Chelsea Stops Traffic On Gay Bar Crawl

[ruggerson]

From NBC/NJ’s Matthew Berger

PHILADELPHIA -- Chelsea Clinton stopped traffic Friday night as she wandered the streets of Philadelphia on a gay bar crawl, winning rave reviews for both her politics and her appearance.

Led around the neighborhood by Gov. Ed Rendell, Chelsea was mobbed by local gays and lesbians, as she walked from one club to the next. They ran up to hug her, posed for pictures and certainly invaded her personal space.

“I grabbed her ass,” one young woman exclaimed to her friends after snapping a picture with her arm around the former first daughter.

“Chelsea, the gays love you!” one fan exclaimed, as she took the microphone at Bump, a restaurant and bar that was her first stop. “Oh, gosh, I don’t know if everybody loves me,” she responded.

<snip>

In all, she visited four bars in Center City, concluding her tour at Woody’s, the city’s most famous gay bar. Getting from one event to another proved difficult at times, as she was constantly stopped by admirers while walking down the sidewalk. She reached into car windows to shake hands and was followed by several young women who tried to pose for photos on their camera phone, but seemed incapable of properly saving the pictures.

Standing with actors Rob Reiner and Robert Gant, Chelsea appeared overwhelmed at Bump when the mob started complimenting her hair, which they had also done several weeks ago when she spoke at a Stonewall Democrats event at Woody’s. But she smiled and laughed throughout her very short remarks.

MORE

[Raven]

1. What is with the Clintons and bars these days? Is it them or is it

Pennsylvinia?:beer:

[Name removed]

2. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[book_worm]

3. "I grabbed her ass"...okay.

[ruggerson]

7. More than likely a joke

secret service are there too.

[Eric J in MN]

45. If a celebrity is posing for photos with people from the general public...

...and one of them grabs her butt during the photo, security can't do anything about that.

[PBS Poll-435]

71. Jealous???

JUSTKIDDINGSIMMADOWNNAW!

[patrice]

4. I like Chelsea.

I would like her parents if they weren't trying to rape Democracy.

[JohnnyLib2]

5. Smart politics.

EOM

[bunnies]

6. So, groping her is ok...

but asking her questions is not. What a fucked up world we live in.

[ruggerson]

8. Have Barack or Michelle marched in gay pride parades or gone into gay community gathering places?

[TheDonkey]

12. I'd much rather someone who will advance GLBT rights than slam shots with me in the bar

and get a photo op at some parade.

I'd rather not have them do this and turn around and support DOMA and DADT.

[ruggerson]

14. They both have similar positions on gay issues

the difference is Clinton is willing to be seen with gay people, give interviews to local gay press, talk in depth on a personal level about gay folks who have impacted her family, talk about the important issue of gay teen suicide and have her daughter actively court an important constituency with a sitting Governor.

[TheDonkey]

15. talk vs action

I think the talk is wonderful but when given a chance to act and DO something we got cowardice. I am not confident that things would be any different for Hillary than Bill when GLBT rights are put on the table.

[ruggerson]

17. Hillary has been a major supporter of ENDA

and of hate crimes legislation.

[Captain Hilts]

24. Obama backer, Sam Nunn, personally stopped Clinton's effort to permit gays in the military. nt

[JoFerret]

40. Oh yes Mr. Unit Cohesion homophove Sam Nunn

Not a leading light of any kind of liberalism.

All these "activists" for Obama are in for a big surprise

[bunnies]

13. What the hell does that have to do with ass-grabbing?!

This isnt about going to a gay bar and Im not going to let you twist it into that.

Its about acceptable treatment of women for crying out loud. If it was a GUY that grabbed her ass this whole place would be in a frenzy. But if a woman does it its no big deal? Are you joking?!

[ruggerson]

16. Some woman claimed that after taking a picture with her

the reporter did not say that it happened, only that the woman said it after the picture was taken - which sounds to me like a typical wisecrack someone would make to friends.

