The Republican party’s having a gay identity crisis as of late – and the ideological winner could change the party’s political fate, not to mention the election.
As Kerry Eleveld eloquently explains in the Advocate, three of the presidential contenders oppose a federal amendment against gay marriage: John McCain, Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson, although the latter wants to make sure no one state has to endorse another’s married gays. Regardless of Thompson’s middle ground, his and his peers’ moderate stances show that the Republican party’s facing an important decision. Will they stick to their guns and give the once omnipotent Christian right their anti-gay wish, or will they move toward the left? While we can’t yet answer that pressing question, Eleveld offers a peek into the political implications of a Giuliani nomination:
With Giuliani as competition, presumably a Democrat would have to work harder to distinguish himself or herself on gay issues. Democratic political consultant Paul Yandura puts it this way: “A Giuliani that would come out and be just inches away from any other Democratic candidate [on gay rights] is going to force the issue.”
True, Giuliani isn’t as gay-friendly as the Democratic front-runners: He has studiously dodged questions about ENDA, has said it isn’t time to revisit “don’t ask, don’t tell,” and has gone out of his way to assure conservatives that he will appoint “strict constructionist” judges to the federal bench. But to make the distinctions clear, the Democrat facing Giuliani is going to have to highlight those points–that is, discuss gay issues. “With most Republican candidates, the Democrats might be able to take the gay vote for granted,” says Sherrill of Hunter College. “As a result, they would operate on the assumption that they will get 75% to 80% of the gay vote no matter what they do [and] probably say as little as possible on LGB-related issues.
It’s known as “electoral capture” when a candidate can take an interest group for granted because they have no place else to go with their votes. Ironically, the Christian right faces the same dilemma with Republicans–only they’re so thoroughly dissatisfied with their choices this time around, “they’re having a bit of a temper tantrum right now,” says [Log Cabin Republican’s] Patrick Sammon.
It’s known as “electoral capture” when a candidate can take an interest group for granted because they have no place else to go with their votes. Ironically, the Christian right faces the same dilemma with Republicans–only they’re so thoroughly dissatisfied with their choices this time around, “they’re having a bit of a temper tantrum right now,” says Sammon.
Eleveld goes on to dissect the Evangelical’s threat to support a third party candidate, which could destroy the party’s electoral future. Unless, of course, the party aggressively pursues the gay vote, which would change the entire presidential debate. The Democrats, of course, would then be forced to flex their gay friendly muscle.
blackiemiko
It’s not going to happen. Republican’s are going to AGAIN demonize us.
Leland Frances
What a FUCKING PILE OF CRAP, and further evidence that the cretins at the Advocate can’t tell shit from Shinola! Memo to them [re their June fuckup]: gay icon Frank Kameny STILL NOT DEAD!
No wonder the mainstream press consistently refers to Giuliani as the “pro-gay” Republican candidate when gay media can’t even get it right. Refusing to endorse ENDA but endorsing DADT, denouncing “domestic partnerships” in New Hampshire as being “too much like marriage,” and, most recently, declaring that he could support that Constitutional rape if “too many” judges legalize marriage equality makes him not just not “as gay-friendly” as the most conservative Dem but a goddamn fascist. I suppose he could call for the re-criminalizing of sodomy and the Advocate, mainstream media, and NGLTF’s Matt Foreman would still be blowing him.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alan
Former Senator Fred Thompson is the only candidate that gets it. He makes decisions based on principles. Principles don’t change. You have to stand for something and not change who you are based on the polls. That is what Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani have done and all of the Democrats do it. Give me a leader that will stand by his principles anyday versus someone that stands for everything.
I know many Republicans and conservatives that will stay home if Rudy Giuliani is the candidate. He does not represent our values as conservatives, and never will. Mitt Romney is a Republican-in-name-only (RINO ) that simply has everything else and nothing to do. “I guess I’ll just try to buy the presidencyâ€. The White House isn’t for sale! Conservatives will simply stay home and the Democrats will pick up additional seats in the House and probably get the 60 seats in the Senate they need to completely destroy our Country. Nice picture huh?
However, I think Fred can bring America back together, if that’s even possible. America needs a rebirth of patriotism and honor. Republicans also need a rebirth. President Reagan was our last rebirth and he can never be duplicated. Fred Thompson will bring his own down-to-earth common sense to this country.. A little of the good old days of faith, federalism and family would do well for this country. If a conservative runs as a conservative, he will win!
Think of it this way: Eight years of another Clinton White House? Now if that is not a sufficient enough reason to pull together as a nation, and fight this socialist liberal takeover of our government, what is?
Folks, we are in for the fight of our lives, just as our young men and women are fighting for our freedoms in Iraq and Afghanistan, we must fight for our nation right here and now! I truly believe Fred Thompson is the one man who can pull this nation back together! Rudy Giuliani will just tear us apart.
hisurfer
Somebody better tell Alan what “queerty” means.
jhype
I was thinking the same thing.
And I hope Reagan is rotting in hell.
Rt. Rev. Dr. RES
As to Fred Thompson – not no but hell no, says Nigel, my American spouse. The man is Reagan without the dementia, and a second wife younger than his own children…..and views on LGBT rights that are one step abovc recriminalisation.
Rudy and Mitt are said in the same breath. They are both completely without principle. They would prostitute their own mothers to win….well, Rudy would divorce another wife to do so, and Mitt would offer up anything period.
The Neoconservatives want to return to the days of sodomy laws and recriminalisation and pre-APA change of the DSM.
The DLC and DINO want little in terms of positive change, and stop the worst of the neocon agenda.
Whar a choice you guys have !!!!!