I just hung up the phone on a conference call discussing LGBT issues. I am struck by two things:
- The incredible thoughtfulness careful acknowledgement of a recent victory over Hillary Clinton.
- This Obama campaign really gets it when it comes to gay and lesbian issues. Yes there were words pleasant to any gay man's ears but there is a foundation of solid appreciation and understanding of the issues.
I'm curious to know if anyone else listened in and if so what was your impression?
The point of this call seemed to be to bring on board any Hillary supporters, to highlight the depth that Obama has supported gay and lesbian rights during his career. Obviously many gay and lesbian folks supported Hillary out of the gate because of her husbands stance. Most of us felt Bill Clinton did "as much as he could" but of course we are hoping for much more now in this climate. During the call there was a firm appeal to get LGBT volunteers out to register voters in all 50 states on behalf of Obama.
Steve Hildebrand began the call and indicated there were about 1200 callers on the line. The call lasted 30 minutes. I only recieved my invitation yesterday. I was a bit puzzled that it would be held on Friday evening at 6:00pm Eastern time with only two days notice.
But I'm new to this whole process, so maybe it is standard. Steve introduced the first speaker, Elizabeth (not sure of last name), a former Clinton supporter with biracial kids that "look like Obama" She talked about her feelings and had obviously supported Hillary for a while but was now making the switch to Barak Obama.
I think there were four speakers total. A fellow by the name of Joe Salmonese (another butchered name--my sincere apologies) He is with the Human Rights Campaign which has about 700,000 members nationwide.
A fellow by the name of David Mixler? Nixler? (again could not quite get the name) underscoring the need of LGBT folks needing to actively oppose the FL and CA anti-gay referendums that will be on the November ballot.
Each speaker including Tobias Wolf of the LGBT Policy Committee for Barak Obama did an incredibly good job of communicating the past efforts of Obama such as supporting the Matthew Shepherd law, opposing the don't ask and don't tell failed policy. Obama really has tried to unite lots of disperate groups together. I'm just incredibly impressed.
Apparenty Obama will do another conference call in the future (today he took the day off from campaigning we were told).
I am 50 now and have had half of my friends succumb to aids in the 80's and witnessed years of fighting for LGBT issues, some with more success than others. But this time it feels like we have a powerful ally. A can get things done kind of president. Incredible.. just amazing and uplifting.
Rec List? Unbelievable..... Thanks especially for the comments below.