THE NOTE
Personal Is Political
One Nation, Under God
By Mark Halperin, Marc Ambinder, David Chalian & Brooke Brower.
[ABCNEWS.com]
W A S H I N G T O N May 9? "The fact of the matter is," the candidate for high office said...we live in a free society, and freedom means freedom for everybody. We don't get to choose, and shouldn't be able to choose and say, 'You get to live free, but you don't." And I think that means that people should be free to enter into any kind of relationship they want to enter into. It's really no one else's business in terms of trying to regulate or prohibit behavior in that regard."
"The next step, then, of course, is the question you ask of whether or not there ought to be some kind of official sanction, if you will, of the relationship, or if these relationships should be treated the same way a conventional marriage is. That's a tougher problem. That's not a slam dunk."
"I try to be open-minded about it as much as I can, and tolerant of those relationships. And like [my opponent], I also wrestle with the extent to which there ought to be legal sanction of those relationships. I think we ought to do everything we can to tolerate and accommodate whatever kind of relationships people want to enter into."
Do you know who said this? A Democrat, right? Or, at the very least, a squishy, moderate Republican? Well, no.
An intense but relatively short period of time has elapsed from the moment those comments were made until today, but remember the vice presidential debate in October of 2000?
Remember these words by candidate Dick Cheney?
Many Republicans aspiring to, concerned about, and in high office believe as Cheney does, which tracks with what we would guess are the median beliefs of the American people.
Many of these Republicans will convene this weekend for the Log Cabin Republicans' annual convention in Washington, starting today. We don't know of any big-name or Administration figures speaking to the group, though the Log Cabin's schedule has time set aside for "administration briefings."
The Log Cabins are a friendly bunch, but if there's one thing that sets them off, it's the common refrain in the media and by liberal gay groups that gay or gay-friendly Republicans are unicorns ? magical, fantasy creatures that have never existed.
But they do exist ? and, perhaps, in larger numbers every election cycle.
As a gay Republican once told The Note, there is nothing about homosexuality that inscribes in one's heart a desire for bigger government, income redistribution, and/or liberal social policies.
Centrist gay groups such as the influential Human Rights Campaign recognize this and have broadened their legislative and political outreach considerably.
But there is a big caveat: many, many Republican Party activists are viscerally uncomfortable with homosexuality.
Many feel in their hearts that it's sinful. Many believe that the media and the Washington Establishment (Republicans and Democrats) are consciously pro-gay, vocally promote the "gay agenda," and sanction a way of life they think leads to early deaths, broken families, and biblical sin.
They agree with Senator Santorum: yeah, it's distasteful for government to peer throught the windows of a bedroom, but if our elected officials can't legislate against immorality, what can they do?
These anti-gay activists vote and bring many of their friends and family to the polls.
So long as the GOP relies on them, the dissonance between Washington Republicans and many Outside the Beltway Republicans on gay issues will be real, and many Republican politicians will be confronted with uncomfortable trade-offs.
This is a red state/blue state/purple people issue, but it also reveals one of the more obvious aspects of American political culture: the degree to which the elite of both parties are just plain different than the party's rank and file. (No ? it's not necessarily a cynical attempt by "devious Republicans" to appeal to moderates.)
Privately, many Washington Republicans acknowledge the rift and hope that it somehow sorts itself out.
That's unlikely, in the short term.
Though they are a minority in Washington, conservative social policy groups like the Family Research Council and the Concerned Women for America are less willing to give Republicans a pass on issues like these.
And why should they? If you really think that homosexuality is immoral, why allow your elected officials to do anything you think promotes it?
When he ran for president, then-Governor Bush wasn't as explicitly tolerant as Mr. Cheney. Reporters got the sense that he just didn't care all that much about the issue. If you were gay, big whoop. But, after much back and forth, he did met with gay GOPers during the campaign. (See: LINK
Often, the Bush Administration seems to wear that same set of ambivalence.
At times, they've specifically rebuffed attempts to tinker with regulation or stifle political appointments solely because the person or policy in question happens to be directed at gay people. (AIDS council appointments; home rule questions for the District of Columbia). (See: LINK)
At other times, like in their recent attempt to convince government researchers to take a harder look at studies that focus on gays and in their defense of Senator Santorum's inclusivity, the administration takes pains to recognize the feelings of its conservative activist base.
Last night, Chris Matthews asked a Concerned Women for America representative whether Bush was too pro-gay. Her response: "The jury's out on that."
