The GLBT community is just as important to the Democratic party as the African American community

[ruggerson]

Whether Democrats want to admit it or not.

First of all, we vote in numbers that are roughly half of the AA community.

Gays and lesbians are 4-5% of the national vote (probably higher as many will not self-identify to an exit pollster).

African Americans are 10%.

As groups, we both vote overwhelmingly Democratic.

(There is also a very sizable group that belongs to both populations at once: GLBT people of color.)

In a country that is evenly divided, where elections are decided by 1 or 2 percent, the Democratic party cannot afford to have either community vote Republican, third party or sit at home.

So, to all those trying to portray the gay and lesbian voting bloc as just another insignificant interest group, you couldn't be more wrong.

African Americans demand certain things of democratic presidential candidates, as well they should.

Gays and lesbians demand certain things of democratic presidential candidates, as well they should.

The conflict arises, because there is a certain segment of the African American community, the evangelical churchgoing community, that is at odds with the gay and lesbian community seeking equal status in this country. They agitate against marriage equality, they march against marriage equality and they are told lies about gays and lesbians every Sunday from the pulpit.

So, a dilemma for Democratic candidates. How to handle this demographically important part of the African American vote?

One would hope with wise and moral leadership.

The lowest threshold should be that NO Democratic presidential candidate should ever exploit racist or anti-gay sentiment to gain votes from a racist or anti-gay constituency.

That's the very minimum we should expect from our candidates. And if they violate that, we have every right to hammer at them until they stop doing it.

[bicentennial_baby]

1. ...

:applause:

[robbedvoter]

2. It is to me as a human being - any bigotry, prejudice is equally abhorent to me

whether is based on sex, color, orientation or any new one they may come out with

[tekisui]

3. The Democratic Party should stand for Inclusion and Equality.

and equal rights of every person in the country. We should not tolerate discrimination against any group of people, for any reason.

And, we should not pander or change for votes from those who are intolerant or discriminatory.

[yardwork]

9. That's the real point, here.

What is the Democratic Party if it doesn't stand for human rights?

[racaulk]

4. Hear hear!

Well said, ruggerson!

K&R

:applause:

[KennedyGuy]

5. They are about to learn that the hard way...

[Cameron27]

6. K&R ruggerson

"The lowest threshold should be that NO Democratic presidential candidate should ever exploit racist or anti-gay sentiment to gain votes from a racist or anti-gay constituency.

That's the very minimum we should expect from our candidates. And if they violate that, we have every right to hammer at them until they stop doing it."

[Beausoir]

7. K&R.

[terrya]

8. Kicked and recommended

Thank you for posting this.

[styersc]

10. There is a lot of anti-gay bigotry in the Black voting blocks of SC

so being anti-gay is smart politics here.

Sure- politics of change and all but lets be serious about winning SC.

Why not play the pink card?

[ruggerson]

16. You couldn't have said it better

he's playing the pink card.

[xchrom]

11. recommend

[CyberPieHole]

12. K&R Civil rights for EVERYONE! n/t

[hisownpetard]

13. K&R. Well said (to all of the above).

[goclark]

14. You are right ~ I heard Obama mention the GLBT

in his MLK Speech.

[bicentennial_baby]

15. Kick for Equality

:kick:

[IndianaGreen]

17. Big Dog has a problem with LGBTs

He gave us DOMA and DADT, and then told Kerry in '04 to turn against marriage rights for LGBTs. What a guy!

[ruggerson]

18. Read this OP

and get back to me:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4141581

[Kucinich4America]

19. I support full equality and so does my candidate.

It's too bad the OP's candidate has never, and will never say the same.

[ruggerson]

20. politics is the art of the possible

and choosing a leader who is viable.