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Seriously, WTF? Hillary Clinton Waffles on Whether or Not Homosexuality is "Immoral"

What a pathetic little saga. When ABC News asked Hillary Clinton yesterday if she agreed with General Peter Pace's comment that homosexuality is "immoral," Clinton responded, "Well I’m going to leave that to others to conclude." This despite her long history of supporting the gay community and her previously stated opposition to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

It was either the biggest brain fart of the campaign season to date, or a really, really ugly attempt to tack to the center -- what's a little bigotry in the name of campaign-season moderation? I've always agreed with the sentiment that Clinton is running for the general election, not the primary -- everything she says and does is geared towards making her palatable to the country as a whole, not just the hardcore Dems that vote in primaries. But nonetheless, this is insane.

And the Clinton camp thought so too. So later in the day, the communications folks there released a statement from Clinton saying, "I disagree with what [Pace] said and do not share his view, plain and simple.... It is inappropriate to inject such personal views into this public policy matter, especially at a time in which there are young men and women in such grave circumstances in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and in other dangerous places around the world."

There are rumors that Barack Obama also dodged the question when asked about it yesterday. If so, expect another indignant blog post later in the day.

Posted by Jonathan Stein on 03/15/07 at 5:39 AM | E-mail | Print | Digg | de.licio.us | Reddit | Newsvine | Yahoo! MyWeb | StumbleUpon | Netscape | Google |



Comments

Of course... I strongly disagree with Pace... but you know... at least he's honest. Clinton makes me sick to my stomach.

Posted by: Guy Incognito on 03/15/07 at 8:34 AM

Yeah, I'm over Hillary at this point, too. I was giving her the benefit of the doubt a few months ago because all the 'do you love or hate her?' stuff seemed to just be feeding a myth that it had to be that black and white. However, she does seem disengenuous at this point. Next.

Posted by: Paul Miller on 03/15/07 at 8:48 AM

Hillary is John Kerry Part 2. She is going to flip flop and try to please everyone. I'm going to hold my vote for Kuchinich / Sheehan 08'.

Posted by: ORGANIC BEEF on 03/15/07 at 9:55 AM

I just sent Hillary this message on her website. Feel free to copy its contents and modify them to your taste and send them to her as well. No credit necessary; just send cash. :-)


Dear Senator Clinton,

Is it true that you dodged the issue of whether homosexuality is immoral by leaving it for others to conclude?

I'm quite surprised by this statement. Even as a heterosexual, I find this to be a very odd way to show leadership. Now is a perfect time to state that there is nothing immoral about a person's sexuality.

I had really hoped for a strong statement about this from you.

This is now my second disappointment with your candidacy. My first was finding out that Senator Obama has a better record on environmental issues than you do, as can be seen on the League of Conservation Voters website.

I am finding that my former preference for you as a candidate in the next election is dwindling. Please take a strong stance for the environment and human rights, even including issues that are not usually seen as such.

One example would be the fence on the border of the U.S. and Mexico. Humans are not the only animals affected by such a fence. Jaguars and ocelots have been crossing the border as well. We should not restrict their movements during this critical time of climate disruption.

In short, I think you may be attempting to be too centrist. This may cost you votes in the primary from a strong supporting base that is increasingly becoming disgusted by the far right and is moving farther to the left.

Thank you for your time,

Posted by: Misanthropic Scott on 03/15/07 at 10:30 AM

Senator Clinton has to get elected and the marriage amendments all passed with about 75% approval. She is no fool. She is a very smart politician. I am sorry if this offends some narrow interest group but politics are politics. I have heard that if elected, she will in fact change the current military policy on sexual orientation. Judge her by her deeds, not her talk. Talk is cheap. In the past, the Republicans used this issue to win. They would have the marriage amendment on the ballot to bring out the voters. The Democrats do not like to lose. There is a big difference between being in power and being out of power. Would you rather have a Bush Department of Justice or a Clinton Department of Justice?

Posted by: Laura on 03/15/07 at 12:46 PM

Clinton, of course, given those two choices. There are others. I'm sure she gets many emails. She is certainly a very smart politician. I weighed in with my opinion. You weigh in with yours. I am seriously starting to lean towards Obama though.

I agree talk is cheap. That's why I referenced her actual voting record on the environment in my email to her. It lets her know some people really do pay attention. IMHO, human rights are extremely important and still take a back seat to the environment, which if not properly treated has the potential to cause our extinction.

Posted by: Misanthropic Scott on 03/15/07 at 1:03 PM


Scott, Senator Clinton took your advice and just stated:
"Well I've heard from a number of my FRIENDS and I've certainly clarified with them any misunderstanding that anyone had, because I disagree with General Pace completely. I do not think homosexuality is immoral"

Posted by: Laura on 03/15/07 at 1:03 PM

Ah, glad to hear it!! I'm sure my email is what did it. (yeah right) maybe mine and 900,000 others.

Posted by: Misanthropic Scott on 03/15/07 at 3:33 PM

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