HRC/Logo Presidential Forum: Notes on the Morning After

Six of the eight Democratic presidential candidates were put on the spot last night at the Human Rights Campaign/Logo Presidential Forum. (Live blogs on Rod 2.0, Advocate Insider, Huffington Post and Pam Spaulding.) The forum on gay and lesbian issues ranged from questions on adoption to religion but the vast majority of the questions  focused on same-sex marriage. 

The forum was held in a Los Angeles studio that resembled a talk show set and many of the live studio audience were newsmakers within the LGBT community—Susan Stanton, the dismissed transgender city manager from Florida; retired Marine Staff Sergeant Eric Alva,  the first U.S. service member injured in the Iraq war.

The candidates appeared one at a time and answered questions from a panel that included Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese, singer Melissa Etheridge and Washington Post editorial writer Jonathan Capehart. HRC and Logo have been criticized for selecting rock star Melissa Etheridge as one of the three panelists. Indeed her questions were lengthy and sometimes (painfully) self-aware but Etheridge was responsible for two of the most memorable moments of the evening.

Etheridge asked Gov. Bill Richardson if he believed sexuality was biological or a choice. "It's a choice," he said. Etheridge rephrased the question—"I don't think you understand what I'm trying to say"—but the governor stumbled over his words and didn't change his answer, offering only, 'I'm not a scientist. I don't see this as an issue of science or definition. I see gays and lesbians as people as a matter of human decency.'

Richardson explains his confusion to Queerty: "I just simply made a mistake. I misunderstood the question. My impression - I thought it was a tricky science question, where you put politics into science. I think the word Melissa used was "biological". Since I use "choice" so much, I'm so committed to choice - a woman's right to choose - I thought that was the appropriate answer."

The other Etheridge moment was when she told Sen. Hillary Clinton that she "came out [as a lesbian] the week that Bill Clinton was inaugurated as president. 'It was wonderful. We were very, very hopeful, and in the years that followed, our hearts were broken. We were thrown under the bus. We were pushed aside. Al those great promise were made to us.' "

The question crystallized much of the gay antipathy that surrounds Clinton's presidential campaign. "Well, you know, obviously Melissa, I don't see it quite the way that you describe but I respect your feelings," the senator responded.

Clinton was asked about her opposition to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" to explain why she hasn't brought up a bill for its repeal in the Senate Armed Services Committee.  The answer was very strategic: "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was a very "transitional solution" and its enactment has been flawed, she explained. "Up until now, the Republicans have controlled Congress" and certainly the Bush Administration would be opposed. "Rather than fight a losing battle. I'll work to repeal it when in my Administration."

Mrs. Clinton also referenced Marine Staff Sergeant Eric Alva who was sitting in the front row. No other candidate did this.

It probably was no coincidence that Jonathan Capehart posed a question regarding the homophobia in the black church to Barack Obama.

"I've already done so," the candidate said. "Some of you saw at the Howard debate, I specifically raised homophobia as an impediment to dealing with HIV/AIDS. I don't only discuss homophobia with the HRC. I remember setting up a meeting with ministers with Harold Ford," he added, mentioning the former Tennessee congressman and current chairman of the centrist Democratic Leadership Council.  "I told them, if they think same-sex marriage is the most important issue" facing "the black family, which is under siege, than the fact that black men don't have jobs, I respectfully disagree."

Obama also said that he didn't want to be held to a higher standard because he was black, which is a very good point t keep in mind. I want to do what is right," he said, and repeated this on a conference call with reporters.

Most of the questions—indeed the first question of the evening—were devoted to same-sex marriage. That is certainly a key issue among the base but it's a non-starter because 44 or 45 states already prohibit same-sex unions. It probably would have been more productive to discuss repealing Section 3 of DOMA or strategies around ENDA or Hate Crimes, two pieces of legislation that would affect the entire country and are supported by much of the population. It's also curious that more discussion wasn't given to health care or HIV/AIDS, which is a tremendous issue for the working poor, women, families and minorities.

