Politics: September 2012
Conservatives See U.S. as Charity Case
Filed by Terrance Heath | September 30, 2012 6:00 PM |It's one of the most insulting, dismissive, and frequently heard bits of rhetoric spewed forth from the mouths of conservative pundits and politicos. So, it stands to reason that congressional Republicans would like to make it the law of the land. Read More
CA Rep. Adam Schiff Releases 'It Gets Better' Video
Filed by Karen Ocamb | September 30, 2012 5:00 PM |Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) released an "It Gets Better" video Friday, Sept. 28. Schiff is a co-sponsor of several important pieces of legislation to curtail harassment, end inequalities, and educate students about bullying.Read More
New Obama Ad Ridicules Romney's Flip-Flips
Filed by Karen Ocamb | September 28, 2012 2:00 PM |The Obama campaign released a new video in advance of the first - and critical - presidential debate on Wednesday, Oct. 3, illustrating how Mitt Romney's once funny flip-flops are now just blatant lies to reporters and the public.Read More
Wake The F*ck Up Edition [What You Need To Know]
Filed by E. Winter Tashlin | September 28, 2012 10:00 AM |Barney Frank dives back into racial waters, the Red Planet was once blue, home HIV tests now available, a conservative religious argument for SSM, and more. Plus: Samuel L. Jackson gives us a wakeup call. Read More
Taking the Good with the Bad in Texas
Filed by Leslie Robinson | September 27, 2012 6:00 PM |Here's the latest from Texas, where you win some, and you lose six teeth.Read More
Happy Birthday Rep Debbie Wasserman Schultz!
Filed by Michael Emanuel Rajner | September 27, 2012 5:00 PM |Today is the birthday of DNC Chair Rep Debbie Wasserman Schultz. A dedicated ally, and personal friend. Read More
Death By Austerity
Filed by Terrance Heath | September 27, 2012 1:30 PM |Americans now stand a greater chance of dying from the effects of austerity than being killed in a car crash. Suicide now kills more Americans than car accidents.Read More
Alicia Keys Campaigns for Barack Obama in Philly
Filed by Bil Browning | September 27, 2012 12:30 PM |Singer Alicia Keys stopped by Philadelphia for a Women for Obama event. As she says, "We are a powerful force and when powerful women get together..."Read More
Rove Attacks Baldwin as 'Too Extreme' While Thompson Says He'll Kill Medicare
Filed by Karen Ocamb | September 27, 2012 11:30 AM |Karl Rove's Crossroads GPS is attack lesbian Senate candidate Tammy Baldwin as "too extreme" while her opponent, Tommy Thompson, promises to "do away with Medicaid and Medicare." Who's the extreme candidate?Read More
West Wing Cast: Down Ticket Voting Important Too!
Filed by Karen Ocamb | September 25, 2012 4:00 PM |The West Wing cast reprised their roles in a campaign ad for the sister of actress Mary McCormack, who played Deputy National Security adviser Kate Harper.Read More
This Is What DOMA Discrimination Looks Like
Filed by Waymon Hudson | September 25, 2012 3:00 PM |My husband got a letter in the mail entitled "Notice Regarding Civil Unions in the State of Illinois." The letter laid out in stark terms exactly how the patchwork of rights created by the DOMA impacts same-sex couples in ways many don't even consider.Read More
Flip Flop: Ryan Thinks We Shouldn't Reinstate DADT
Filed by Bil Browning | September 25, 2012 11:30 AM |Someone cue the Log Cabin Republicans and GOProud to beat their chests and proclaim the Romney/Ryan ticket a smashing gay success.Read More
How Much Would You Have to Work to Pay Taxes?