By the way, guess who defended RNC chairman Marc Racicot's meeting with gay Republicans? MSNBC political analyst Dick Armey, whose libertarian leanings have been manifest for a while.
Anyway, If ENDA, which forbids discrimination against gay employees, ever makes it out of Congress, the administration will be confronted for the first time with major legislation that forces them to choose between sides.
It will be fascinating to watch.
The Democrats also have "problems" with lesbian and gay Americans.
While national Democrats enjoy the political and financial support of many gays, the party recognizes that being labelled explicitly "pro-gay" runs the risk of being on a slippery slope WHILE opening up a Pandora's Box, with activists pushing hard for the outer envelope of an equal rights agenda that is not currently supported by enough citizens in swing states to make up a majority.
Bill Clinton and Al Gore are incredibly pro-gay, but there were limits to even their support in the '90s. Nancy Pelosi is almost as pro-gay as her constituents, and Tom Daschle is, uhm, significantly more pro-gay than most of his.
All nine Democrats running for president are quite pro-gay rights, but they recognize that they are at least somewhat to the left of the nation, and they are trying to help foster public opinion change. And their awareness of where the nation is currently extends, for instance, to some of their strategists suggesting that Howard Dean's identification with gay issues could actually hurt his candidacy.
Meanwhile, American culture keeps on changing.
Previewing this weekend's Log Cabin convention and Senator John Edwards' speech to an HRC dinner in Atlanta tomorrow night, the Atlanta Journal Constitution deftly summarizes the decade's developments:
"The change in attitude has been helped along culturally by the favorable portrayal of gays in books, movies and TV, particularly the sitcom 'Will and Grace' ? . But it is also the product of cold, hard political numbers." LINK
"Consequently, even the most conservative of politicians generally avoid harsh criticisms of gays. This week, for example, when House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) was asked by a reporter about the weekend meeting of the Log Cabin Republicans, he spoke in measured tones."
"'We are an open and inclusive party to anyone who believes in the same things we believe in,' DeLay said, without elaboration."
"In the Democratic presidential debate in South Carolina last weekend, some of the candidates spent a significant amount of time squabbling over who was more supportive of gay rights."
"'Gays can be the difference in an election,' said South Carolina political consultant Tige Wells, founder of Campaign Research and Strategy Inc. 'And in a 50-50 nation, politicians do not want to alienate any group, especially one that turns out with their votes and their money.'"
"Wells, who is gay and has worked for politicians in both parties, noted, for example, that Edwards' willingness to address the Human Rights Campaign dinner in Atlanta will appeal to gay voters in neighboring South Carolina."
"And South Carolina's estimated 44,000 gay voters, mostly in the Charleston area, could provide the winning edge in the state's first-in-the-South presidential primary Feb. 3. Some statewide races in recent years have been decided by an even smaller margin, Wells pointed out."
"'I'm not suggesting that homophobia is gone, especially in the South, or that gays aren't used as a wedge issue in politics anymore,' Wells said."
"'And with Americans still concerned about terrorism and their own safety, equality and fairness [are] taking a back seat. But gays are not the favorite whipping boy they once were. And for most Americans, with more exposure [to gays] comes an ease with the subject, and an acceptance,' Wells said."
"On the national level, about 3 percent of voters ? roughly 4 million ? identified themselves as gay or lesbian in exit polls taken during the 2000 election. And of those, about 30 percent voted for the Republican nominee, George W. Bush."
The Washington Post 's Lloyd Grove picks up Representative Dick Gephardt's comments about his daughter Chrissy on CNBC's "Capital Report:" LINK
"'Chrissy is a lesbian. . . . She's a social worker here in D.C., and I'm very proud of her and I want her help in the campaign, and she's going to help with gay and lesbian people, but she's going to help with people all over the country.'"
Planetout, a gay web site/news service, has a similar article.. LINK
Having set that thematic table for you, it's time to let you know: President Bush's trip to South Carolina today kicks off what is going to be quite a busy weekend in American politics ? gay and straight.
Beyond the beginning of the Log Cabin Republicans' annual convention in DC, Reverend Al Sharpton speaks to the black caucus of the Michigan Democratic party tonight.
Senator Lieberman is in New Hampshire. Senator Kerry is in Iowa. He will chow down at the Story County Democratic dinner tonight. Senator Graham teaches history ? it's a "work day" ? in Durham, New Hampshire.
