John Edwards Visits L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center
The folks at the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center sent us this shot of Curt Shepard, L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center Director of Government Relations, Lorri L. Jean, L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center Chief Executive Officer, and Democratic candidate John Edwards.
Edwards made a stop at the center today on his swing through Southern California following his appearance yesterday on The Tonight Show. It was an informal and educational visit, according to Communications Manager Bob Adams, so Edwards could learn more about the LGBT community's needs and how the Center is working to advance them.
NOTE — I know we've been covering Edwards quite a bit — it's simply that he's been the one making the news of late. We've made no endorsements of any candidate.
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Posted Jun. 26,2007 at 5:24 PM EST by Andy Towle in Election 2008, John Edwards, Los Angeles, News | Permalink
First of all, all of you who are "all or nothing" are suckers and YOU are the ones being played. Edwards has brilliantly given us some coded language letting us know that yes, he is moveable on gay marriage, he cares deeply about gay issues, but he is not going to shoot his chances of winning the general election down the drain. If he did come out in full support of gay marriage right now, can you imagine what a field day the right wing and GOP would have with that in the general election? Come on, folks, be REALISTIC. The GOP and right wing are salivating over any of the major candidates coming out in favor of marriage equality! It will ensure them another 4 or 8 years in power! Furthermore, imagine the chances of the GOP regaining the House and Senate if a major candidate comes out in favor of marriage equality and REENERGIZES the disheartened right wing.
John Edwards has consistently said that he isn't there "yet" and acknowledged that there are many respectable and decent folks who agree with his wife on the issue. He has consistently indicated that he is struggling with the issue, letting us know that he isn't dead set in his position and that he could very well (and I would bet he would) move to a favorable position on gay marriage when being elected. Furthermore, not only Elizabeth, but also his daughter Kate are there to pull him along, and they aren't afraid to state publically that they are for marriage equality. What other candidates spouses have been so public in their support for marriage equality??? NONE! DUH!
Futhermore, all of you who can't stand Edwards and are going to vote for Hillary or Obama are suckers, as well. As was stated above, Hillary and Obama are even wishy washy on the Uniting American Families Act (where foriegn same-sex partners are allowed to live in the US) and only begrudgingly said they would repeal DOMA. Furthermore, Edwards has been VERY PUBLIC about all of the LGBT support he has, including the very well respected activist David Mixner. I even received a campaign mailing from the Edwards campaign that stated his support of gay issues and broadcast his endorsement by so many well respected LGBT activists. Hillary didn't even put her LGBT support on her website, and was very quiet in releasing it to the public.
So, in closing, its important to recognize that Edwards has been far more public in his support on gay issues, has given many clues about how he is with us, without ruining his chances in the general election. If he does come out in favor of gay marriage, keep in mind that his chances of victory in the general election are almost impossible, and if you don't believe me, you only need to go back to the dozens of anti-same-sex marriage amendments that have brought the right wing out in droves over the past 6 years and allowed Bush to win re-election in '04. That fact is undeniable, and I will be giving 100% support to Edwards for being the best viable candidate and furthest along of the major contenders on LGBT issues! Vote for Hillary or Obama and be played by the Democratic candidate, yet again. Vote for Edwards and get honesty and the truth!
Posted by: NC Josh | Jun 29, 2007 4:51:11 PM