Did anyone see the LOGO dem debates?

NoH8

I missed them totally forgot, but they're on the website http://visiblevote08.logoonline.com/ . I really wish Kucinich had a shot.

topo

Hi, I saw them and was really disappointed in the top three. Excuse me, but they have no balls. Very disappointing. Topo

NoH8

I know-- I'm seriously thinking of changing my backing from Obama to Kucinich.
Did you know all of the republicans were invited to a similar debate and they all declined? I expect nothing from the republicans, but still, what a slap in the face. They don't even think our votes are worthy.

Anonymous

I don't consider myself very political (psychological trauma from growing up with a politician Dad!), but the current issues are just too important to ignore. I agree that Kucinich comes out ahead in his stances on the pertinent issues and, obviously on the question of full rights for gays. I can't help but think, though, that the old warning about throwing away one's vote is applicable here. Kucinich hasn't a chance in hell of winning, even if all of us supporting an end to the war, gay rights, free choice, etc. voted for him. I really think that it might be better to consider who, among the top three, is more persuadable over the long run...who, aftera few years in office, might end up more of a friend to gays on even the small issues? Somehow, I have a nagging suspicion that John Edwards, influenced persistently by Elizabeth, might be a likely choice. On the other hand, how likely is it that even HE will win the Democratic nomination. Not very likely, I think.

Sorry that I'm not coming out strongly on any one candidate, but choosing the right one, for me, is a real process. Just thought I'd weigh in though. I'd like my gay daughter to be able to one day marry whomever she loves and enjoy every right that I've been entitled to as a straight married woman.

Marin

NoH8

I wrestle with throwing away my vote Marin-- but then I also think, what if everyone thought that way from the get go-- Carter and Clinton would probably not have been presidents. In the primaries my 2nd choice is Gravel, who has even less of a chance than Kucinich-- then I go Obama, Edwards,Clinton, Biden, Dodds. Realistically, Obama is the only candidate who seems to have a chance against Clinton and I do like him very much- but if I don't vote my conscience then I feel like my voice is silenced. I think, in the primary, I would rather "throw away" my vote than not metaphorically speak out for marriage and equal rights.

nosurrender

I watched it the other night.
I found myself feeling really uncomfortable when that guy from Alaska- can't remember his name was on and when Richardson was acting so obviously out of sorts.
Obama handled himself well, but I don't think comparing growing up "being named Barak Obama" is the same thing as the discrimination that the GLBT were talking about.

Edwards I thought made a really big error. One of the panelists asked him if he regretted saying a couple of years back that he was against gay marriage. He responded that he felt he had made a mistake when he said that and it was wrong. Then a few moments later ME asked him what he felt about gay marriage and he said he was against it. Which is it??

I think that ME's statement to Hillary was very moving about feeling like being betrayed after they supported Bill and then nothing was changed, she said she felt like she was thrown under the bus.

Kucinich really did a great job. And his one sentence was so moving when he said- "My wife is the love of my life. If someone told me I couldn't marry her or wasn't allowed to marry her I would be devastated." You could see from the audience that a lot of people were moved.

I have to say this though- at first I was looking at ME thinking- that reporter looks an awful lot like ME... but ME would be wearing something way cooler than that outfit!

I found it was very interesting to watch.

NoH8

Nosurrender, I missed the debates and had to watch them online. I'm not sure what you're talking about with Richardson when Gravel(from alaska) was talking. Can you fill you in.

I absolutely agree that sentence you quoted from Kucinich summarized the fight for marriage equality.

I also like what ME had to say about what it feels like to live in a country where the constitution says we're all created equal and have equal rights, yet not to have those rights. That's something I struggle a lot with and it was great to hear her say the words I would have, had I been asking the questions.

topo

Hi all,
I don't think I can throw my vote away by voting for someone who has no chance of winning. I was thrilled that two of the candidates were completely on our side. Very disappointed with Hillary, Obama and Edwards. Actually, I think it isn't that they don't believe in our rights, they simply believe it isn't politically savvy to admit to it. They're hedging their bets. I wanted Hillary to run but when I read about her "negatives", I don't know that she can really win in the national election. My main goal is to keep the Republicans out! I'm one of those who think Bush and Cheney should be impeached. I'd love to be able to directly talk to the top three candidates. If, in fact, we don't get anywhere for equal marriage rights in the near future, I think the gay-lesbian community and their friends and families need to start marching on Washington. We will get the right to marry eventually. Just don't know that it will be within my lifetime.

nosurrender

Quote:

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Nosurrender, I missed the debates and had to watch them online. I'm not sure what you're talking about with Richardson when Gravel(from alaska) was talking. Can you fill you in.

I absolutely agree that sentence you quoted from Kucinich summarized the fight for marriage equality.

I also like what ME had to say about what it feels like to live in a country where the constitution says we're all created equal and have equal rights, yet not to have those rights. That's something I struggle a lot with and it was great to hear her say the words I would have, had I been asking the questions.

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Hi Amy, what I meant was Richardson seemed so uncomfortable that it was uncomfortable to watch him. He seemed to not have a clue what the questions were about and he kept dodging back to his record as gov when asked a direct question like are people born gay or is it a choice. He made no sense to me.

Gravel was just plain odd to me! I am not sure if I am remembering this correctly, but did he say he was fighting for gay rights 47 years ago? Before the civil rights were fought for?? I think he may be a little long in the tooth to keep up with what was being discussed- and when he got confused he started to repeat what Kucinich was saying about love. I get embarrassed FOR people when they are flubbing and floundering so that is why I wrote I felt uncomfortable when they were on.

NoH8

Topo, I have never believed that Hillary can win a national election, because she has too high of a negative rating. I think that if she gets the nomination, it will inspire republicans to come out to vote, if not for their candidate, than against her. I don't believe this has anything to do with her being a woman, as much as her reputation as a divider, not uniter, and what she represents about the Clinton era that united the repubs when Bush was (kind of) elected the first time.

topo

Amy,
I think she will win the nomination and the presidency. Not sure if that's a good thing, but as a feminist, I would be pleased. As a lesbian and a citizen who believes our country needs a real change (but it won't happen)am not so sure. I like Obama. I like Edwards. I think this will be the toughest choice I've faced since the first time I voted. Whoever wins the nomination, I will back.
Topo

NoH8

I will absolutely back who ever wins the primary-- the only question is with how much vigor that will be-- the bumper stickers, buttons or just the vote.
I'd be thrilled with an Obama/Clinton or Clinton/Obama ticket-- breaking 2 glass ceilings at once.