You’re Likable Enough, Gay People

[IndianaGreen]

You’re Likable Enough, Gay People

By FRANK RICH
Published: December 27, 2008

IN his first press conference after his re-election in 2004, President Bush memorably declared, “I earned capital in the campaign, political capital, and now I intend to spend it.” We all know how that turned out.

Barack Obama has little in common with George W. Bush, thank God, his obsessive workouts and message control notwithstanding. At a time when very few Americans feel very good about very much, Obama is generating huge hopes even before he takes office. So much so that his name and face, affixed to any product, may be the last commodity left in the marketplace that can still move Americans to shop.

I share these high hopes. But for the first time a faint tinge of Bush crept into my Obama reveries this month.

As we saw during primary season, our president-elect is not free of his own brand of hubris and arrogance, and sometimes it comes before a fall: “You’re likable enough, Hillary” was the prelude to his defeat in New Hampshire. He has hit this same note again by assigning the invocation at his inauguration to the Rev. Rick Warren, the Orange County, Calif., megachurch preacher who has likened committed gay relationships to incest, polygamy and “an older guy marrying a child.” Bestowing this honor on Warren was a conscious — and glib — decision by Obama to spend political capital. It was made with the certitude that a leader with a mandate can do no wrong.

<snip>

Unlike Bush, Obama has been the vocal advocate of gay civil rights he claims to be. It is over the top to assert, as a gay writer at Time did, that the president-elect is “a very tolerant, very rational-sounding sort of bigot.” Much more to the point is the astute criticism leveled by the gay Democratic congressman Barney Frank, who, in dissenting from the Warren choice, said of Obama, “I think he overestimates his ability to get people to put aside fundamental differences.” That’s a polite way of describing the Obama cockiness. It will take more than the force of the new president’s personality and eloquence to turn our nation into the United States of America he and we all want it to be.

Obama may not only overestimate his ability to bridge some of our fundamental differences but also underestimate how persistent some of those differences are. The exhilaration of his decisive election victory and the deserved applause that has greeted his mostly glitch-free transition can’t entirely mask the tensions underneath. Before there is profound social change, there is always high anxiety.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/28/opinion/28rich.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&ref=opinion&adxnnlx=1230440031-KuZoX1U3Slr9tXr61qxR7w

[xchrom]

1. recommend

[Bluebear]

2. 'so that he doesn’t go down in history as another Bill Clinton, a sweet-talking swindler'

Ouch.

[bridgit]

3. It is this "move from symbol to substance" that remains very, very tender....

It is not a *snap* slam dunk that it will occur on the timetable many are expecting. Or that the substance will look like what it should. If this were my world it would all be different, but it isn't. This is where political sausage is made. We can toss into the grinder pleasant tasting herbs. We can start fingering product down into synthetic entrails, or some other yeoman duties. But it isn't imo going to just *happen* Jan 20th. The process will remain subject to revision if not sabotage for some time, subject to the support of other constituencies and their elected officials.

In spite of the heady moment in history we see all around us, this is not yet a done-deal. It is in-process. No one is telling anyone (but for my being told it would seem) to shut up, sit down, wait your turn, and be patient. That is not the script to an enduring fulfillment...

That script includes: vigilance, creativity, the ability to ebb & flow, and being smarter than the machine you're trying to operate.

k&r'd :kick:

[IndianaGreen]

4. Obama already broke the campaign promise to repeal DADT

We are now being told that the subject won't come up until 2010, at least! What became of Obama's "concern" about critical skilled military people being discharged because they are gay?

[bridgit]

5. Well, yeah, here we are again a jubilant champagne corked chorus of "Yes We Can!

Yes We Can!" atop a thudding dirge of 'not just yet, not just yet' :(

[biopowertoday]

9. I fear this will be the Pelosi/Reid approach--NOTHING of

controversy will be on the table.

[HamdenRice]

6. The takeaway: "Obama has been the vocal advocate of gay civil rights he claims to be"

[donco6]

7. Uh . . . no, the takeaway is:

"But we’re not there yet. Warren’s defamation of gay people illustrates why, as does our president-elect’s rationalization of it. When Obama defends Warren’s words by calling them an example of the “wide range of viewpoints” in a “diverse and noisy and opinionated” America, he is being too cute by half. He knows full well that a “viewpoint” defaming any minority group by linking it to sexual crimes like pedophilia is unacceptable.

"It is even more toxic in a year when that group has been marginalized and stripped of its rights by ballot initiatives fomenting precisely such fears. “You’ve got to give them hope” was the refrain of the pioneering 1970s gay politician Harvey Milk, so stunningly brought back to life by Sean Penn on screen this winter. Milk reminds us that hope has to mean action, not just words."

Action, not words. That's the takeaway. It's ALWAYS the takeaway.

[Teaser]

8. good, control the terms of the debate.

