Gay former Romney spokesman Richard Grenell is coming out of hiding and speaking out for the first time since he was resigned from Romney's team after a campaign by right-wing religious conservatives. Grenell appeared for an interview on FOX News today, simultaneously publishing an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal.
Grenell told FOX that people on the left and right wanted to keep him in a "one-dimensional box" in which he could only talk about being gay and gay marriage. He also talks about being a gay conservative.
Watch the FOX News interview, AFTER THE JUMP…
Writes Grenell in the WSJ:
Mitt Romney appointed me to serve as his foreign policy and national security spokesman based on my experience and qualifications to speak clearly and forcefully on his behalf. The governor and his team knew that I have consistently challenged the Obama administration's failure to lead the world and confront the most important international issues we face. They also knew I was gay.
Thousands of Republicans privately voiced support for my appointment and were disappointed by the events that led to my resignation earlier this month. Some did so while admitting they disagreed with my support for gay marriage. But they too are passionate about a strong America, personal responsibility and independent religious institutions—issues that should be at the forefront of this year's presidential election.
Like many voters, I rarely agree with a candidate's every position. I can support Mr. Romney for president but not agree with all of his stated policies. I can be proud of President Obama's personal support for gay marriage and still take exception to his dismal national-security and economic records. …
While there are many reasons not to vote to re-elect President Obama, gay marriage is not one of those issues. National and economic security absolutely are.
Watch the FOX News interview, AFTER THE JUMP…
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