Filed by Bil Browning | September 24, 2012 5:00 PM |Mitt Romney thinks that the poors should take "personal responsibility" for their lives and pay taxes. How many hours would you have to work at a minimum wage job before you actually pay taxes? The answer will shock you.Read More
Rep Alcee Hastings: 'The Election is About You' [Video]
Filed by Michael Emanuel Rajner | September 24, 2012 12:30 PM |Over the weekend, I had the chance to sit down with Congressman Alcee Hastings. The Congressman spoke about the Republican trickery of not challenging key black democrats so black voters are not as fired up this November.Read More
Zach Wahls Speaks at Obama Fundraiser
Filed by Bil Browning | September 24, 2012 11:30 AM |Zach Wahls has been hitting the campaign trail hard on behalf of President Obama. Not only did he speak at the Democratic convention, he's also out on the road talking to voters at smaller events across the country.Read More
Even More of the 47% Responds
Filed by Terrance Heath | September 23, 2012 2:30 PM |To quote Moms Mabley: things sure ain't what they use to be, and I'm damn glad; because now we can hear Sara Zacharias. Today, nobody is "speaking truth to power" (in the person of one Willard Mitt Romney) than her.Read More
The 47 Percent Responds
Filed by Terrance Heath | September 23, 2012 10:00 AM |We know what Romney was talking about when he reached out to donors. But what may cause serious and lasting trouble for the Romney campaign is that millions of Americans now know who Romney was talking about.Read More
Sarah Silverman Explains Voter ID Laws
Filed by James Holmes | September 21, 2012 4:30 PM |Sarah Silverman explains voter ID laws in a way only she can.Read More
Jill Biden Makes an Accidental Dick Joke
Filed by Bil Browning | September 21, 2012 3:30 PM |Laugh along with the Vice President and a rather large crowd of well wishers as Dr. Jill Biden accidentally makes a dick joke at a campaign rally.Read More
Maryland Gov Martin O'Malley on Faith & Marriage Equality
Filed by Karen Ocamb | September 20, 2012 4:30 PM |After a long history of LGBT people largely acquiescing to the "right" of faith-based organizations to discriminate, it is stunning to see non-gay political leaders stepping up in support of civil marriage equality - and in the context of their own religious beliefs.Read More
The Bain of the 47 Percent
Filed by Terrance Heath | September 20, 2012 2:00 PM |Mitt Romney said what he meant and meant what he said. Romney's words echo well-worn right wing rhetoric, but they also reflect the values that informed his vulture capitalism at the helm of Bain Capital and inform his bully economics today.Read More
Why 'Senator' Tammy Baldwin Is Important to You
Filed by Guest Blogger | September 20, 2012 1:00 PM |We have never had a United States senator who is an open member of our community, and Tammy Baldwin is poised to break that barrier.Read More
Voter ID Laws, Suppression, & Equality
Filed by Waymon Hudson | September 20, 2012 10:00 AM |Silencing swathes of the electorate for political gain may seem like a good idea in the short run, but it stagnates our country. These laws prove some haven't learned from the mistakes of those before us that fought for the right to cast that ballot.Read More
Why the Republican Log Cabin Is an Austere House of Straw
Filed by Guest Blogger | September 19, 2012 5:00 PM |Log Cabin Republicans should consider all of the facts that affect them and take a long look in the mirror before entering the voting booth and casting their ballot in November because they are not voting in their self-interest - economic or otherwise.Read More
Romney's Entire '47%' Speech at Private Campaign Event
Filed by Bil Browning | September 19, 2012 10:00 AM |Video of Mitt Romney speaking before a gaggle of millionaires at a private campaign event hit the news with a bang yesterday after Mother Jones published some excerpts and details of the event. Now they've released the entire speech so you can watch it all yourself.Read More
MN Gay Marriage Ad Follows Same Old Non-Gay Strategy
Filed by Bil Browning | September 18, 2012 3:00 PM |Washington state's first marriage equality TV ad dropped last week and it was a heterosexual snoozefest. Now Minnesota has released their first go on the small screen and it's more of the same.Read More
Where Do Romney's 'Moochers' Live?
Filed by Bil Browning | September 18, 2012 11:30 AM |Romney's already lost the vote of most women, Latinos, African-Americans, and LGBT people, surely he's not going to do anything to alienate the white southern male vote, right?!?Read More
Maddow Eviscerates Paul Ryan for Appearing at Value Voters Summit
Filed by Karen Ocamb | September 18, 2012 10:30 AM |There are 50 days left until Election Day, Nov. 6, and the presidential campaign of Republican Mitt Romney seems to be tossing and turning in waves of political uncertainty.Read More
NCLR Urges CA Guv to Sign Gay Child Abuse Bill
Filed by Karen Ocamb | September 17, 2012 5:00 PM |Last Thursday, journalist Rex Wocker asked a very pertinent question: "So if Jerry Brown already has decided that sexual orientation can't be changed, why does he apparently still need lobbying on SB 1172 (and he apparently does)?"Read More
Your Constitution Day Primer
Filed by Guest Blogger | September 17, 2012 10:30 AM |Here's a quick overview on some of what the Constitution really says as compared to what the GOP and Tea Party would have you believe.Read More
Watchdogs Not Lapdogs [Comment of the Week]
Filed by Bil Browning | September 16, 2012 6:00 PM |David Lampo stopped by last week's post "Barney Frank Responds to Log Cabin 'Uncle Tom' Controversy." A gay Republican, he wasn't shy about mixing it up with some of our more vociferous Democrats.Read More
Top 5 Reasons Romney Won't Release Tax Returns
Filed by Bil Browning | September 14, 2012 11:00 AM |The Obama campaign's latest video points out how Mitt Romney tries to hide his vast wealth and questions his motives. The number one reason? He thinks it'll hurt his chances to be elected.Read More
Gay Chicago TV Talks Lesbian Political Power
Filed by Waymon Hudson | September 14, 2012 10:00 AM |In its latest episode, Gay Chicago TV takes on the topic of Super PACs, specifically the new Lesbian Super PAC "LPAC", which is the first political action committee focused directly on amplifying the political power of the lesbian community.Read More
Reflecting: Democratic Convention Historic in Many Ways
Filed by Mark Segal | September 13, 2012 4:00 PM |A majority of the speakers at the Democratic National Convention last week spoke in some way about LGBT equality. You read that right. From small-town mayors to the president of the United States of America, our civil rights were front and center. Read More
The Party Platforms: What in God's Name?