However, the live presidential forum was historic, if for no other reason than it happened. The logistics were considerable and it's no small feat that all of the major players attended and this was broadcast live—everyone knows that or background is television news, so this was no small feat. Congrats to the Human Rights Campaign and Logo for pulling off a major production. If you missed the forum, it will be rebroadcast tonight on Logo. Clips and video on demand are available at Visible Vote 08.

Some Background ...

HRC/Logo Forum: Richardson: Sexuality a "Choice" [R20]
HRC/Logo Forum: Obama Conference Call [R20]
Rod 2.0 on Logo [R20] 
Behind the Gay-Friendly Faces [Advocate]
Reverend Gene Robinson on Endorsing Obama [Advocate]
Obama Campaign Names Gay Supporters [R20]
The Advocate: Clinton vs Obama [R20]
Obama and Edwards on DOMA [R20]
Obama Campaign Names Gay Supporters [R20]
Memo to Mr. Geffen: Get Over It [R20]
Video of CNN Comparing Obama to Axis of Evil [R20]
CNN Compares Barack Obama to Ahmadinejad [R20]
"Would You Let a White Supremacist..." [R20]
Hillary vs Obama [R20]
"Christians" Opposed to Obama [R20] 
Obama Strategist Behind Hillary Big Brother Ad [R20]
Clinton Launches LGBT Steering Committee [R20] 
Democrats Debate Homopohobia, Racism,HIV [R20]
Democratic Candidates Debate Gay Issues [R20]
Clinton Names Prominent Gay Supporters [R20]
Clinton Camp Targets Gay and Lesbian Donors [R20]
Clinton, Edwards Oppose Surgeon General Nominee [R20]

Comments

[Michael]

Yeah I really do think they could have had better panelists on the LOGO debate and I personally don't think Joe should have been there because he does a lot of lobbying and that creates a conflict of interest. I personally think instead of Joe they should have had Keith Boykin and instead of Melissa, Rachael Maddow would have been a great choice. I think those two would have held the candidates feet to the fire and we might have had a more productive discussion. But overall it was great and very telling that the Republicans wouldn't even participate in this debate. Not even Ron Paul.

[Andy in Seattle]

Excellent recap, Rod, and I agree that the forum focused too much on the Marriage Equality issue. The NAACP didn't pester JFK for interracial marriage before the Voting Rights and Civil Rights Acts had been passed. They worked one step at a time.

ENDA was mentioned last night, yes, and it needs to be the fight we pick--and win--first. There are MAJORITIES across the country in favor of anti-discrimination legislation, and the question should be why the Republicans are AGAINST the will of the people. Put the GOP on the defensive for a change instead of continually running around defending the marriage question. Let's get basic civil rights and non-discrimination enshrined in federal law and then build on that foundation.

Please, HRC, don't send me another god damned blue/gold window sticker until you get your priorities, er, straight.

[walt]

Rod, your recaps and comments are always solid and fierce. They help me understand what's really going on and I try to get as many folks as I can to check out your site. You are doing some wonderful work, and it is truly appreciated. This IS the way to change.

[Caleb Rexter]

Melissa was an obvious choice to draw viewers. Her questions were interesting, but, as Rod said, often "painfully self-aware."

This was a very good forum.

[Greg G]

Yes, the lack of questions on health care and HIV/AIDS was very noticeable. The implication was that health care is not an problem for the audience. I really liked the AFL CIO debate because they talked about issues that were important to me.

The vast majority of this debate was about gay marriage. I'd love to marry my boyfriend one day, but it's not an option in my state. We'll work on that in due time, but in the meantime I would have liked to hear some thoughts on the Hate Crimes Bill and ENDA.

[tony rio]

In the post-debate wrap I would have liked to have seen some experts or political types. I'm surprised you weren't there Rod or Keith Boykin.

[tony rio]

One more thing. Were black gay men or lesbians ever addressed besides that one question to Sen. Obama?