Of course, it's far easier for you to focus on this than on the fact that Hillary and Chelsea are not politically afraid to be seen publicly with gay people.

[bunnies]

20. Right. Its easier for me to focus on the treatment of women...

Is that what you say to the 47000 post here crying SEXISM?

And no... I dont think being straight and going to a gay bar should earn you any sort of medal. In fact, I think its bullshit. Being "seen" with gay people doesnt mean anything.

Will she do more for gays than Obama? No. Unless partaking in some cheesy photo op counts. Myself, I find it pathetic.

[ruggerson]

23. Being seen with people

is what campaigning is all about. In this case, Hillary is making the statement that she values what gays and lesbians think, and she is willing, in this case, to schedule time to have her daughter court an important constituency, in a fun way, and demonstrate the values she hopes to bring to the WH.

That you think it's "pathetic" reflects poorly on your understanding of retail campaigning.

If most Obama supporters agree with you, I would hazard a guess that Hillary will take the gay community in Philadelphia and in some heavily gay communities (think New Hope) with outsized majorities.

[bunnies]

26. Hillary is making a statement by sending her daughter.

Ok... lets explore that. What statement is she making exactly? Its not important enough for her to go herself?

And maybe you think I dont comprehend retail politics but I'll tell you one thing. Photo Ops dont mean anything to any of the LGBT people I personally know. They actually care more about the issues. I suppose that must be rare.

[ruggerson]

29. Well you're wrong

coming into places where people have fun on the weekends is a hugely positive statement. If Barack would do it, it would go a long way towards easing some of the concerns many people have about him. He's willing to have "photo ops" with many different and diverse groups, in factories, in community bowling alleys, so what's the hard part about walking into a gay community service center or a nightclub?



Hillary: I’ll Be the First Prez to March in Gay Pride Parade

[canis_lupus]

39. OMG! Look at that hat!

It's obvious that she's trying to shield her face like she's afraid to be seen with us!
:sarcasm:

[bunnies]

43. Sorry but... marching in a gay parade doesnt give people equal rights.

And it sure as hell doesnt make up for the anti-gay policies of her husband. Where was this champion of gay rights when hubby was crapping all over the community? Silent.

When it mattered, she was silent.

[ruggerson]

47. Ah, where to begin

Images are important, vital even, in the political arena. What is most remembered about Iwo Jima? What actually happened or the picture of the soldiers raising the flag?

Hillary and Barack are roughly equivalent on GLBT issues. Where Hillary is stronger is she takes the time to do the retail campaigning and, yes, craft images which are then seen nationwide and convey powerful messages.

Barack likes to say that he brings up gay issues in front of african american crowds who are not so receptive to the message. He claims he wants to change them and change their hearts. Great. What could possibly help his words along more than powerful images to bolster them? Were Barack to march for gay equality, the image would be everywhere. And it would convey enormous meaning. So, you are flat out wrong when you imply that marching in gay pride parades doesn't move the conversation and the dialogue forward.

As to Bill Clinton, he was, at the time, the most pro gay President this country has ever seen. Attitudes were very different fifteen years ago, and he came into office and tried to end the ban on gays in the military right off the bat. Sam Nunn, Colin Powell and most of congress pushed his back against the wall and threatened to CODIFY the ban (at that point it was just a regulation) if he didn't back off. He eventually reached DADT as a compromise with them. He averted codifying the ban and accepted far less than what he originally wanted, because he thought half a loaf better than none. He later signed DOMA, (and privately railed about it) because he knew Congress would override his veto and he feared a constitutional amendment, which would ultimately be much harder to undo than DOMA. Homophobes in Congress created DOMA - Bill Clinton didn't.

It's beyond disingenuous for Obama supporters to try to rewrite history and tag the (at that time) most gay friendly President in the history of the nation with being bad for the GBLT community. The world was a different place back then, and he was attempting to forge new ground. Sure, he was a conciliator more than a fighter and sure the DADT controversy dampened his enthusiasm for gay issues, but he did more than any prior President. Civil and human rights come in fits and starts. He moved the process forward.

