Gay Democrats for John McCain
I just returned from a (Gay) Hollywood Social Mixer where I found something that most people assume to be rare in this town–good conversation. I talked with a number of interesting and intelligent guys, one of them a left-wing radio host I know and whose company I enjoy, as well as several acquaintances and some people I met for the first time tonight.
One of those men was yet another gay Democrat (or inclined to the Democrats) who while he favored the party of Bill Clinton, said if the choice were between John McCain and Barack Obama, he’d vote for McCain. If he voted at all. This now makes five gay men, one of whom raised money for Mrs. Clinton, whom I have heard say they’d vote for the Republican candidate this fall if Barack Obama were their party’s nominee.
Indeed, the man with whom I spoke tonight wasn’t sure whether he could support Mrs. Clinton should she win her party’s nod and tap the Illinois Senator as her running mate. He’s no fan of the junior Senator from the Empire State, saying he only voted for her in the California primary to stop Obama, his man John Edwards having dropped out of the race by then.
There seems to be a common theme among these Democrats (and at least one Democrat-leaning Independent). They just don’t trust their party’s presidential frontrunner. One man said he lacked experience, another was concerned about his ties to shady characters. They didn’t think there was much substance behind his sizzle.
Tonight, my conversation partner called Obama élitist and noted the fervor of his followers, fans who fault him for daring to oppose their “savior.” So harsh have been their attacks that he fears coming out in certain Hollywood circles as a Hillary supporter, indeed even relishing the moments when he meets another Democrat who questions Obama’s competence. Sounds like the experience of being a gay Republican.
These Obama acolytes seem to think that if their man wins, everything will be coming up roses. And they’ll broach no dissent even (especially?) from fellow Democrats.
When I talked to the radio host, he acknowledged (seemingly reluctant) support for the Democratic frontrunner, but like many on the left had no warm feelings for Mrs. Clinton. Once again, I witness the intense animosity some on the left feel for the former First Lady. (As this post to which Glenn alerted me indicates.)
While I have been aware since this outset of this campaign (sometime last fall) that many Democrats harbor harsh feelings for Mrs. Clinton, I had not until February been aware that some on the left had similar sentiments for her Democratic rival. I realize my evidence is only anecdotal, but given the circles in which I travel, to find three gay Democrats in the Hollywood area considering a vote for McCain (with the remaining two outside LA) seems significant.
John McCain could win a substantial share of the gay vote this fall, largely because many intelligent Democrats are increasingly skeptical of their party’s likely nominee. Another reason to be grateful our party’s nominee opposed the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2004. And another reminder of the perils of nominating an untested candidate, particularly one who inspires such fervent followers.
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That goes for both Socialist candidates.
Comment by ThatGayConservative — April 16, 2008 @ 5:59 am - April 16, 2008
The gay vote is not a monolith.
We do not blindly follow the leftist agenda of our so-called “leaders”. We too are concerned about national security; we know that Islamic terrorists are virulently homophobic (being gay is a “crime” punishable by death in the Islamic world).
Also, Obama hasn’t helped himself with his associations with Rev. Wright and the anti-gay Rev. Meeks.
Comment by JEC — April 16, 2008 @ 8:22 am - April 16, 2008
JEC: I think the important distinction being made here is not that gay’s would vote for McCain (after all this is a gay conserative blog , so of course we’re aware that gay vote is not a monolith)
The important thing is that he’s talking about gay DEMOCRATS.
This confirms my suspicion that Obama has absolutely no chance to win the general election. (Neither does Hillary)
Comment by Vince P — April 16, 2008 @ 8:29 am - April 16, 2008
The fact that Obama has attended a homophobic church for 20 some years may have something to do with this.
Comment by Bob S — April 16, 2008 @ 9:22 am - April 16, 2008
Between a Radical Anti-American, Racist Leftist, and a patriotic RINO, I think liberals would go for the RINO. Progressives, on the other hand, would go for the Hatemongering Snob, Obama.
Comment by Crow — April 16, 2008 @ 10:23 am - April 16, 2008
On this blog, I remember Houndentenor telling us in February that Obama is a “movement” and the Democrats’ Reagan, that we mustn’t underestimate that “movement”, and that by pointing out Obama’s flaws emptiness, we were merely blinding ourselves with “hate”.
I wonder if he still thinks all that, after everything that has come out about Wright (talk about hate!!!), Meeks, Rezko, “bitter” and the rest?
