So we finally have a candidate. I assume most of us are going to vote for him?

[La Lioness Priyanka]

and maybe in a year or two we can discuss the impact his policies have had on us.

I know a lot of us are disappointed and some of us are elated.

Hopefully our community will see some forward movement in the next four years. :)

( I am going to assume he wins the election, because quite frankly my brain is unprepared to handle a Mccain Presidency.)

[DarkTirade]

1. Some of us were disappointed pretty much from the get-go. :)

Since the minority of candidates who were willing to actually stand up for us got canned early on. Ah, c'est la guerre.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

2. wasnt it only kucinich? i wish we could have a younger ted kennedy

one without the baggage but with that kind of fiery conviction.

[DarkTirade]

3. I wanted to say one, but somewhere in the back of my mind

something was saying there was somebody else too. I just can't remember who I was thinking of. :P

[indigo32]

29. Poor Mike Gravel

like Rodney Dangerfield

no respect :P

[La Lioness Priyanka]

30. lol!

:)

[DarkTirade]

67. Yeah, his whole campaign just kinda got paved over.

[AndyA]

4. We really don't have a choice, do we?

The powers that be have made their decision, and it's either vote for Barack or risk a McSame presidency.

I don't like Barack, and I don't think he's the right man for the job.

I don't think much of Hillary, either. And I don't think she was the right person for the job.

But those are the two we were dealt, and now we're down to one.

With many, it will be supporting the lesser of two evils. Pretty pathetic that this is the best we can do, but I hope if Barack wins he chooses smart and gets top notch people in his administration and cabinet, and perhaps it won't be so bad.

We'll see, but he has to survive the GOP gauntlet first, and I'm sure they have a few surprises in store.

I hope Barack gets elected. I won't be elated over it, but I will be relieved that the Repukes are out of the White House. With gains in both houses of Congress, we might be able to turn things around.

For me, relief that the GOP is out of power is about the best I can expect at this point. :( But, I'm trying to keep an open mind.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

5. my hope is that he will do something for healthcare, povery and education

which really are the base for any progressive social reform to occur

[DarkTirade]

6. That's pretty much my thoughts on the matter.

I didn't believe that either of the top two would do a damn thing for us.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

9. we think similarly because neither of us really exist

:P

[DarkTirade]

11. Ah, that explains it.

We non-slutty bi people. We're like Santa Clause. Only without the presents. And the beard. And the sleigh. Okay, so we're not like Santa Clause. We're more like... the Tooth Fairy? Yeah, that'll have to do. :P

[La Lioness Priyanka]

16. i am, well i was, slutty. so i guess i exist more than you

[unpossibles]

21. well, as I told a friend the other night, there is a plus side:

"there IS no other team!"

:D

[DarkTirade]

26. But you're monogamous now, right?

So you can't exist. :P

[La Lioness Priyanka]

27. good point.

[AndyTiedye]

32. With McInSane, It's More a Question of What He Would Do TO Us

[DarkTirade]

33. Exactly.

Worst that would happen with Obama is that we'd just be ignored. With McCain, he'd actively go after us.

[Virginia Dare]

7. He'll do a lot more than McCain would, that's for sure...n/t

[La Lioness Priyanka]

8. did i say he wouldnt?

[Creideiki]

62. Looks like he's pulled Edwards poverty platform

Wish someone would convince him that NCLB needs more than simple reforms, though.

[Ian David]

10. If it had been Hillary, I would have voted for her, too.

Anyone who is not going to vote for the Democratic nominee needs to leave.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

12. really? i thought the rules said that green party voters were allowed here

so long as they didnt advocate their candidate.

i agree that not voted for obama would be stupid cos quite frankly who wants a mccain presidency?

[Ian David]

13. ... and as long as they don't disparage the Democrats, I think.

Has the Green Party picked a nominee yet?

[La Lioness Priyanka]

14. my point is, its not upto you to decide who needs to leave.