[bunnies]

54. For one. Hillary is not marching for gay equality.

When she argues pro-gay marriage, I'll buy that line. But until then, its simply not true.

And as for Bills legislation, perhaps his hands were somewhat tied by being able to do only what could be done at the time. And you know what? If he didnt want to sign DOMA he should have *let* congress override him. At least it would have been clear what side he was on.

Hillary, otoh, could have taken any position she wanted on the subject. There was nothing whatsoever preventing her from speaking up for equal rights. She wasnt elected to a position, she didnt vote on anything, and she wasnt accountable to anyone.

Why the silence then? Political expedience? I simply dont find that appealing. Nor am I convinced that she suddenly cares about equal rights because she marched in a gay parade. If she wants to march and have her photo taken while waving a rainbow flag... thats swell. But what is she going to *do* for the LGBT community? Thats what I care about.

And for the record, I think Obama falls disgustingly short in this arena as well. The fact that neither of them is for gay marriage makes me ill. But you know what? I'd rather a candidate DONT march in a parade if they're only going to offer half-assed support. As a B woman with a L sister and many G&T friends... I find it to be insulting.

[ruggerson]

68. I think

your point about what she stood for as first lady is specious.

Has Michelle Obama spoken out more forcefully for gay issues than her husband?

Clinton started being more vocal about them when she was actually running for something - the Senate in 2000 - and could effect change.

As I've said, they're both roughly equivalent on these issues, with neither of them being good enough.

The difference is in the level of energy, time and commitment. Write Barack and urge him to do more. I have. So far it's done no good.

[Leopolds Ghost]

55. It is beyond disingenuous for Clinton supporters to pretend marching in parades would not hurt Obama

Clinton has already suffered greatly for being percieved as an unalloyed
social liberal who will march in gay pride parades, but not union pickets.

Obama has no need to self-destruct. I don't suggest he don black bloc either.
That is not a dig against anti-globalization activists.

Obama, like Lincoln, needs to talk about helping people who are
tremendously unpopular in some parts of the country. Photo ops
of Lincoln marching in abolition marches or Kennedy marching with
MLK would have gotten them non-elected. Simple reality.

And one of the reasons Clinton is unelectable, BTW.

If either of them had any bonafides at all with the working class
heterosexual men, say on union issues, it would be a different story entirely.

[dsc]

62. wow, just wow

BTW I am a gay union member.

[PBS Poll-435]

67. That is a great pic.

She speaks for me.

[Straight Shooter]

21. *snort* When pigs fly.

Pigs with rainbow-colored wings.

[QC]

46. Heaven forfend! They might get homocooties, and Barack

would have to walk around all evening wearing that disdainful, somebody-farted-near-me look that he always has on when someone mentions homos around him.

[yardwork]

49. I would hope that they wouldn't do something as embarrassing to me as this.

I'm offended at this article's reinforcement of numerous stereotypes about gay people. In fact, as a lesbian who is a recovering alcoholic, I'm revolted by this.

I'll give Chelsea the benefit of the doubt....on second thought, I won't. I'm totally offended by this public stunt.

[julialnyc]

9. I'm an Obama supporter... but I love that story

Sounds like fun

[truthpusher]

78. me too

[Red Zelda]

10. Ah, the Clintons...

showing rural Pa. what they're all about.

[TheDonkey]

11. oh God, bar crawling with a good dose of pandering and groping.

"the gays love you!" No, not so much.

[AllentownJake]

18. Well

I guess we lost Chestnut street.

[blogslut]

19. Sounds like it was a good night

I hope she had fun. :)

[last1standing]

22. Kudos to Chelsea!

I wish there was more of this kind of campaigning from the Clinton camp and less of the kind that insults the base of the party.

[noel711]

25. Not so warm a welcome in mainstream bars and clubs...?

Hmmm... things that make you go 'hmmm.'

