He could have been a contender

[dsc]

Looking at this amazing primary season, where it is extremely likely that our nominee will be an African American, a woman, or a Hispanic (only Edwards, Clark, or Gore could make that not happen) I admittedly am asking what if. What if, James McGreevey hadn't been corrupt? What if McGreevey had come out as gay from as a single man who hadn't put his lover on the payroll? What if he had been able to govern for a couple of years as an openly gay man? Sadly, we have no other gay politician anywhere near ready for President. No governors, no Senators, and two House members. Barney Frank can't run for Senate as he is in MA with two Democrats. Tammy Baldwin can't run for Senator as she has two Democratic Senators. Neither can run for governor since both states have Democratic governors.

It would have been so sweet to have a gay man among our historic primary candidates. If only Jim McGreevey hadn't been corrupt. He could have been a contender.

[PresidentObama]

1. Yes it would be.

Hillary as a women and Barack as an African American, both of which major contenders, is history in the making!! And I hope the homosexual community can someday feel that liberation of having barriers be broken. We're far from it, but it's time for America to start the healing.

[Prophet 451]

2. I'll admit I'm puzzled

Given that gay people make up about 8-12 percent of the population, I'm amazed that the US has managed to avoid electing gay politicians. Here, we have several (one of whom provided my fondest memory of British politics). The first elected mayor of my city was gay (shame he proved to be crap at the job). Logically, there must be quite a few gay people already in Congress (in fact, didn't Barney Fife threaten to out them if they didn't stap calling a particular Democrat gay?) so it baffles me why it's such an issue.

[dsc]

3. I am sure we have elected closeted politicians

Both McGreevey and Frank were closeted when first elected. There was also a Republican Senator from South Dakota who lost amid rumors he was gay. But until we get openly elected gays and lesbians in high profile offices we have no shot at getting one elected President.

[Prophet 451]

4. True

which is a shame. I will say that I don't want to see anyone elcted simply because s/he is gay (Michael Portillo for example) but I'd rather not see hundreds of potentially great leaders ruled out because they're gay.