We’ve seen Obama's “Hope for a brighter tomorrow” campaign before. Our very own Jimmy Carter was another idealistic Democrat who ran a campaign based on optimism and dreams for America’s future. Carter’s election was part of America’s recovery from Watergate- a complete changing of the guard in Washington. Carter didn’t play those political games. He was a plain-spoken peanut-lovin’ God-fearin’ sweet Southern gent who was gonna shake things up.It didn’t work out that way. Those political games continued to be played, only he wasn’t qualified to participate. They handed him his ass and he was out of office in four years.
Idealism is all well and good, but we need someone who can do the damn job. I mean come on y’all, anyone who’s ever had fumbling, awkward sex with a virgin will tell you: experience does matter.
This year, we have the option of an experienced candidate: Senator Hillary Clinton.
Hillary has been stigmatized for her years of public service as First Lady. The comparison has been made that by Hillary’s standards, Laura Bush would be ready to lead our country on Day One. Well, no. Hillary used her position to further public policy, including broadening our reach internationally and her attempts to revolutionize the American health care industry. Laura has spent eight years sneaking Parliament Lights in the Rose Garden and perfecting an expression of glazed compliance Pat Nixon would have envied.
Hillary’s not perfect. No politician is. Hell, no person is. But she’s an advocate for us, and for so many other Americans who have spent the last eight years being completely ignored.
And then there’s Barack.
In one of the first Democratic debates, back when there were still like sixty people onstage vying for the nomination, the moderator brought up the subject of AIDS. Senator Joe Biden stressed the importance of everyone being tested, as both he and Barack Obama had done. Obama jumped in, clarifying that he had been tested for HIV with his wife, not with Senator Biden. Everyone onstage had a good chuckle at this, except for Hillary, whose face seemed to mirror my primary thought: “Was that really necessary, dickwad?” I mean, was there an actual risk of anyone thinking Barack and Joe had a little something kickin’ on the DL? Is it not okay for two straight guys to get tested together?
Oh, I get it. He was kidding. One of those little “gay panic” jokes which give people permission to laugh at us. I remember those from junior high. They’re an expression of fear and ignorance. Ha fucking ha.
Hillary Clinton has been the punch line of an endless number of dyke jokes over the years, and yet she doesn’t treat them as insults. Childish and pointless, but not hurtful. She still marches in our parades and defends our community. Plus, her fundraisers don’t include entertainment by a gospel singer who preaches about God delivering him from the “curse” of homosexuality, unlike Senator Obama’s tacit approval of Donnie McClurkin.
Like many of the straight people in her generation, Hillary’s still learning about us, and acknowledging mistakes of the past. Based on analysis from military advisors, her husband enacted the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy in our armed forces during his administration. The result was a disaster, and Senator Clinton is the first to admit it. It is far past time to honor the patriotism and sacrifice of gays and lesbians serving our country.
As Clinton herself said, “Soldiers need to shoot straight, not be straight.”
I don’t think Obama’s The Great Satan. I think he genuinely loves this country and has a lot of good ideas. But I fear that’s all they’ll ever be. We need a woman of action, with proof of her dedication.
Hillary fought to extend the Victims Compensation Fund to the partners of those who died in 9/11, an unprecedented act recognizing the lives we lead together have value. She piloted the mission to stop Republicans from writing discrimination into the Constitution. She intends to grant full federal benefits to same-sex couples (while leaving marriage laws up to individual states), and will assure nothing stands in the way of us adopting children in need.
She respects us. She represents us. And if all goes well, she’s got my vote.
I don’t think Obama’s The Great Satan. I think he genuinely loves this country and has a lot of good ideas. But I fear that’s all they’ll ever be. We need a woman of action, with proof of her dedication.
Hillary fought to extend the Victims Compensation Fund to the partners of those who died in 9/11, an unprecedented act recognizing the lives we lead together have value. She piloted the mission to stop Republicans from writing discrimination into the Constitution. She intends to grant full federal benefits to same-sex couples (while leaving marriage laws up to individual states), and will assure nothing stands in the way of us adopting children in need.
She respects us. She represents us. And if all goes well, she’s got my vote.