In fact, both Iowa and New Hampshire will be quite busy this weekend. On Saturday, Congressman Kucinich will unveil his health care plan to the Painters' Union in Iowa and has a half dozen more stops throughout the state. Senator Lieberman has several events there.
Also Saturday, Congressman Gephardt attends several health care events in New Hampshire. Senator Graham breakfasts in Nashua.
Senator Edwards will speak at that Human Rights Campaign annual dinner in Atlanta. (He doesn't support gay marriage but does support HRC's work in general).
And Senator Kerry keynotes the Michigan Democrats' Jefferson-Jackson dinner in Detroit. He'll be introduced by Governor Granholm, and we bet Jill Alper attends.
Sunday, Bill Clinton gives Syracuse University's commencement address.
And Senator Graham, along with Senator Lieberman ? well, not with Senator Lieberman ? will be in Iowa.
Much was made a week ago when the Columbia State led with the confirmation of the president's plans to address the USC graduation, trumping the off-lede of the Democrats debate and party meeting (as if "normal" readers know the difference between the lede and the off-lede ? .).
While some Democrats and some in the media saw conspiracy (or, at least, calculation) in the timing, Bush supporters argue persuasively that that view is overwrought.
The State's Lee Bandy reports that the president's "USC visit was known early last week, but the White House chose to delay the official announcement until last Friday, the day the state Democrats kicked off three days of festivities." LINK
"The move had its desired effect: The next day, Bush shared the front page of most state newspapers and local newscasts with the Democrats, often landing the top story slot."
The Charleston Post and Courier's Schuyler Kropf reports that the president will "use the words of John F. Kennedy" to "promote his road map for Middle East peace" during his address to University of South Carolina graduates today. LINK
"A senior official, requesting anonymity, said Bush will suggest the creation of a Middle East free trade zone within a decade that one day could link the economies of Israel and its Arab neighbors. The tone of the speech, he said, would be that Bush sees the Arab world as a potential democratic trading partner and that adopting western-style business and political practices will bring stability for all and prosperity to the lowest rung of Arab society."
The State has everybody, and we mean everybody, all over the president's visit today to the Palmetto State.
The State's Jeff Stensland maps out how USC managed to arrange for the president to speak to "1,200 graduates from seven of the school's colleges at 3 p.m. in the Carolina Center." LINK
Stensland writes, "There's a multitude of reasons for Bush to justify a trip to the Palmetto State. Presidential politics and a largely receptive audience play a part, but the connections between [USC trustee Eddie] Floyd and others to the Bush team also could be a big factor."
"Floyd, a prominent Florence surgeon and top S.C. fund-raiser for Bush during the 2000 Republican primaries, recalls a conversation with Bush's national campaign chairman, Don Evans, during a fund-raiser at Floyd's Florence home."
"'Don Evans came up to me and asked me what I wanted (if Bush won),' Floyd said."
Floyd said, "'Well, I want the president to come to the university and receive an honorary degree.' So he took out this little pad and wrote it down."
And, in case you didn't know, the "president's nephew attends USC, White House chief of staff Andrew Card is a graduate of the school, and Rove has received an honorary degree."
The State also ponders a scenario where S.C. Lt. Governor Andre "Get Out of My Way" Bauer has to drive President Bush from lovely Columbia Metropolitan Airport to the university's campus, during which the president asks him if he's "related to that Eddie Bauer guy.". LINK
And meanwhile there's more bad news for Bauer, who's "office will run out of money before the end of the fiscal year ? with scarcely enough money in June to pay his salary and none to pay those of his five employees," The State's Valerie Bauerlein reports. LINK
"The Republican lieutenant governor's office would be only the third of more than 80 state agencies not to make its budget for the fiscal year that ends June 30."
The State's Cliff LeBlanc explains how the Secret Service plans to handle security (and protestors) during the president's visit. LINK
The State also give safety and traffic tips to folks descending on Columbia today. LINK
And back in the Washington bureau, The State's Lauren Markoe has a sneak preview of the president's commencement address. LINK
The Note is willing to bet serious money that President Bush won't tell the graduates to use sunscreen or floss.
Finally, before wishing you a lovely weekend, the Note would like to clarify one thing: we consider it a good use of this tablet to let people in politics respond to stories in the media with which they take issue.
