Democratic Presidential Candidates Debate "Don't Ask" and Gay Issues

Walking into last night's debate with some 42 percent of likely Democratic voters, Hillary Clinton was clearly the front-runner and emerged with that status intact. She was sharp as tack, stayed on message, and, set the tone, such as telling CNN's Wolf Blitzer why presidential candidates shouldn't answer hypothetical questions on loss of life and military actions. (You Tube here.) The most memorable exchange was her zinger on Vice President Dick Cheney's brand of "diplomacy." You Tube video here via FireDogLake.

Gay and lesbian concerns were prominent in the first half of the debate. (You Tube here.) It was a pleasant surprise watching all the candidates flash their pro-gay credentials on "Don' Ask, Don't Tell", hate crimes, and employment discrimination. (Human Rights Campaign questionnaires are PDF here.) Hillary Clinton made a very good point about DADT: It was an interim step that reflected the political realities of the early 1990s—the public and Congress were far less accepting of gays—and is now "obsolete." That same incremental approach that will work for "civil unions" and "marriage." Progress is happening, one step at a time.

There has been some confusion over Gov. Bill Richardson's comment on DADT when he noted that "I voted against it as a Congressman." The Frontlines reports, "there were several votes on the issue" and details the most significant one, the Meehan Amendemnt where Richardson supported ending the ban. "That Amendment, unfortunately, failed 169-264 ... Of course, what matters most is what Richardson would do as President, and he's been consistent, as a 2008 candidate, in his support for lifting the ban."

Dems on Iraq, Health Care, DADT [Advocate]
PDF: Democratic Candidates Questionnaire [HRC]
Richardson's Vote on DADT [Frontines]
Richardson Voted for and Against DADT [TWN]
New Yorkers Favor Clinton: Poll [NY Business]

Some Background ...

"I'm the Most Pro-Gay Candidate" [R20]
Obama and Edwards on DOMA: [R20]
Clinton Names Prominent Gay Supporters [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]

Comments

[Robert Jones, Jr.]

After the Irag funding debacle, I'm leaving the democratic party behind. Besides, the best candidate is, in my opinion, Ron Paul.

[Juan-Pablo]

Sorry, but, their views on gay rights are as hollow and shallow as they are on everything else that affects every day working Americans. I don't really care which of them gets the nomination, since I think that polls are getting "open minded" replies to the front runners, and on election day it will be a blow out for the GOP, yet again, since Hillary and her "centrist" point of view is as fake as she is, and Obama, I think we all know, this country isn't ready for a black man to be president, no matter what they say and he may think. This might be the very first election, I'll just sit out.

[Bloggernista]

I am not sitting this one out. No way, no how. We need to push the Dems to be louder and stronger voices for LGBT civil rights and demand some real leadership on the Senate floor ro pass ENDA and hate crimes legislation.

[Bloggernista]

I am not sitting this one out. No way, no how. We need to push the Dems to be louder and stronger voices for LGBT civil rights and demand some real leadership on the Senate floor ro pass ENDA and hate crimes legislation.

[caleb rexter]

Go ahead and "sit this one out." You'll be the first to complain about gays not having employment discrimination protection or basic rights.

[Andy in Seattle]

Compromise? Sure. Incremental progress? Better than the current incoherent fascist-leaning junta. Tepid follow-through after we get out our check books and elect 'em? Expected, so prepare yourself.

But the alternative? Romney? McCain? Another Supreme Court nominee or two? Shudder. Vote pragmatic, people.

But until then, YES, let's hold their feet to the fire. The more of us who SHOW UP and MAKE NOISE, the less likely they may be to stab so many in the back.

[Luther]

I'm on the fence about this election as well, and am tired of having to pick between the lesser of two evils. Not impressed with any of the so called "front runners." And, the one thing, I don't want is a pander to the gay crowd for a vote, and once in office do nothing. This is similar to how they trot over to black churches for votes every election, and while in office do nothing. And, the system just stinks that candidates like Dodd, Edwards and Richardson, who all have messages I like, can't get a break at actually winning the nomination.