Filed by Terrance Heath | September 13, 2012 12:30 PM |It's always amusing when God gets dragged into politics. If God took the to read at least one of those political party platforms, the most She (or He, if you prefer) would likely say is, "At least you spelled my name right."Read More
Anti-Gay Attack on Tammy Baldwin Raises Interesting Question
Filed by Bil Browning | September 12, 2012 6:00 PM |Moving beyond whether or not the video was gay baiting (It was.) or whether or not Nemoir should have received his pink slip (He didn't.), watching the video raised one interesting question for me.Read More
Gay LA Councilmember Rosendahl Returns to City Hall After Cancer Diagnosis [Video]
Filed by Karen Ocamb | September 12, 2012 5:00 PM |Bill Rosendahl returned to City Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 11, where he was greeted with a standing ovationRead More
Washington's First Statewide Ad Is Another Heterosexual Snoozefest
Filed by Bil Browning | September 12, 2012 2:30 PM |But, hey, at least this time they actually show a lesbian! For 3 seconds.Read More
Republican Cognitive Dissonance Part 8,235
Filed by Bil Browning | September 12, 2012 11:30 AM |Good God, Mitt Romney isn't even capable of reading English by this point. Or else he is, and just doesn't give two shits that he's lying out his ass.Read More
LGBT Equality Is an Economic Issue
Filed by Waymon Hudson | September 12, 2012 10:00 AM |To pretend that there is no connection between LGBT rights and economic security is to speak from a position of disconnect that is steeped in dishonesty and affluent privilege.Read More
Barney Frank Responds to Log Cabin 'Uncle Tom' Controversy
Filed by Bil Browning | September 11, 2012 5:00 PM |Representative Barney Frank responded today to the recent controversy surrounding his use of "Uncle Tom" as a description for Log Cabin Republicans.Read More
The Worst Anti-Gay Political Flyer You'll Never See
Filed by Bil Browning | September 11, 2012 3:00 PM |While this attack ad against Republican New York State Senator Mark Grisanti is absolutely atrocious, it was never actually sent to voters. Grisanti voted in favor of marriage equality.Read More
Rep Adam Schiff on the 'Tipping Point for Marriage Equality'
Filed by Karen Ocamb | September 10, 2012 12:30 PM |I spoke with Rep. Adam Schiff - who represents much of the LA County LGBT community - about how historic the convention was in recognizing and advancing LGBT rights. Schiff thought the convention was a "tipping point" for marriage equality.Read More
Is Log Cabin Still Relevant? [Comment of the Week]
Filed by Bil Browning | September 09, 2012 6:00 PM |Given Log Cabin's current focus on supporting the GOP instead of challenging them, is the group still relevant to the modern LGBT movement?Read More
Progressive Props for Openly Gay CA Assembly Candidate Luis Lopez
Filed by Karen Ocamb | September 09, 2012 4:00 PM |While many are still giddy from the historically diverse Democratic National Convention last week that nominated President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden for re-election - it is also critical to remember the down-ticket congressional and state races.Read More
Democratic Convention Recap & Undecided Voters
Filed by Kate Clinton | September 08, 2012 10:00 AM |It would be as if you were on a plane and the flight attendant described your meal options as chicken or dog excrement. The undecided voter would ask, "Is the chicken boneless?"Read More
Transgender Delegation Makes Dem Convention 'Especially Historic'
Filed by David Moore | September 07, 2012 4:30 PM |The 2012 Democratic Convention proved to be reflective of the country's "melting pot" moniker in multiple ways.Read More
More Work Remains to Ensure Full Inclusion of Trans Community
Filed by James Nichols | September 07, 2012 1:00 PM |Due largely to the progress gained by the gay and lesbian movement over the past decades, transgender individuals are slowly beginning to gain visibility as citizens are educated about non-socially normative ways of being and knowing.Read More
'Uncle Barney' Has a Point About Log Cabin
Filed by E. Winter Tashlin | September 07, 2012 12:00 PM |Barney Frank made a hyperbolic (and somewhat racially charged) slur against LGBT Republicans. However impolitic it may be to say, there are many people who don't think he was all that wrong.Read More
