I think I've done a No on 8 diary every day this week. And here's another one.
I wrote last night that Bill Clinton was robocalling millions of voters in California to tell them to vote No on Prop 8, the California proposal to amend our state constitution to take away the rights of lesbians and gay men to marry or to have our marriages recognized. The Obama campaign also issued a statement repeating its opposition to Prop 8 and rejecting an ad by Prop 8 supporters to tie Barack, Michelle, and Joe Biden to their cause.
Today, No on 8 has released a powerful ad featuring statements by Barack Obama, California's Rebublican governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Senator Dianne Feinstein, as well as the California Teachers Association, expressing their strong, principled opposition to this amendment, and urging voters to vote "No on 8."
To top that off, robocalls are now going out to millions of voters from NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson asking them to join him and Barack Obama in opposing Prop 8.
As a lesbian and a Californian, it's gratifying to see these statements of support from such powerful, respected voices. It's also, however, very difficult to see them coming in at the very last minute like this. Perhaps that's the most effective time, especially given that supporters on both sides are not likely to budge, the measure is essentially tied, and this all lies in the hands of the undecided voters, who are most likely to be swayed by these particular ads and calls.
Here's the ad:
Transcript:
Barack Obama says "no on 8; it's divisive and discriminatory."
Arnold Schwarzenegger says, "It should never happen."
"Prop 8 eliminates rights," says Dianne Feinstein. "It's a terrible mistake."
"It will not affect teaching in our schools," say California's teachers.
"It's 'intolerant,' 'offensive,' and 'the law should not discriminate.'" (newspaper quotes shown onscreen.)
Dianne Feinstein: "No matter how you feel about marriage, vote against discrimination, and vote "no" on 8."
Please donate to get it on the air. More info about the ad and the robocalls at that link as well.