[Ian David]

22. I should have added, "IMHO" in there somewhere. As in...

"If you won't support the Democratic Nominee, you need to get the fuck out of here... in my humble opinion.

And I apologize if anyone found my words offensive.

[Creideiki]

60. I thought McKinney was running for the Greens.

[predfan]

15. In this case, the fear of the known far outweighs any fear of the unknown.

There's NO doubt the Bush policies have just about ruined our country, and have strapped our children and grandchildren with debt for the next few decades.

We KNOW what McCain brings to the office. Four more years of the same economics; Decades in Iraq,(and the draft that would necessitate); Same old same old fossel fuel policy. Final stacking of the Supreme Court for the next 30 years ( there's a real gift to your daughters and grandaughters)

After the last 8 years, what Democrat in their right mind could vote McCain?

[La Lioness Priyanka]

17. i dont think dems are going to vote for mccain... that wasnt my point.

especially not GLBT du'ers. we are the most consistent dem voting bloc.

[NorthCarolina]

18. I think Obama will likely prove to be much more liberal on LGBT issues than many think

His speech on behalf of the LGBT community before a black megachurch in TX was as encouraging as it was uplifting. Don't count this guy out folks....he may turn out to be a real advocate for our causes.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

23. that was uplifting!

[NorthCarolina]

35. Here's what he said before a congregation at an Atlanta Baptist Church

"If we are honest with ourselves, we'll acknowledge that our own community has not always been true to King's vision of a beloved community," Obama told 2,000 worshippers at Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King once preached. We have scorned our gay brothers and sisters instead of embracing them."

If he can speak that in front of a congregation of southern Baptists then I have a high level of faith in him to do the right thing.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

36. yeah, i remember reading it.

:)

[soleft]

19. Not elated, just hopeful

[La Lioness Priyanka]

24. hey.. are you still in ny?

[unpossibles]

20. I am excited and hopeful/optimistic and voting for him

No, he's not the perfect candidate, but who is really? And he's far better than McCain, so no question there.

I think we need to be outspoken to our representatives and senators and push for our rights, just as people have had to fight for their rights throughout history. I'm not saying this is not already happening, but just that we need to get the average American to see GLBT issues as human issues, as equal rights issues, and frankly I think we are - just a lot more slowly than we'd like.

Again, I know it's optimism and I hope it's not misplaced, but we need to be positive thinking and keep trying.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

25. agreed

[Zuiderelle]

28. Yes, I'll vote for him. And I hope he doesn't turn his back on civil rights.

[insleeforprez]

31. Agreed.

[terrya]

34. Same here.

[MNBrewer]

59. I've seen that happen before

I think it was sometime between 1992 and 2000.

[Zuiderelle]

71. Which is exactly why we should insist that it doesn't happen again, or worse.

I never stopped criticizing Bill Clinton for not standing up for our rights either, so I'm not completely sure what your point is. No politician should get away with ignoring a whole swath of constituents, or catering to a bigoted group for votes. Not Bill and not Barack.

[bicentennial_baby]

37. We're marching in Boston Pride with the Obama crew

I'm optimistic. :)

[La Lioness Priyanka]

38. remember not to carry your protest signs, this time. have fun marching.

[bicentennial_baby]

40. Hehe...

As long as he doesn't pull another McClurkin, I think we'll be fine. :)

[Strathos]

39. YES, I'm voting for Barak, even after supporting Hillary`

Anyone on these forums not voting for the democratic nominee should be ashamed of themselves.

Anything is better than McSame.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

43. even mccain in 2000 was better than mccain in 2008. thats how sad it is

[dbackjon]

41. I will vote for Obama

But hold my nose.

Had dinner with a few friends (all gay) last night. One of them (older) voiced that he was voting for McCain, that he trusted him more than Obama. This led to a vigorous debate. It came down to two things - one, he doesn't think Obama is qualified, and two, he believes that McCain personally is supportive of gays and lesbians, and will not appoint ant-gay people to his administration. He related how his sister and her partner were having problems when they tried to adopt, and McCain personally pushed it through, while Democratic Gov Napolitano's office offered no help whatsoever.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

42. i dont think i will hold my nose, nor do i think mccain supports us, but i am apprehensive.

