Much of the recent gay-related news from the presidential campaign has come from the John Edwards camp, whose strong LGBT positions have gained him traction within the community. Now, the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination—according to the latest New Hampshire polls—raises the bar. Sen. Hillary Clinton announced a new steering committee comprised of prominent gays and lesbians to reach out to the community.
"LGBT Americans for Hillary" is a described as "a national steering committee of over 65 leaders in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community" whose membership includes "LGBT elected officials, activists from national LGBT and Democratic Party political groups as well as leaders from the worlds of business, entertainment and sports." One of the most prominent names is New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn:
"I've seen how Hillary Clinton's experience, commitment, and leadership have made a difference for the LGBT community. From her efforts to defeat the Federal Marriage Amendment to standing up for our rights in employment practices, there is no one else in this race who will fight harder for the LGBT community. She's ready to be our next president and I look forward to organizing the LGBT community on her behalf."
The steering committee also includes sports great Billie Jean King, recording industry lobbyist Hilary Rosen, former Clinton Administration cabinet official Fred Hochberg and many of the other prominent LGBT supporters previously mentioned on Rod 2.0. Full list here.
Just as an FYI, the Clinton campaign also recognized the 38th anniversary of the Stonewall riots and issued the press release on the front page of the campaign website. That front-page treatment is a contrast to previous announcements regarding LGBT positions. We're moving on up in visibility ...
Clinton Announces LGBT Steering Committee [HRC]
Poll Shows Clinton Winning NH by Landslide [WBZ]
Some Background ...
Clinton Names Prominent Gay Supporters [R20]
Clinton, Edwards Oppose Surgeon General Nominee [R20]
Clinton Camp Targets Gay and Lesbian Donors [R20]
Obama Campaign Names Gay Supporters [R20]
Behind the Gay-Friendly Faces [Advocate]
The Advocate: Clinton vs Obama [R20]
Memo to Mr. Geffen: Get Over It [R20]
Hillary Big Brother "Ad" [R20]
Obama Strategist Behind Hillary Big Brother Ad [R20]
Rod, you're doing a fabulous job of updating us about the candidates. While I don't thinlk any of themn are speaking to me yet--or, to the black gay community per se--it's good to see that they are making overtures. However, you are doing quite a good job.
Posted by: Joshua R | 28 June 2007 at 00:01
Rod, you're doing a fabulous job of updating us about the candidates. While I don't thinlk any of themn are speaking to me yet--or, to the black gay community per se--it's good to see that they are making overtures. However, you are doing quite a good job.
Posted by: Joshua R | 28 June 2007 at 00:01
Agreed. The candidates are not speaking to me personally yet. But they could be, I'm keeping my option open. But Joshua made a very good point, you are all over the election and LGBT issues, its wonderful.
Posted by: Franklyn Smith | 28 June 2007 at 00:09
Rod, have you made any endorsements yet?
Posted by: greg g | 28 June 2007 at 00:12
I haven't made my mind up yet. Clinton is clearly the strongest but the most bland. Edwards positions are the most meaningful but he cannot stay on mnessage. Obama is the most telegenic but has the least experience and gravitas.
Thanks for pointing out the fact that Clinton's previous gay announcements never made her front page.
Posted by: derrick | 28 June 2007 at 00:26
It's amazing that so many gay people are going ga-ga over Hillary Clinton. She has never stood with the community.
Also, who are the "prominent" black gay mena nd lesbians supporting? And are the candidates reaching out to us?
Posted by: Quinton | 28 June 2007 at 00:36
Quintoin, I think you're reading too much into the updates.
If you look at all the canmdidate coverage, Derrick makes a good point. Rod has consistently said thast Clinton is probably the most forceful but least personable. Edwards has bneen repoorted several days this week, but traditionally, as said above, gets off message. And he is always bullish on Obama. I don't think he has made any endorsements, he's just keeping ups up to the minute.
Posted by: ca | 28 June 2007 at 00:46
How many of the members of this LGBT steering committtee are people of color?
Posted by: Mad Professah | 28 June 2007 at 01:58
I still don't see what's so great about her, but, that's just me, as I just don't see myself voting for her. But, I wonder if she has by black folks on this committee, or the same old ones who give her big bucks?
Posted by: LaRufus | 28 June 2007 at 08:25
It's fine that Hillary Clinton may not be the candidate for you. Okay. GET INVOLVED. Every day, every time Rod updates anything about the candidates, there are dozens of complaints
Hilary, Barack Obama and John Edwards are doing this outreach because, as Rod predicted in his article for The Advocate, they would compete over gay votes (and dollars) and try to adjust their positions. You're not going to find someone to agree with you 100 percent. So start looking.
You could easily find out how many of these faces are black by doing a Google or looking at the list. Same thing with Obama or Edwards. Just do something.
Posted by: anon | 28 June 2007 at 10:52
So, she too is pandering for votes? Just why should any gay perosn vote for her? Sorry, not my type of canidate. I wish that Richardson or Kucninh had a chance, but, this system is for the ones who can raise he most money, and with the Democtartic "front runners, looks like 4 more years of GOP torture at this point in time.
But, great updates on all of them.
Posted by: Andy | 28 June 2007 at 14:51