Some gays frustrated with 2008 presidential campaign

[meegbear]

Few constituencies are as eager for the Republican Party to falter this political season as gay-rights activists. Yet as they observe the Democratic presidential campaign and the rest of the electoral landscape, their high hopes often are mixed with frustration.

Even as they expect to support whichever Democrat gets the presidential nomination, many activists are disappointed that the three leading contenders rarely mention gay-rights topics unless responding to a question.

"They don't want to broach civil unions, marriage, equalizing benefits for same-sex couples," said Jennifer Chrisler, head of the Family Equality Council, which supports gay and lesbian families. "The vast majority of politicians don't lead, they follow."

There are other frustrations as well. Activists were dismayed that the Democratic-led Congress failed to approve two much-anticipated bills late last year — one defining anti-gay assaults as a federal hate crime, the other prohibiting anti-gay job discrimination.

<snip>

http://pageoneq.com/news/2008/Some_gays_frustrated_with_2008_presidential_camp_0125.html

[joeybee12]

1. Yeah, it's hard to get enthusiastic over all the Dems...

...I believe they're on our side, but only lukewarm partners.

[Cant trust em]

2. It's unfortunate but gay-rights is still a wedge issue.

Wait until the general election, then the republicans will bring it up.

[N4457S]

5. Yes...

...and with the increasing importance of southern states in determining presidential elections, that's not going to change.

I lived down there for almost a decade, and everything those people do seems to revolve around their churches. You can't change two hundred years of culture overnight, so it'll likely be that way for at least the rest of my lifetime.

[Corkey Mineola]

3. Hey, I'm the New 3rd Rail of American Politics!

Thanks for posting this
When you actually read the article link you see the typical wishy-washy crap from HRC and NGLTF leaders. While they acknowledge that the economy and Iraq dominate the debate NOW watch how the repugs and right-wingers under Rove roll out smearing us queers as the main strategy to get their guy elected in the General. We gays are now the 3rd rail of American Politics. As a gay man I am disappointed that the front-runners refuse to speak on our issues as key civil-rights litmus tests in 2008.
And I'm not holding my breath for things to change once they are elected (unless Dems indulge their penchant for screwing up even the most hopeful presidential contests...)
Gay and Tired in San Francisco

[xchrom]

4. i had hopes simply because there was an lgbtq sponsored debate.

and the candidates came -- but really since then.

not much there for us.

[terrya]

14. I hate to say it, but that was it for us.

Catering to us for our votes. That forum was it.

[xchrom]

15. indeed -- i think you are right -- but still we had it.

and if we can embrace our unique and creative energies -- we could give america a debate forum next time that would set them america on it's ear.

but energy is certainly gone for now.

[shireen]

6. is this the dark ages?

Democratic-led Congress failed to approve two much-anticipated bills late last year — one defining anti-gay assaults as a federal hate crime, the other prohibiting anti-gay job discrimination.

i didn't know that! It seemed like a no-brainer. Those Democrats and Republicans who voted against it, and their constituents, have gay kids too. They're willing to let this happen to their kids? Disgusting!

[DCKit]

7. You have to be gay to be freaked out by this mess?

I knew I had a lot in common with the folks on DU, but dayum. All that time I've spent on Craigslist looking for anonymous sexual encounters while there was a pool of intelligent potential life partners at my fingertips right here at home.

[Corkey Mineola]

9. LOL

[hulklogan]

8. It sure makes my decision easy when there are no candidates who really care

I vote none of the above.

[GodlessBiker]

10. Let's face it. Candidates think we have nowhere else to go. They don't have to cater to us.

[NMMNG]

13. Yes, the "what are you gonna do, vote Republican?" trap

It's a real b*tch. They treat us like their personal vote and cash ATMs but they never deliver on any goods.

[tbyg52]

11. Just *some*...? nt

[nightrider767]

Heaven forbid a candidate takes on stance...

Really,,, seems like this is a bi-product of our political system.

And the bad news is, is that we're exporting it.

Let's all live in peace in include all.

[nightrider767]

12. Heaven forbid a candidate takes on stance...

Really,,, seems like this is a bi-product of our political system.

And the bad news is, is that we're exporting it.

Let's all live in peace in include all.