[closeupready]

45. Can you share with us, specifically what makes you apprehensive about Obama?

by that, I am not attempting to minimize your concerns; I just simply don't get why people feel like that. Is McClurkin the sum of your fears? Or the obvious strength of his religious, Christian beliefs?

[davidinalameda]

78. and McCain is supporting the current anti-gay marriage bill in Arizona

public actions speak volumes

[xchrom]

44. we have a candidate who very distinctly used gay people

to get to his winning position.

and used us in the most cynical way --

many of his church speeches mirror exgay ministry propaganda.

there is nothing in obama for me to support.

and i won't confirm one way or the other my vote.

i've worked dem elections -- phone banked -- donated -- done all the things i can to promote liberal/progressive politics.

i could not be less excited --

[closeupready]

46. Again, I ask, as with Lioness, for the ignorant here (including myself, lol),

can you point out specific cases where he pandered to homophobes? I would ask that you not discuss McClurkin, as that has been discussed to death, and we all get McClurkin. Thanks. :hi:

[xchrom]

48. you can not discuss mcklurkin if that's your choice -- it's not mine.

obama's church speeches and his attitudes about religion and marriage have drawn the same line in the sand that conservatives have.

how is that in any way a plus for lgbtiq people?

because he SEEMS like a nice guy? -- well that 'nice guy used four anti-gay gospel acts to introduce and campaign in south carolina -- and it worked very well.

and last but not least

"Giving them a set of basic rights would allow them to experience their relationship and live their lives in a way that doesn't cause discrimination," Obama said. "I think it is the right balance to strike in this society."
Sources: Chicago Daily Tribune, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

this is no friend to lgbtiq people.

[DarienComp]

49. church speeches?

I don't remember him saying anything homophobic in his church speeches.. do you have any concrete examples? I'm particularly curious to hear about any examples of his position on marriage being the same as conservatives... I realize he's not for gay marriage (was there a viable Dem candidate that was?), but he's certainly not for a constitutional amendment or anything like that...

[hulklogan]

50. The "gay people are sinners too" speech comes to mind.

I'm no sinner, thank you Senator.

[DarienComp]

52. Well.. we may be sinners, but not because we're gay...

is that what he was saying? I'm honestly unfamiliar with that speech.

[xchrom]

57. these are subtle references --

but when obama talks about loving the sinner etc -- it's the same kind of soft bigotry that all kinds of religious folk use against us -- notably ex-gay ministries.

but here are some places to start to give perspective on the whole thing -- mind this elementary and just a starter.

http://www.bilerico.com/2008/01/obamas_playing_us_stupid.php

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/_95210.html

http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/category/converstion-reparative-therapy

http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3403

http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3392

[DarienComp]

58. thanks

I'll read through them.

:hi:

[DarienComp]

47. I'm pretty happy.

But, of course, I've supported him since February.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

53. well good for you!!

no sarcasm but its easier to vote for someone you actually like. so i am glad you are in that position

[DarienComp]

56. thanks!

:hi:

[Chovexani]

51. I will likely stay home in November.

Maybe I'm just too "bitter" at the blatant fraud, vote theft, and shenanigans that went on in this primary. If that gets me a granite cookie, so be it. The Democratic (sic) Party no longer has the moral high ground on anything AFAIC. I would never in a million years dream of voting for McInsane or any other Greedy Oil Party candidate though. Which means I change my registration to Independent and stay home.

My time and money will go to local progressives and LGBT groups, places where it will actually make a difference. The party has shown that it does not give a damn about me or my vote, since around 2006 when that feckless bunch got into Congress and promptly sat on their hands, and at this point the feeling is mutual. Frankly I have gotten numb to all the scare tactics. I am starting to understand what the Nader people felt in 2000.

