Barack Obama promised many things during his campaign, one of the most notable being unparalleled levels of transparency — something you might not have realized was even possible under the previous president. Except, like many of Obama’s campaign guarantees, he has not been making good on this one. But now the White House announces: he’s trying. It took plenty of criticism and four lawsuits, but the administration will now begin releasing the names of guests visiting 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
The new rules would take effect in the coming weeks, with the Secret Service’s visitors’ logged released three to four months after the visit. “The disclosure would include who set up the meeting, where it was held and for how long,” reports USA Today, which adds, “Exceptions would be made in cases of national security, extreme confidentiality — such as a visit by a future Supreme Court nominee — and strictly personal visits to the first family, including daughters Malia and Sasha.”
Know what this means? You’ll be able to find out each time certain somebodies from Gay Inc. stop by the White House to make pleasantries with the president and his aides. Which is great news, except we hear it’s also possible to pick up the telephone to convince the administration to hold off on Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and these call logs won’t be part of the new project.
Cam
I was a little surprised that the White house had continued the policy of not publically listing the visitor’s list. I’m glad they finally ended the practice that that Bush and Cheney were so fond of. I wish they had done it sooner instead of defending it for this length of time.
Andrew
Transparency is good, but does anyone really believe Joe Solmonese or HRC has any influence with any one? Come on.
Andrew
@Andrew: PLEASE Donate DIRECTLY to the good people in Maine. Enough HRC begging for cash:
Dear Friend,
Help run this incredibly effective ad from the campaign to defend marriage equality in Maine.
Donate to HRC’s Maine Marriage PAC.
The next big battle is here, and we need your help.
The same anti-equality forces that spent millions and spread lies to pass Proposition 8 in California have set their sights on Maine. The National Organization for Marriage, Focus on the Family and the PR firm behind Prop. 8 have gone East to overturn the marriage equality law that passed this spring.
There’s a lot riding on the outcome of this vote – marriage equality for Maine and momentum for our fight nationwide.
HRC has been on the ground in Maine for months, working with local groups across the state and the NO on 1/Protect Maine Equality campaign. Will you help run this amazing new ad produced by the campaign and bolster our efforts?
Watch the ad and donate to help run it in key markets – 100% of your gift will go straight to the fight for equality in Maine.
We have less than 60 days until Mainers will vote on a Prop. 8-style initiative that would void the marriage equality law enacted this spring.
We’ve received word that right-wing groups have already spent $600,000 to blanket the state with anti-marriage ads. We can count on a campaign fueled by distortion and lies, just like we saw in California last year.
We need to fight back with the truth. And let me be clear: a victory in Maine is within our reach… But we need more support early in the game.
Were there lessons in California? Certainly. One key lesson was that not enough people invested early to defeat Prop. 8. We can’t let that happen again.
Did you know that an early contribution is, literally, three times more valuable to a campaign than one given at the end? It’s true.
Invest directly in this critical effort – give to the HRC Maine Marriage PAC.
This isn’t just about Maine. We can stop these anti-equality forces – and when we do, we’ll help protect and defend marriage equality everywhere. Thank you for your help.
Warmly,
Joe Solmonese
President