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09/05/2008
Video: I admire you...for looking adversity in the eye and voting for it anyway
Steve Schmidt, John McCain's senior campaign strategist, met today with the Log Cabin Republicans in order to put forth some vague niceties. At said meeting, Schmidt didn't address the considerable reasons (support for Don't Ask Don't Tell) why (non-support for either hate crimes legislation or ENDA) gays (state-level marriage ban support) might (discriminatory adoption stance) be (nonsupport for even civil unions) hesitant (appointment of Supreme Court justices who could roll back gay rights) about (Palin's association with folks with the Alliance Defense Fund) supporting (Palin's nonsupport for DP benefits) a (gay-unfriendly Republican party platform) McCain/Palin ticket (the fact that Palin delights far-right conservatives). He did, however, tell personal stories about his lesbian sister, referred to LCR as an "important part of the party," encouraged the organization to keep fighting for what they believe in, and continued the meme that one well rehearsed speech has somehow turned Sarah Palin into a formidable political figure with extraordinary acumen.
Think Progress brings us the video:
Hmm. Well, he comes across like a decent enough guy. But ya know, the whole thing kind of reminds us of being at a wedding reception and listening to a best man who secretly slept with the bride the night before try to deliver a warm champagne toast. Regardless of how nice he wants to be or how sincerely apologetic he might feel, we just can't help but remember the gross sounds we've already heard coming from his bed. And we can't imagine that he's going to stop futzing with other people's happy weddings. We just can't.
VIDEO: Top McCain Aide Tells Gay Republicans, ‘You Are An Important Part Of Our Party’ [Think Progress]
McCain's Top Strategist Addresses Log Cabin Republicans [Advocate]
***ALSO: Hear one more gay Republican, this time LCR's Jimmy LaSalvia, try to spin Palin's veto of a bill that would've banned domestic partner benefits as some sort of a "pro-gay" move:
For the one billionth time: It. Was. Not. A. 'Pro-Gay' Veto!!!!! It's fine if you want to support her DESPITE the evidence. But for the love of truthful elephants: STOP MISREPRESENTING THIS POINT!
Your thoughts
The left has healthy skepticism on the inclusiveness of McCain. What does it mean to be inclusive? Most people believe that inclusiveness would be meaning treating the LGBT community of our country as equals. Even though Senator McCain did not support the Federal Marriage Amendment, he would like to ban it at the state level. Even though he would not mind sharing a beer with one of his gay co-workers, he does not support employment non-discrimination.
If inclusion means that we are welcome in his campaign, but he is not going to change his tune on any of the issues that matter to the community. Then, why bother endorsing or supporting him. There are many of us who would support McCain and the Republicans on many issues that concern us, but if they cannot support us as equal citizens, then how could they earn our support?
Posted by: matt from california | Sep 5, 2008 12:43:57 PM
"but if they cannot support us as equal citizens, then how could they earn our support?"
This ticket shouldn't earn our support. The LCR endorsement is a major misstep. Even some right-leaning LGBT people realize it.
Posted by: G-A-Y | Sep 5, 2008 12:48:01 PM
True... I should of said on the last sentence, then it should not be evident that support should be earned.
Since he decided to appoint Palin to the ticket, I basically gave up on McCain. I am going for Bob Barr this year since my state is a safe Obama state. Basically Palin helped remove the moderate makeup off McCain's old face.
I think 2008 should of been a no-endorsement, but I think the LCR leadership was gushing over being an officially invited group to the convention and wanted to pay back for those floor passes and the access.
Posted by: | Sep 5, 2008 1:13:43 PM
What I wouldn't pay to get McCain's top campaign strategist to actually support gay marriage and encourage the candidates that he works for to be more gay friendly.
Oh... wait...
According to the Washington Post:
"Schmidt's sister, his only sibling, is gay, and he has made it clear that he is appalled by the party's hostile attitudes toward gay rights. He urged Schwarzenegger last year to sign the California gay marriage bill, which the governor vetoed."
Posted by: Timothy | Sep 5, 2008 3:28:57 PM
Bob Barr? You might as well vote for the internet.
Posted by: chris | Sep 5, 2008 3:31:43 PM
But the point is, Timothy, the positions of the man for whom he stumps! It warms my heart that Mr. Schmidt loves his sister. And I acknowledged that he seems nice enough. But he is working to elect a ticket that lesbians like his sister have every right to oppose (for reasons FAR beyond marriage)!
Posted by: G-A-Y | Sep 5, 2008 3:45:39 PM
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