Comment by ILoveCapitalism — April 16, 2008 @ 11:02 am - April 16, 2008
(typo, sorry, “Obama’s flaws AND emptiness”)
Comment by ILoveCapitalism — April 16, 2008 @ 11:03 am - April 16, 2008
For every delusion, there is a season, spin, spin, spin…
I’ll check back here in November and we’ll see what people feel about President Obama’s chances then.
I can’t wait to hear the weeping, wailing and nashing of teeth from the GayPatriot crowd when McSame goes down in flames.
Comment by Zeke — April 16, 2008 @ 11:50 am - April 16, 2008
Ian: Never, ever count your chickens before they’ve actually hatched. See you in November.
Comment by ILoveCapitalism — April 16, 2008 @ 12:06 pm - April 16, 2008
I find it somewhat amusing when democrats say, if Obama is the candidate, or if Hillary is, they’ll vote for McCain. To me, Obama and Hillary are one in the same – marxist, who will destroy this country, more so than those idiot leftists claim Bush has.
Comment by LesbianNeoCon — April 16, 2008 @ 1:49 pm - April 16, 2008
I am a gay member of Senator Obama’s church. If you did your research instead of speculate, you would know that our church is one of the most open and liberal in regards to reaching out to the LGBT community. We have many openly gay members who are leaders in our church. It is amazing how little research people will do before reaching an opinion about a candidate. If you choose to vote for John McCain, please do so. Just do not complain about your rights being ignored or decimated for another eight years.
Comment by Maxwell — April 16, 2008 @ 2:33 pm - April 16, 2008
Maxwell (#11):
I am a gay member of Senator Obama’s church.
Call me skeptical. Email me as I’d like to learn more, if you are telling the truth.
If you did your research instead of speculate, you would know that our church is one of the most open and liberal in regards to reaching out to the LGBT community. We have many openly gay members who are leaders in our church.
Again, if you are truly a memberof Trinity Church, thank you for making this statement. The reported facts appear to suggest that you are correct. That doesn’t excuse Obama’s support of and from his “Other Pastor” — Rev. Jame Meeks.
If you choose to vote for John McCain, please do so. Just do not complain about your rights being ignored or decimated for another eight years.
Could you please clarify exactly what “rights” you have had “decimated” and how John McCain would further “ignore” and “decimate” your rights?
Comment by GayPatriot — April 16, 2008 @ 4:52 pm - April 16, 2008
Gee, what a surprise; a church that is openly racist, blames America first, supports tyrannical dictators and regimes worldwide, and insists that other people are the cause of all of their problems attracts gay and lesbian liberals.
And, in related news, the first world leader for whom Obama wants to kneel and kiss their feet came out with a new doozy today: “9/11 was nothing but a fake”.
Comment by North Dallas Thirty — April 16, 2008 @ 4:54 pm - April 16, 2008
Maxwell:
How could you , as a gay person, sit there and let your pastor lie to your community about where AIDS come from? How could you tolerate children sitting in that church and learning nothing but the most dishonorable lies about their nation?
Also, can you confirm what the New Republic reported last year that Wright is a former Muslim?
Comment by Vince P — April 16, 2008 @ 5:25 pm - April 16, 2008
You can add another gay democrat possibly switching if Hillary does not win…
Comment by Darkeyedresolve — April 16, 2008 @ 11:40 pm - April 16, 2008
It may be a movement, but not the that kind of a movement.
#14
What I’d like to know is how a self-respecting gay man can hang out at a church that lavishes praise on Louis Farrakhan? “Goddamn America” isn’t enough to make you bolt for the door?
Comment by ThatGayConservative — April 17, 2008 @ 12:13 am - April 17, 2008
Especially given Farrakhan’s recent rant:
Comment by North Dallas Thirty — April 17, 2008 @ 12:24 am - April 17, 2008
Gee, where’s JEC with our answers?
Typical Obama supporter.. totally incapable of defending their stupid decision to support that fraud.
Comment by Vince P — April 17, 2008 @ 12:56 am - April 17, 2008
[...] had a great talk about the debate and the campaign with a guy I met at the mixer Tuesday night. He seemed to echo a point Andrew Sullivan (via Tiger at Home via Instapundit) made [...]
Pingback by GayPatriot » Unfair for Stephanopoulos moderate debate with Clinton — April 17, 2008 @ 5:37 pm - April 17, 2008
“The fact that Obama has attended a homophobic church for 20 some years may have something to do with this.”