Obama Acceptance: Forward [Open Thread]
Filed by Bil Browning | September 07, 2012 11:00 AM |After the Democratic National Convention... Are you fired up? Are you ready to go?Read More
Pres. Obama's Full Remarks from Democratic National Convention
Filed by James Holmes | September 06, 2012 10:27 PM |President Barack Obama's acceptance speech from night three of the 2012 Democratic National Convention.Read More
VP Joe Biden's Remarks to the Democratic National Convention
Filed by James Holmes | September 06, 2012 10:25 PM |Vice President Joe Biden's acceptance speech from night three of the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Read More
Barney Frank Stirs Controversy at Last LGBT Caucus
Filed by Matt Comer | September 06, 2012 9:04 PM |Log Cabins, Stonewall Dems respond to 'Uncle Tom' comment.Read More
Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by Zach Wahls at DNCC
Filed by James Holmes | September 06, 2012 6:50 PM |The following is a copy of a speech, as prepared for delivery, by Zach Wahls at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, September 6, 2012.Read More
Democrats Shift Focus to Middle Class, Immigration, Healthcare
Filed by Matt Comer | September 06, 2012 6:30 PM |Obama makes surprise appearance at end of Clinton nominating speech. Read More
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper Speaks at DNCC
Filed by Matt Comer | September 06, 2012 6:00 PM |Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, known to many nationwide after the Aurora shooting tragedy and after wildfires struck his state this season, delivered remarks at the convention podium on Wednesday.Read More
Where Are the Anti-LGBT Protesters at Dem Convention?
Filed by Bil Browning | September 06, 2012 5:00 PM |Since LGBT rights have advanced dramatically under President Obama, I expected to see even more of the Fred Phelpsian sort in Charlotte not less. Combined with the Party's historic endorsement of marriage equality, I assumed that the anti-gay nutjobs would be out in full frothing force.Read More
Are Republicans Lying? Are Democrats?
Filed by Guest Blogger | September 06, 2012 4:00 PM |I'm less concerned with whether these are purely lies, than with how they originate, and how we can stop the destructive effects they have.Read More
Election 2012: Rhetoric vs Reality
Filed by Waymon Hudson | September 06, 2012 12:30 PM |What was supposed to be a "referendum" election according to most political pundits, with voters focusing on Obama's first three years in office, has quickly become a "choice" election, with voters presented with two vastly different visions for America. Read More
The Speech I Wish the President Would Give (But He Won't)
Filed by E. Winter Tashlin | September 06, 2012 11:00 AM |It's an issue close to the hearts and wallets of many Americans, and one that the new GOP platform attacks, using language written by none other than radical anti-LGBT hate-group president Tony Perkins.Read More
Gay CA Assembly Speaker John Perez Addresses Dem Convention
Filed by Bil Browning | September 05, 2012 9:45 PM |Openly gay California State Assembly Speaker John Perez addressed the Democratic National Convention tonight and, as Jill requested, he made sure to actually say the word "transgender" instead of just lumping everything queer into the LGBT buzzword.Read More
Michelle Obama's Speech to LGBT Luncheon at Dem Convention
Filed by Bil Browning | September 05, 2012 7:00 PM |First Lady Michelle Obama spoke this afternoon at a luncheon co-hosted by the Human Rights Campaign, the Victory Fund, National Stonewall Democrats, and Equality North Carolina to honor out elected officials.Read More
Lesbian Rep. Barbara Jordan Delivered Dem Keynote in 1976
Filed by Karen Ocamb | September 05, 2012 4:30 PM |President Barack Obama was 15 years old in 1976 when Texas Rep. Barbara Jordan became the first African American woman to deliver a keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. Read More
Gay Congressman Jared Polis' Convention Speech [Video]
Filed by Bil Browning | September 05, 2012 2:45 PM |Openly gay Colorado Congressman Jared Polis spoke last night at the Democratic National Convention.Read More
What Do GLAAD's New NRI Numbers Really Mean?