[cbayer]

27. Good for her!

I would also like to note that although some of the responses to your OP are negative, I do not pick up much homophobia. I am very, very glad to see that and hope it continues.

[RichardRay]

28. But would she ever go there except with the Secret Service

surrounding her? Would she ever go there just to have a drink? I don't know, maybe she would, but this is just politics. It's good campaigning, but I don't think it's much else.

[ScarletSniper]

63. Chelsea should go into a bar in North Philly if she wants to impress me..lol

[RichardRay]

73. Or down by the tracks in Butte, MT :-) n/t

[Beregond2]

30. Lighten up,

people. I'm no fan of Hillary, but I see nothing wrong with Chelsea hitting some gay bars for her mom's campaign. And who cares if her ass got grabbed? How uptight can you get?

Personally, I'd bet any amount of money that if her mother weren't running, Chelsea would be campaigning for Barack in a big way. I wouldn't even be surprised to see her do so after he gets the nom.

[midnight]

31. The Clinton's have a wonderful daughter.

[Armstead]

32. So Why Didn't Hillary Join Her?

Maybe because in typical Clinton style they want it both ways...."We love gays, But not that much. We're only going to send our daughter because we don't want to alienate those gun lovin Bible thumping core voters."

[ruggerson]

33. Hillary has marched in gay pride parades

Has Barack or his wife?

There are a lot of gay folks in Illinois.

[Armstead]

34. In this campaign? In Pennsylvania?

[ruggerson]

36. pride

is in June. Nationwide. And you didn't answer my question.

[Armstead]

38. My question was not about gay pride parades.

I asked why Hillary didn;t go along to the gay bars with Chelsea, since she went to a working class bar last week.

To answer your question about Obama, I don't know one way or the other.

I do know i'm tired of Hillary's double talk, tagging Obama as a San Francisco liberal elitist (translation: Queer lover) while simultaneously pretending to be the candidate of gay rights.

[ruggerson]

41. Well apparently

most gays and lesbians don't agree with you, as Hillary has been winning the GLBT vote by huge majorities over Obama.

And, only speaking for myself, I think it's laughable that straight Obama supporters take faux offense at her mentioning where Obama spoke when he got caught up in Bittergate. I'm not offended, I don't think the remarks were even remotely related to gay people, and I'm gay. But go ahead and be offended FOR me, if that makes you feel better. You're so angry at her for other reasons, that you can't even think straight. (pun intended.)

[Armstead]

44. I am offended by all that is implied in her San Francisco Elitist crap

You should be too.

She is slamming liberals, progressives Democrats, gays, empathetic straights, anti-war activists, affirmative action, civil rights, feminists, etc. when she raises that Rovian meme against Obama.

How anyone can possibly overlook that is beyond me.

yes, Obama did not say it as well as he should have. But Hillary and most democrats agree with what he was saying. So do you most likely.

How you can stand for such blatant two-faced pandering to prejudice of the right wing by Hillary is beyond me.

[Diamonique]

35. Good for Chelsea!

I think this is a great campaign idea, and I don't for a minute believe anyone grabbed her ass.

[Swamp Rat]

37. "but seemed incapable of properly saving the pictures." - Chelsea Clinton is a VAMPIRE!

:D

Good for Chelsea! I bet she had a lot of fun. :party:

[kwenu]

42. Would gays be impressed by the simple fact that a straight person shows up at gay bar?

If so, that seems really pathetic but apparently we are being told this for some purpose.

[yardwork]

50. No, I'm not that desperate.

[yardwork]

48. Is the implication that all queer people are drunks?

As a lesbian who happens to be a recovering alcoholic, I'm not impressed. Does Chelsea Clinton think that gay people are only found in bars?

Nor do I care a damn about anybody's hair. Nor would I run up to anyone, ever, and grab them on the ass. This article reinforces a lot of very offensive stereotypes about gay people.

Geez. This really offends me.