[GodlessBiker]

54. I did the same thing in 2000, and now I regret it. Young people are dead because of it.

They have been killed in a war that I believe would never have been started if Bush did not get to the White House.

But, you have the right to stay home. I hope you enjoy for years to come the fact that you exercised that right.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

55. look they may not be perfect, but politics world wide isnt.

its your right to not vote, but you may want to reconsider in the grander scheme of things

[Chovexani]

68. It really isn't about perfection to me. It never has been.

My guy never had a chance (Kucinich) and dropped out early, and my other guy never even threw his hat in (Gore). I've always been prepared to hold my nose for whomever. Even though I've been a fairly enthusiastic Clinton supporter I've held no illusions that she is perfect on every issue. I'm for her because I think she's fucking brilliant and believe she is simply the best qualified person to get us out of the mess we've been in. That doesn't mean I don't take serious issue with some of the positions she's held on issues (I don't at all like the "states rights" garbage WRT to equal marriage, given what "states rights" has meant for civil rights in the past, but it's a sight better IMO than "I don't believe in it because of my religion" and "basic rights").

I never expected to like the nominee 100%, and always expected to fall in line whomever. I've often joked that I'd vote for a ham sandwich as long as it came in a D wrapper. So it's not really about my girl losing and sour grapes. To me it's about a party leadership who well and truly does not give a flying fuck about half its members. And has said so, repeatedly. When rank and file people who give time and money and have fought for years on behalf of advancing the party's candidates and platform are literally told to go fuck themselves when they bring up reasonable complaints, there is a problem. I got one of the nastiest e-mails I've ever gotten in my life, from Donna Brazile, when I wrote a very polite note to her about Michigan and Florida and I am far from the only one who basically got cussed out by the DNC. When blatant lies and fraud are going on, it's not right. My aunt was a precinct captain in Nevada for Hillary and I could tell you some stories about what went on in that caucus that would make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. I mean I am talking Republican level shenanigans.

I've been on the other end of this argument, in 2000. I've posted a lot about how important voting is. Staying home has been utterly incomprehensible to me, my mom literally carried me into voting booths and let me pull the lever before I could even walk. I can wax poetic about civic duty with the best of them. So for me to even be considering this should tell people something. That is just how angry, hurt, and disappointed I am in what has gone on in this primary season and what has happened to this party--my party. I may have to take a long break from politics. I don't know if I'll ever come back from it.

[MuseRider]

74. I am so sorry.

But :applause:. As bad as it is and as sorry as I am that you feel this way I am with you 100% but could never say it as well as you just have. I am no longer a Dem but liberal as the day is long. I quit for much the same reason, that and the disgraceful addition of Alito on the court (that was the last straw for me).

I do not know how anyone could blame you for this after all these years of being thrown under the bus. I feel it and I am straight so I can't even begin to imagine how it must hurt. Like you I do not look for perfection either but damn, it would be nice to trust at least part of what is said but behavior has a way of betraying even the most well crafted language.

The DNC laughed at me when I told them why I would not donate. Their response was that I was from Kansas so they did not need me anyway along with copious chuckles. Thanks a pantload Dr. Dean.

[Creideiki]

61. How are your local candidates?

Colorado's really kind of lucky in that Udall's a first rate Senate candidate, and I've got Diane DeGette for a congresscritter. I can support them wholeheartedly.

[Toasterlad]

63. Me Too, Probably.

The behavior of the Democratic party during this primary...the deliberate marginalization of Kucinich, then Edwards...the pandering from Obama...the arrogance of Clinton...I'm just sick to death of it. I could never vote for McCain, but I deeply, DEEPLY resent being put into a position to "have" to vote for Obama. I was SO discouraged reading all the "I love Kucinich, but he can't win" posts, and now having to look at all the "I wish there was another choice, but I'll hold my nose" posts...just fucking depressing.

I may get out there if I feel like I have a horse in the local races, but I'm either skipping voting for Prez alogether, or writing in Dennis.

[Creideiki]

64. Come on, show some creativity!

Azathoth for President! The sane choice!