Filed by E. Winter Tashlin | September 05, 2012 1:30 PM |GLAAD released their annual Network Responsibility Index, right into the teeth of a long weekend and the DNCC. It would seem that this is a case of dumping a story in the proverbial trash, and I can see why. Read More
GOProud on Hand for DNC Rebuttals
Filed by Matt Comer | September 05, 2012 1:20 PM |GOProud director Jimmy LaSalvia says Democrats are skirting jobs and economy.Read More
Say It, Democrats, 'Transgender'
Filed by Dr. Jillian T. Weiss | September 05, 2012 12:00 PM |The Democratic Party 2012 Platform is out and it is good for the gays. It's pro-marriage equality and for elimination of discrimination in its civil rights platform and expresses specific support for ENDA, mentioning "gender identity" - twice.Read More
Donna Brazile Steals Show at NJ Delegate Breakfast
Filed by David Moore | September 05, 2012 9:30 AM |Enthusiastic crowd regales speakers with swell of support.Read More
Historic Democratic Platform Calls for Expanded LGBT Rights
Filed by Matt Comer | September 05, 2012 9:00 AM |New plank supports full marriage rights for same-sex couples, opposes Defense of Marriage Act. Read More
LGBT Caucus Energizes Delegates & Guests
Filed by James Nichols | September 05, 2012 8:30 AM |White House Advisor Valerie Jarrett, Rep. Tammy Baldwin and DNCC CEO Steve Kerrigan among speakers.Read More
Michelle Obama's Democratic Convention Speech
Filed by James Holmes | September 04, 2012 11:00 PM |First Lady Michelle Obama's Speech from the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Read More
Schumer at DNC: We Will Pass ENDA
Filed by Matt Comer | September 04, 2012 7:10 PM |New York senator says employment non-discrimination is "high priority."Read More
Why Playing the Race Card Works for Conservatives
Filed by Terrance Heath | September 04, 2012 6:00 PM |Come the revolution, the rich, white, male conservative will be the only people left who can play the race card and get away with it. Actually, that revolution is already here.Read More
Climate Change Republicans Can Believe In
Filed by Joseph Gentile | September 04, 2012 3:00 PM |Mitt Romney deeply cares about your family, but apparently not their planet. Questioning the impact of climate change the night before, then pitying its victims the next day, hints at a gathering storm of Republican hypocrisy headed straight for us. Read More
Charlie Crist's Closet Is About to Shatter
Filed by Norm Kent | September 04, 2012 12:30 PM |How many new rumors every month can be started about the alleged homosexuality and gay trysts of the former Florida governor, Charlie Crist? Read More
Democratic Convention Attracts LGBT, Queer Youth Organizers
Filed by Matt Comer | September 04, 2012 11:45 AM |Young people want to highlight economic issues, matters of equality for LGBT and undocumented youth.Read More
Milk: Obama a 'No-Brainer' for LGBT Community
Filed by Matt Comer | September 04, 2012 11:15 AM |Stuart Milk, nephew of slain gay rights pioneer, says DNC host city, state critical for fall election.Read More
Lessons for Democrats in New Poll
Filed by Guest Blogger | September 04, 2012 11:00 AM |As the Democrats gather in Charlotte they must learn how much the party can gain from embracing full and equal rights for LGBT people. A new study stands as dramatic evidence of the sea-change that has occurred in American politics. Read More
LGBT People Some of the Most Excited Democratic Convention Attendees
Filed by Bil Browning | September 04, 2012 8:45 AM |As Democrats rally in Charlotte this week, LGBT attendees of this week's Democratic National Convention are among the most enthusiastic supporters in town.Read More
Labor Day [Open Thread]
Filed by James Holmes | September 03, 2012 10:00 AM |How has organized labor affected your life? Are you from a union family? Or do you side with the Republicans' attacks on workers' rights? Helpful or harmful, how are you celebrating American workers today? Read More
Thank Hurricane: Three Days Was Enough
Filed by Kate Clinton | September 02, 2012 2:00 PM |Because the embedded media was fascinated with the train wreck of a convention, they never covered the backstage where all the cut-throat fund-raising and focused fat-cat deal-making was happening. The clever GOP ploy worked.Read More