[Alan T]

Black gay men were mentioned twice. Once to Obama and once to Mike Gravel, who was asked a question on HIV/AIDS in teh black community. That question should have gone to Obama, Clinton or Edwards, who has outlined his own plan for universal healthcare.

[A. Ronald]

Great point about the inordinate amount of attention given to gay marriage? Did that bother anyone else?

[BL]

It bothered me.

[ca]

Yeah, it upset me. To have the majority of the discussion devoated to marriage when it';s just not an option for the vast majority of people.

[Luther]

Thanks for the recap Rod, and while I have lost interest in this two year race for the WH, the recap summed up quite a bit as I don't have Logo as they axed Noah's Arc.

I have to admit I had no idea who Melissa Etheridge even was and what her questions, so, the recap helped there. The only thing that I found is the total emphasis on gay marriage somewhat perplexing, what about funding for helping people living with HIV that is being cut? What about helping gay teens who are kicked out of their homes and abused at school. There are way too many issues going on for the glbt communities than gay marriage, while important to many isn't the end all of end all. It would have been nice to hear how they would deal with some of the "other" issues.

[Luther]

Thanks for the recap Rod, and while I have lost interest in this two year race for the WH, the recap summed up quite a bit as I don't have Logo as they axed Noah's Arc.

I have to admit I had no idea who Melissa Etheridge even was and what her questions were, so, the recap helped there. The only thing that I found is the total emphasis on gay marriage somewhat perplexing, what about funding for helping people living with HIV that is being cut? What about helping gay teens who are kicked out of their homes and abused at school. There are way too many issues going on for the glbt communities than gay marriage, while important to many isn't the end all of end all. It would have been nice to hear how they would deal with some of the "other" issues.

[Earl FF]

Luther, those are very good points. It's wonderful that this forum happened and it would have been asking too much to get all of our concerns asked and answered. But without a doubt there was too much discussion on marriage.

[Zoe Wills]

It was very disappointing that onbly two questions were posed on AIDS and none on health care in general. The AFL CIO debate was more competitive. But I'm very glad they addressed our issues.

[derrick]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but only Kucinich and Garvel are supportiung our issues fully and Rod gave both absolutely zero air time.

[Henry TW]

Derrick, all of the candidates had the same amount of "airtime" at the forum. The televised forum reached many millions of people, this blog only thousands. YTou do the math.

It's wonderful that Kucinich and Gravel support same sex marriage. Okay. That still has to be fought on a state by state level. They are the longest shot candidates so they can afford to take extreme platforms.,

[Joe Jons]

The recaps are back! yeah!

[ralphie]

Same-sex marriage is an admirable goal and the conversation is started has created the push for gay rights, ENDA, hate crimes etc. It's certainly a discussion we should be having but it's not the only discussion.

[rob a]

Let me second what Zoe says. It's a little disappointing that the only one or possibly two questions addressed AIDS. I would hjave loved to hear John Edwards and Hillary debate univbersal health care.

Gawd, wouldn't an entire debate on health care be wonderful?

[ATL Kid]

I don't get Logo but have been enjoying the video clips posted at Visible Vote 08. The site is very well put together. Congratulations Rod on being asked to write something. It's wonderful seeing you up there with Billie Jean and martina Navratilova!

[West Side Poz]

I would have prefereed to see some discussion of AIDS and HIV. It's puzzling that the only question was given to Mike Gravel.

[Xavier Greene]

There is no longer here in Texas so I always look forward to yourt recaps. Insightful as always.

Now, since I know that I can watch the video clips, about to go check them out.

[Franklyn Smith]

Great recap but why didn't you mention Edwards? It was very moving to watch him backpedal on his religious opposition to gay marriage.

I don't hold their same sex marriage positions against them, but, it's very fun to watch them squirm.

[anon]

The forum was very predictable, with the exception of Richardson, but I am very glad that they are reaching outy to our community.