I have to agree with Maxwell on this. I am also a gay member of the UCC (although not at Trinity). The UCC is the MOST pro-gay denomination in the United States. It is the ONLY Christian denomination which supports equal marriage rights. Trinity UCC is also well known in Chicago for its gay singles group. I have a hard time understanding how this is “anti-gay”.
Regarding our politics, our members span from Barrack Obama to Jeffery Lord (Ronald Reagan’s policy adviser). We currently have 10 members in the US House — 5 Democrats and 5 Republicans.
Comment by David — April 17, 2008 @ 6:25 pm - April 17, 2008
I guess they aren’t bothered that McCain campaigned for a constitutional amendment in Arizona to ban domestic partnerships or any other benefit for same sex couples.
Comment by Houndentenor — April 18, 2008 @ 11:55 am - April 18, 2008
[...] does seem (as per my conversation referenced in this post) that many Obama supporters get upset at any tough questioning their man has to endure or any [...]
Pingback by GayPatriot » Credit Where It’s Due or the Problem with Googling — April 18, 2008 @ 12:31 pm - April 18, 2008
[...] sign of this happening in the number of gay Democrats contemplating a vote for John McCain this [...]
Pingback by GayPatriot » Dutch Gays Prefer Conservative Parties — April 20, 2008 @ 5:02 pm - April 20, 2008
[...] vote for John McCain. I say this noting the number of gay Democrats (and Democrat-leaners) who have publicly said they would for Obama. It’s not just that they’ve told me. Other friends, some Democrats, have reported that [...]
Pingback by GayPatriot » John McCain & the Gay Vote — May 7, 2008 @ 2:43 pm - May 7, 2008
[...] both confirms what I’ve been noticing about Gay Democrats backing John McCain and suggests that the HRC Board may be more broad-minded that its overwhelmingly Democratic [...]
Pingback by GayPatriot » Yawn, HRC Endorses Obama — June 10, 2008 @ 5:13 pm - June 10, 2008
If you think your muffin is buttered better by voting for the party harboring most of the clowns calling for a federal amendment banning gay marriage and reliably using anti-gay bigotry every 4 years as a wedge issue, then so be it. Remember, they may be clowns, but when you elect them they’re still clowns with power.
Voting Libertarian is far more respectable. It may be wasting your vote, but at least it’s defensible on principle.
There have always been Uncle Toms, kapos and collaborators in every persecuted minority throughout history-the gay minority is no different. Just don’t be offended if the rest of us are shaving your heads one day.
Comment by Mr. B — June 11, 2008 @ 2:04 pm - June 11, 2008
Gay people have noticed Obama’s actions towards them.
First there was Obama having Donnie McClurkin as a part of his campaign. McClurkin has said that it is OK to hate gay people because God “hates the things that are purposed to destroy the ones He loves and are against His nature and design. He created me to be a whole man and to love one woman. Anything else is perversion of the male purpose.”
Second, there was Obama refusing to have his picture taken with San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom because Newsom supports same sex marriage.
Third, there is the Rev. James T. Meeks who Obama has called a “spiritual counsel.” Meeks, an Obama delegate who served on Obama’s exploratory committee for President, helped launch a petition for the Illinois Family Institute to clearly understand “the threat of gay marriage.” The Southern Poverty Law Center named Meeks one of the “10 leading black religious voices in the anti-gay movement” last year.
In contrast, John McCain is not as homophobic as most Republicans. Although he doesn’t support ending “Dont Ask, Dont Tell” or adding gay people to existing hate crime laws, he is against a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage.
Although I don’t like McCain’s saying he would nominate Supreme Court Justices similar to Scalia and Thomas, I have many reservations about Obama.
Comment by Chris — June 11, 2008 @ 7:14 pm - June 11, 2008
[...] Barack Obama. After an extended conversation with one such Democrat, I blogged on the topic, observing: There seems to be a common theme among these Democrats (and at least one Democrat-leaning [...]
Pingback by Pajamas Media » Can McCain Crack the Gay Vote? — June 22, 2008 @ 6:40 am - June 22, 2008
[...] industry said it would be career suicide to identify oneself as a Republican. I learned later it was even a challenge in some segments of the industry for Democrats to be open about their suppor… during the Democratic [...]
Pingback by GayPatriot » Why It Matters to Come Out as a Gay Republican — October 8, 2008 @ 5:18 pm - October 8, 2008