[dsc]

51. Oh please

I am a gay recovering alchy too and lets face it, you want a gay crowd you have go out and find one. Gay bars are one such place.

[QC]

52. Yeah, she should have just gotten some singing preacher

to accuse us of killing the children.

[ruggerson]

53. Oh for chrissakes

her mother went into a bar. Does that mean straight people are only found in bars?

Bars are often where people, both straight and gay, go to congregate, mingle and have a good time.

[dailykoff]

56. "Does Chelsea Understand Us and Our Values?"

Now that would be a mailer that would get some traction. :rofl:

[McCamy Taylor]

57. GE owns MSNBC and this is just more "pimp" talk about Chelsea to smear the Clintons

"Grabbed her ass"??? Come off it. Would they have written a story like this about Michelle Obama or Cindy McCain?

Just like the phony 20 point poll from Newsweek yesterday, this is GE's attempt to put out propaganda designed to hurt Clinton and help Hillary because they like Obama's "Nukes are Green" policy---GE makes billions each year building nuclear reactors and part in other countries and they want to build them here, too.

This is a silly article and GE is a shameless organization that kills people with their war profiteering. It lead the charge to war in Iraq. Now, it wants out because its best business supplier the Pentagon tells it that it wants out and because the cost of oil eats into its bottom line, but that will not stop it from promoting the next war of choice as long as it is a quick in and out which does not raise gas prices.

Expect more assaults on Clinton and help for Obama from the GE media empire in the days to come. Expect the propaganda to get more and more outrageous---as if anything could top a poll that was an obvious lie.

[greguganus]

61. "grabbed her ass". Clintons will do ANYTHING for a vote. n/t

[hulklogan]

58. I'd definitely want to have a beer with Chelsea and her mother

The Obamas seem more like wine people to me.

[CK dexter]

59. Why does Hillary have such strong support among the GLBT community?

Has she committed explicitly on specific issues or suggested she would strongly support any specific legislation?

This is purely out of curiosity, since I haven't heard either candidate say anything very specific on GLBT issues recently.

[NoodleyAppendage]

60. Too bad Chelsea couldn't do the same in "San Francisco"

I guess it was time for the sleazeball campaign to "smooth over the waters" after using gays as a weapon against Obama earlier in the week. Nice to see that Hillary's campaign is at least consistent in their use of minority groups as either a weapon or as a crutch.

J

[ruggerson]

70. I'm glad you took such offense

because we've seen you really champion gay issues on this board loudly and with great consistency, so your words mean that much more.

Or do they.

[NoodleyAppendage]

74. My uncle died from AIDS and my sister is gay. Now, go crawl back into your hole...

I'm not going to spend another minute of my time on your dismissive idiocy. Say hello to ignore.

[ruggerson]

75. We all have gay relatives

and many of us dealt directly with AIDS. Sorry to hear about your uncle.

Even sorrier that I've never noticed you participating in any thread concerning gay rights until your fake indignation/outrage over "san francisco."

See ya.

[Seabiscuit]

64. Chelsea ... you're fierce! Good for her and Ed Rendell for valuing the GLBT community in Philly.

This is truly showing that as democrats we do have a big umbrella unlike the repubs of the world.

[Imagevision]

65. I'm for Obama but it seems like Hillary is losing her mind over the popularity loss having

Chelsea attempt to grab attention/support from the gay people. With each passing negative attack from Billary, Obama's support continues to grow. Even ABC got smacked down!

[hollowdweller]

66. That's really great. Way to go Chelsea!

I'm an Obama person but that's really good grassroots campaignin right there!

Maybe she has a future in politics

[DawgHouse]

69. Good on Chelsea!

[JTFrog]

72. “OK, governor, don’t run my minutes up,”

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Rhiannon12866]

76. I like Chelsea, too, think she's a class act, but if she's out there,

just like any of the other "surrogates," she is "fair game." But she does seem to be handing herself very well...:applause:

[TragedyandHope]

77. So now it's okay to grope?