“Let’s just say it right now - Bill Richardson self-immolated tonight on live TV. I haven’t seen anyone fumble a question like this so badly…
“While Melissa Etheridge burned some of the precious time up on frivolous chatter that could have been used for questions, her earnest questions were often spot-on. In particular, she held Clinton’s feet to the fire regarding her own positions as well as her husband’s, that have affected our community.”
“Though politics doesn’t normally fall within the scope of AfterEllen.com’s coverage, one could argue that politics provides some of the most cutthroat entertainment possible.”
“All want full civil rights for LGBT’s - though the category “full civil rights” includes gay marriage only for dark horses Kucinich and Gravel; all supported rolling back the Defense of Marriage Act.”
“I was so impressed with Dennis Kucinich. Gravel: Wacky. Obama: OK but not riveting. Clinton: Same old, same old. Richardson: Completely out of league…
“Other than Dennis Kucinich, nothing in tonight’s program really changed any of my views of the candidates. But it was a well-run show that moved quickly and seamlessly.”
LANE - “They are all lost causes anyway. The Republicans, I mean. I’m actually astonished at the difference between the candidates tonight. Richardson was awful. Obama was pretty blah. Hillary acted like she had it all wrapped up. And Edwards was the surprising one. Chalk up a win for Edwards. It was a great recovery from his answer in the YouTube debate.”
KATHARINE - “I’m with you that Edwards was good, but I think Hillary took the cake too. She had a super tough question from Melissa and she answered it with promises to make changes. It was pretty heartfelt — more so than Kucinich’s heartfelt analogies. Although those were funny… I missed her heartfelt crap. Well, here’s to hoping these issues keep getting churned around. Some of the candidates have much farther to go.”
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The only problem with that is -- anyone who says that is essentially supporting same-sex marriage and admitting to being a hypocrite about it.
Not quite so bluntly, but I think that's pretty much what Hillary said last night with her carefully worded, "Actually, I'd rather say I'm very positive about civil unions." Never did she admit to being "against" same-sex marriage, and she used DADT as an example of a short step toward progress taken fifteen years ago that might, in 2009, lead to full equality with regards to military service. I also loved her response to Melissa, empathizing with her impatience. The unspoken message seemed to be, "I can't get you everything you want by the end of 2009, but work with me and we'll get there together eventually." I appreciated that, and I'm hoping she's our candidate after the primaries.
It would be refreshing to hear that sort of honesty, and I could almost support someone who put it that way. But all this dancing around and saying "It's my personal belief," or, "It doesn't matter," or (the worst, and yes, Sen. Edwards, I'm talking to you), "I understand how you see it as separate but equal, but I still don't support you," is tiring and hypocritical.
Totally dissapointing was Gov. Richardson, THAT was NOT a surprise as he tends to do badly in interviews with the press. Obama was careful on what he was saying, he has to.
If Kucinich really had a chance, he would have my vote, but for now I have to say Hilary.
Regardless of their personal feelings on issues of marriage equality, the fact that they at least identified and elaborated upon the various issues -- adoption rights, employment non-discrimination, immigration rights, etc. -- brings them out into the public space, and makes them viable topics of discussion.
More recap will come in my newsletter, next week.
Jonathon Feit
Chief Editor & Publisher,
"Equality Media Newsletter"
FREE at www.withthisring-magazine.com