassroots work in several states fighting anti-gay legislation.

Tell me I'm "fighting gays" and I'll give you the mother-fucking finger.

[Maven]

66. I don't think you're "fighting gays"

but I'm sure you can understand why GLBTs were aggravated not just by the event itself, but by many of Obama's supporters who basically told us, "not only should you get over it, I'm glad Obama gave a platform to a bigot." Instead of just saying, "You know what? This was misguided and a political mistake. But I'm still confident my candidate will support you when it matters," as you just did and as babylonsister did upthread. It doesn't erase the distrust created by Obama's actions, but it's far more reassuring and constructive.

BTW, as a gay man, I will absolutely and without a doubt vote for Obama if he gets the nomination. I just hope that if and when he's elected president, you and every other Obama supporter will hold his feet to the fire on GLBT issues, and will not excuse things that he does or doesn't do that hurt GLBTs. I really hope so.

[zulchzulu]

71. Well she said I'm "fighting gays" and I take offense to that lie

I am also not a big fan of the McClurkin controversy. I also think the event is completely overblown at this point. People here say Obama was at the event. They say McClurkin introduced him. They say that Obama supports what he says...

Those are LIES. Period.

[mtnsnake]

68. Nobody should ever believe a word that comes out of your mouth, zulchzulu

You prove everyday how you walk in it up to your hips. What a crock.

[zulchzulu]

69. Swat!

Bye you asswipe.

[mtnsnake]

70. truth hurts

eh, candy?

[readmoreoften]

76. Uh. Where did I say you're "fighting gays"? (Since you have it in quotes...)

No. I said that you have no right to tell LGBT people what is or isn't important to them. It is extremely EXTREMELY arrogant. You are doing your candidate a grave disservice.

[Bluebear]

74. Too bad you have me on ignore & won't see me saying "Irrational? Pot meet kettle."

Shame.

[LWolf]

62. Kucinich. n/t

[mitchtv]

72. Kuchinich simple

. particularly on this one issue, I could live with any of the others, (Hillary only to have Bill around again), Obama turned me off on other items before McClurkin came up. Wrong on nuclear, too. Too willing to compromise.

[NMMNG]

75. I don't hate him (or anybody for that matter)

I simply don't trust him, like his tactics or support his platform. When it comes to LGBT rights he essentially gave us a bunch of lip-service, then proceeded to throw us under the bus in favor of the bigot vote. How can somebody like that be trusted?

IMO Kucinich best represents me, and Dems in general.

[ripple]

77. This lesbian supports Obama

because rights aren't built in a vaccuum. His campaign made a huge mistake with McClurkin, but if one looks at his record, he supports equal opportunity for ALL Americans, not just people like me, or blacks, or Latinos, or the economically disadvantaged.

I want a president that serves ALL Americans, even those whose opinions I despise.