[DarkTirade]

65. I personally am voting for Cthulhu.

Why vote the lesser of two evils?

[Toasterlad]

66. Ah, Yes, A Perfect Example of Something I Left Out

The "sarcastic realists", who enjoyed belittling those of us starry-eyed enough to back a progressive candidate who actually wanted to do what people want their government to do; the people who brought us such charming expressions as "keep your powder dry" and "the votes aren't there" and "the lesser of two evils". The people responsible for the shape our government's in today.

[Creideiki]

69. Aww, Toasterlad, I'm sorry

Just trying to put some humor into an otherwise really unfun topic.

[Toasterlad]

72. No Apology Necessary.

I'm afraid I'm overly sensitive on this subject...and likely to remain so for some time.

[Creideiki]

73. Completely understandable

:hug:

[Iggo]

70. Obama was my 4th choice.

Hillary was my 5th. I would've voted for whichever one won the nomination. That hasn't changed. I'd never vote for a Republican for President. And even if I were stupid enough to think that I could vote for one, we have a couple of Supreme Court Justices that are what...78 and 88 yrs old? And those are the two most liberal justices we have. You replace them with conservative judges appointed by McSame and we'll have a fully conervative SCOTUS for the rest of our lives. No way, baby.

Also, the fight for equality does not end once Obama is elected and sworn in. It's ongoing.

There's no way I'm waiting around for two years to see if Pres. Obama's policies toward GLBT are working or not. I'm going to continue to light whatever fires I can under whichever representatives I need to.

Equal Rights For Everyone, Now!

(Daily rant over.)

[gaspee]

75. I'm not

Voting for him. I didn't like him when I met him in '06 and I loathe what he did in SC to get his campaign rolling.

I refuse to vote for the lesser of two evils.

Besides, as we've been constantly reminded on DU, he doesn't need our vote and his supporters' favorite saying is fuck you. He's going to win *all* the electoral votes, dontcha know :sarcasm:

Look, the guy talks about reaching out to the people who "disagree" with us -- yeah, and how is that different from Clinton's "third way" == it's not - it means capitulating on OUR RIGHTS to meet halfway with people who don't know the meaning of the word.

They scream about DOMA and DADT, but DOMA and DADT were the Clintons' compromising with the people Obama wants to reach out to so that worse wouldn't get passed.

I'm sick of all of them and I'm sick of people on the internet telling me my life and rights don't matter.

And I have no idea how Obama, whose own mother and father's marriage would have been illegal, can belong to a UCC church, which actually performs same-sex marriage -- how can he be anti marriage equality?

I see him and I see another BUsh adn that is such an unpopular opinion around here. This is going to be my last week at DU.

I can't live through another 2000 - and I dont' think this election is going to be a blow-out it's going to be close and there's no way in hell it should have ever been close.

And before any smartass tells me I'm cutting off my nose to spite my face -- I live in Rhode Island. Why don't you take a look at the politics of Rhode Island before trying to tell me what to do, all righty?

[Iggo]

76. My country and the survival....

....of the Constitution need me to vote Democratic, and I will.

You go ahead and sit this one out.

[gaspee]

77. I'm sure you know

Exactly how condescending you are.

I don't have to vote - my state is safely blue - always has been, always will be. Bush has a 15% approval rating in RI. If I lived in another state, I might vote for someone I loathe, but I don't have to.

I don't like his speeches, I don't like the religiosity of his cadence and I hate his pandering.

He has no interest in holding the Bush cabal accountable.

He wants to reach out to Lucy - well, Lucy's gonna snatch that football right out from under him.

We need someone who won't give way to the right's agenda - and he isn't that person. He was going to vote for Roberts until someone explained to him why that wouldn't be a good idea.

So go ahead, feel superior to me. You just keep doing that and the election that should have been in the bag is going to be too close for comfort.

The only way I'd vote for him is if he picked a true progressive as his Veep. And they're few and far between. Barney Frank or Bernie Sanders would be good choices.