That, cricket, is how you will defeat those that debate you.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

13. only if you want to be deliberately blind. nt

[burythehatchet]

10. I believe somewhere along the line Mr. Obama bought into the savior message

that so many of his fans eagerly promoted.

[GarbagemanLB]

12. Yes. Because he is reaching across the aisle and choosing Warren, he thinks he is the fucking messia

h.


Your post would fit more on that other site.

[burythehatchet]

22. NOTE TO MODS: How are people on my ignore list showing up on my internets?

[GarbagemanLB]

38. Hopefully you read this too, then.

Yes, ignore me for voicing an opposing viewpoint. Ignore reality. You will go places in life with that attitude.

[Cha]

21. I didn't see any supporters "promoting" "savior image"

for Obama..I saw a lot of the primary opponents of his promoting that shit.

Shame on you, burythehatchet.

[burythehatchet]

23. right-o

[cbc5g]

11. "Unlike Bush, Obama has been the vocal advocate of gay civil rights he claims to be."

You'd never know that by the posts these days!!

[La Lioness Priyanka]

14. "Obama, of all people, would allow himself to be on the wrong side of this history"

quoting out of context is intellectually dishonest.

[zulchzulu]

15. I know! Let's keep lying about Obama's pro-gay rights record! Yay! What fun!

If people want to fucking lie about Obama's pro-gay rights record to make themselves feel better, that's their choice. If people want to act as belligerent and intolerant of views about gay marriage as the Religious Right act when they demonize those who believe in reproductive choice, then that's their choice.

As for Obama's actions meeting up with his words, here's the deal:

- Opposes CA Prop. 8, one-man-one-woman marriage. (Jul 2008)
- Being gay or lesbian is not a choice. (Nov 2007)
- Decisions about marriage should be left to the states. (Oct 2007)
- Homosexuality no more immoral than heterosexuality. (Oct 2007)
- Ok to expose 6-year-olds to gay couples; they know already. (Sep 2007)
- Has any marriage broken up because two gays hold hands? (Aug 2007)
- We need strong civil unions, not just weak civil unions. (Aug 2007)
- Legal rights for gays are conferred by state, not by church. (Aug 2007)
- Disentangle gay rights from the word “marriage”. (Aug 2007)
- Gay marriage is less important that equal gay rights. (Aug 2007)
- Gay rights movement is somewhat like civil rights movement. (Aug 2007)
- Let each denominations decide on recognizing gay marriage. (Jul 2007)
- Pass ENDA and expand hate crime legislation. (Mar 2007)
- Opposed 1996 Illinois DOMA bill. (Mar 2007)
- Supports health benefits for gay civil partners. (Oct 2006)
- Opposes gay marriage; supports civil union & gay equality. (Oct 2006)
- Marriage not a human right; non-discrimination is. (Oct 2004)
- Include sexual orientation in anti-discrimination laws. (Jul 1998)

Voting Record
- Strengthen the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Aug 2007)
- Voted NO on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration. (Jun 2006)
- Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)
- Ending racial profiling is part of fight for justice. (Jan 2001)
- Sponsored bill for special-needs evacuation plans. (Sep 2005)
- Sponsored bill for a Rosa Parks commemorative postage stamp. (Dec 2005)
- Rated 89% by the HRC, indicating a pro-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)
- Rated 100% by the NAACP, indicating a pro-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)
- Recognize Juneteenth as historical end of slavery. (Jun 2008)
- Provide benefits to domestic partners of Federal employees. (Dec 2007)
- Re-introduce the Equal Rights Amendment. (Mar 2007)
- Reinforce anti-discrimination and equal-pay requirements. (Jan 2008)

http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm

No, being rated 89% by the Human Rights Campaign isn't perfect. But it's not the record of a bigot. If you think so, you are an ass.

[donco6]

18. I've never called him a bigot.

Point that out to me.

[zulchzulu]

19. "a very tolerant, very rational-sounding sort of bigot"

I wasn't talking to you, brother. I was talking about the article, that mentions that statement. It is nothing but a disgusting, fucking lie. Period.

[donco6]

20. Oops, sorry. n/t

[AntiFascist]

35. Sorry but Obama has exhibited religiously bigoted behavior...

Standing before the audience at the Saddleback Forum and announcing to the world that he believes marriage is between a man and woman, and that, furthermore it is a sacred union with God in the details. You may not see it that way, but this is a religiously bigoted statement to make on the specific issue of marriage equality, notwithstanding his views on other aspects of gay and lesbian equality.

[JohnnieGordon]

37. You're referring to the "God in the mix" quote

That, yes, many gays were and are pissed off about. He implied that God isn't in the mix of gay marriages and that's why he opposes them.

