The Dems’ ‘Don’t Ask’ Dilemma

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The Democratic Party claims to have the gays’ backs. Why, then, are they not actively pushing against Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. Well, there are a few reasons, according to the Associated Press.

One, they don’t want rile the right-wing during this crucial election season. Two, they’re afraid of botching the job a la Bill Clinton. And, perhaps mostly importantly, the party’s not entirely sure they can get it done, but that doesn’t mean they’re not committed to the cause:

The party’s reluctance to champion the cause also is a matter of political reality: Democrats lack a veto-proof majority in Congress.

”We know this is an issue that would not be met with a lot of enthusiasm on the part of the administration. That’s a big reality,” said Rep. Susan Davis, D-Calif., chairwoman of the House Armed Services personnel subcommittee. ”You want to spend time on the things you can move.”

Davis and other Democrats now say opportunity is on the horizon, especially if Obama is elected president. (Whereas Obama supports allowing gays to serve openly, the GOP presumptive nominee John McCain backs the current policy.)

Davis said she plans to convene a hearing on the issue by the end of the year. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said she supports the creation of a panel of military experts to study the issue.

While a number of military analysts have come out against the discriminatory policy, Joint Chiefs of Staff Michael Mullen thinks it’s up to Congress to decide the matter.

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