Colorado Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Lopez says it’s time for his state to have “a real First Lady again,” as opposed to current First Gentleman Marlon Reis, husband of Gov. Jared Polis.
Lopez made the clearly homophobic remark at a campaign rally, and the crowd ate it up. If you want a masterclass in political maneuvering, you certainly won’t find one watching Lopez bumble his way through a defense when pressed by reporter Kyle Clark of 9News.
“Why choose to introduce homophobia into the race for governor?” Clark asked.
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“It’s interesting that you would even mention that word, because I didn’t use it,” Lopez responded, because if there’s one thing we know about homophobes, it’s that they’re always using the word “homophobia.” Lopez said all he meant was that his wife “will work very hard on issues that pertain to women and children,” adding some feigned shock that folks would “twist” his words.
Clark was not amused.
“I think that there’s a chance that you think that I and the folks watching are dumber than we are,” the reporter said. “Because I think everybody knew what you were saying and the crowd that clapped for you knew what you were saying.”
“And I’m asking you why introduce that into the race? You’ve got plenty of critiques of the governor, other than the fact that he’s a gay man.”
Lopez again denied the remark was homophobic, and accused Clark of misleading his audience.
“I don’t think you can keep a straight face as you say that,” Clark said. “Would you have an issue with [GOP primary candidate] Heidi Genahl’s husband being the first gentleman?”
“No!” Lopez said.
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“So it’s just the gay guy?” Clark asked.
“You’re not understanding the system,” Lopez responded. “I’m talking about having a female that’s gonna focus on women’s issues and children’s issues.”
And speaking of “women’s issues and children’s issues,” elsewhere in the interview, Lopez reasserted his anti-abortion stance and brushed off a question about his 1993 arrest for violently assaulting his then-pregnant wife, Lisa.
“First of all, it wasn’t a violent situation,” Lopez said. “There’s only been one perfect man who’s ever walked this Earth and we nailed him to the cross. I’m not a perfect man and I’ve made my mistakes but I’ve learned from them.”
Watch — the back-and-forth about the “first lady” comment starts at the 17-minute mark:
Cam
Republicans are bigots and hate LGBTQ people. This is no surprise. He thinks that just mentioning the fact that another politician is gay will cause bigots to come out and vote for him.
jcool
i love the way the interviewer handled him. “this is my show and i’ll ask the questions.”
johncp56
Scummy gets scummy he is a D bag like the most of the GOP, trolls Gallor
Mister P
He also tries to deflect his DV incident by mentioning Jesus.
whereshouldistart
Oh I’m sure you recall that part in the bible that tells the story of Jayyyzus beating the shit out of a pregnant Mary Magdeline.
Kangol2
What a disgusting, homophobic coward. I hope he loses by a sizable margin!
Invader7
Another VILE, Neo NAZI Fascist republithug POS !!
cuteguy
So this guys wants a “real First Lady” to handle women issues, so why is he anti-abortion. The last time I checked, that was a “women issue” yet he has no problem putting his two cents. Typical GQP hypocrite cherry picking what he wants to represent all the while being a big ol homophobe
bryanbgu322
There is no hate like Christian love.