[Irishonly]

16. How long does the GLTB community have to wait?

Some time ago there was a post written about New York. The GLTB community was told to vote for democrats and same sex marriage would be put on the table. The election came, the democrats won and then said same sex marriage would have to wait. They were told to donate more and vote more democrats in and in two years they would have marriage/civil rights.

IMHO, there isn't a lot of difference between what the New York democrats did to gays than what Obama is doing. I can't begin to understand their frustration. I just know it isn't right. Civil rights should not be put on the back burner. The democratic leaders must learn to multi task. It is possible to work on gay civil rights, the economy and war. It is time democrats stop asking gays for support and then turn around and kick them. Repealing of DADT has the support of Americans. Those pukes who would obstruct need to be be brought out front and center and exposed for the bigots they are.

[IndianaGreen]

28. Repeal of DADT has a significant impact in fighting GWOT

Many gay and lesbian military intelligence and linguists, critical skills needed in GWOT, have been discharged to keep the fundies and their enablers happy while putting our nation at risk. Obama PROMISED to repeal DADT! He has now broken his promise by saying that his administration won't even discuss the matter until at least 2010 (I assume to milk more money from LGBT community for the midterm elections). The Warren invocation was a slap in the face to all LGBT Americans. The DADT postponement is a BOHICA without lubrication to all LGBT Americans, particularly to those serving in uniform.

[Irishonly]

31. I agree with you

I must need to work on my writing skills.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

17. it's a good article. it criticizes why warren shouldnt have been selected

but also gives hope that obama will/should eventually work towards minority rights

balanced, if you will

[ruggerson]

24. Now watch Frank Rich get thrown under the bus

[ErinBerin84]

27. is there anyone who hasn't been

"thrown under the bus" by different groups on this board in the past year though, lol. Like Keith Olbermann, etc. I can't wait until "under the bus" is thrown under the bus.

[Captain Hilts]

29. I'll throw him there. Because he belongs there. And his digs at personalities are cheapshots. nt

[QC]

36. He's already been under there, hasn't he?

Just about every good liberal in the country ended up under the Hopemobile during the primaries.

[ErinBerin84]

25. good article.

[treestar]

26. If Obama is arrogant, it's at least somewhat justified

Unlike Chimpy and Darth.

Obama is smart. And he's not focused on just one issue (like say the neocons bending everything to justify their wars).

[Captain Hilts]

30. Everyone running for president is arrogant.

FDR: Who? Me? Arrogant?
ER: No comment...

[jenmito]

32. Funny-he chose Hillary to be his Sec. of State. I'm sure he'll treat the GLBT community

just as well as he promised. And Rich's words describing Obama-"hubris and arrogance", "cockiness", "too cute by half", "disingenuous defense", "sweet-talking swindler", while conveniently NOT pointing out he was AGAINST Prop 8, that he said he strongly disagrees with Warren on his views of homosexuals, tells me he is not being very honest nor fair in this article. And I don't think his loss in NH was his "You're likable enough, Hillary" comment as much as it was Hillary's "tearing up" the day before the election.

[No Elephants]

33. IMO, Barney Frank said it better. there really is no need to do anything but quote Frank.

[AntiFascist]

34. K&R, Excellent op-ed...

the whole issue seems to be how appropriate it is for Warren's god to be used in such a visible position of honor. It can only mean that the god of popularity and power is still a persuasive one.

[mathpol]

39. Frank Rich Overreaches Again

After several weeks of fairly serious columns, Rich has reverted to his usual hyperbolic style.
Here is the comment I posted.*

Obama tends to see the good side only, when it comes to ministers. Didn't his relationship with the Reverend Wright teach us this? To me this shows naiveté rather than cockiness. I hope this “one-sided vision” doesn’t apply to heads of state. I’m glad he’ll have Hillary as a buffer.

As for “you’re likable enough Hillary”, that has been way overblown. Watch the tape again. He was caught by surprise and had to say something. Maybe a bit sardonic, but not arrogant.

And “obsessive workouts”? Daily exercise is important, especially when one wants to relieve stress and stay in shape. With George W. Bush, on the contrary, it was clear that being a “physical trainer” was a more important role to him than being president.

As for Bishop Gene Robinson’s comment that “the God that is praying to is not the God that I know.” That statement is off the mark. I guess he meant "interpreting" rather than "praying to"

As for Warren’s role at the inaugural, it bothers me too. I would have preferred a ”Billy Graham” type, one who doesn’t state that Jews don’t go to Heaven, as Warren did when asked about it at an Aspen Ideas Festival. **

Barack Obama is only human, not divine. So let’s all stay in the big tent and wait to see how he actually governs as president. We’re really not sure, but most of the early signs are positive.

(end of comment)

** To be precise, Warren answered “yes” when a woman proclaimed her Judaism and asked him if she was going to burn in Hell. Graham, on the other hand, once advised George W. Bush to "never play God" by ruling on who gets into heaven.

*This comment actually appeared. Number 938