When we publish a political person's "critique" of a news story, we aren't endorsing their views ? simply telling you in both a meta and actual way what points they are making.
We welcome "rebuttals of the rebuttals" from anyone else, interested party or otherwise.
ABC 2004: CREEP:
The Washington Post 's Dana Milbank says the Democrats (the ones in Congress anyway) are keeping the Lincoln controversy alive. LINK
After running through Fleischer's math, Milbank writes this:
"That accounting, however, left out crucial elements. First, there were two Vikings in Bush's entourage. Then there were the four 'COD' aircraft, the 'carrier onboard delivery' planes that ferried Bush's staff and selected journalists to the USS Abraham Lincoln. In addition, Marine One flew to the ship anyway, separate from Bush's trip by Viking. Marine One, a backup and a third transport helicopter were all flown to the Lincoln to carry Bush and his entourage from the ship."
On the return date question, Inspector General Milbank has this:
"House Appropriations Committee Democrats allege Bush's trip delayed the return of the Lincoln by a day, costing $800,000 to $1 million in power, food and security. The White House and the Navy said the ship returned on schedule."
"The Lincoln originally was scheduled to return May 4. About a week before its arrival, the date was accelerated to May 2, and the ship increased its speed to allow it to rendezvous with Bush, according to Lincoln crew. The accelerated return from Hawaii brought the ship nearer than expected to port, leaving it only 30 miles offshore when Bush arrived May 1. The carrier made what a Pentagon official called "lazy circles" within sight of San Diego as Bush slept aboard. 'It is not an uncommon practice for them to wait offshore so they can arrive exactly at the time as advertised,' Fleischer said yesterday."
David Sanger's New York Times version is (purposefully?) so uneven in tone that it is impossible for even an experienced Googling monkey to figure out what Sanger thinks of the whole thing. LINK
Jackie Calmes of the Wall Street Journal weaves this seamlessly into her "Washington Wire":
"'Top Gun' Backfires, Democrats hope, but on whom?"
"Democrats demand probes following reports that Bush didn't have to fly a jet to the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln, as White House said, but was near enough to helicopter, and that troops could have come home a day earlier. 'If that had been Bill Clinton,' says former spokesman Joe Lockhart, 'the subpoenas would be flying, and there'd be blood on the floor from Republicans fighting over who gets to investigate.'"
(Note Note: just because Joe probably begins too many sentences with the phrase "If that had been Bill Clinton ? ." doesn't mean he is necessarily wrong.)
"Bush and aides dismiss potential for backlash. 'I see none,' says a senior official. A Democratic strategist warns that foes themselves run risk in attacking. A Bush campaign adviser dismisses talk of election use of film footage of the event."
The New York Post 's John Podhoretz thinks Democratic complaints about L'Affaire Lincoln landing are really stupid. LINK
The USA Today 's Walter Shapiro tries to dial back the convention wisdom that President Bush is in stellar shape for re-election.
"But some prominent GOP figures, even if they won't speak on the record, brood that this is a precarious moment for the Bush administration. Their political concerns partly center on Iraq. The question is not whether Americans feel flag-waving pride about toppling Saddam and his statues, but how they will judge this war in six months or on the eve of the 2004 election. The potential pitfalls for the president are symbolized by a front-page headline in Wednesday's USA TODAY : 'Hostility toward U.S. troops is running high in Baghdad.'" LINK
"But the real worry is, of course, the economy. Selling his tax-cut package Tuesday, Bush proclaimed, 'The goal is to create a million new jobs by the end of next year.' But what if the economy fails to produce the job growth Bush needs for a glide path to re-election? Bush must also surmount the reality that 1.9 million jobs have disappeared since February 2001, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Republican Congress has slashed Bush's proposal to cut taxes $726 billion over 10 years. That will make it hard (but not impossible) for him to blame the Democrats if the economy fails to match White House hopes."
First day Rove coverage we missed: LINK
ABC 2004: Invisible Primary
KUCINICH
The health care plan, according to a press release, will be "universal" and "single-payer."
Also: "Rep. Kucinich will go door-to-door in Waterloo to help pick up food as part of the Letter Carriers' National Food Drive after meeting with Waterloo Labor Leaders. Rep. Kucinich will then tour an area near Ellsworth heavily populated with CAFOs (confined animal feeding operations), and meet with family farmers in Story City. After the health care plan announcement at the Painters Hall, Rep. Kucinich will greet supporters at the opening of his Iowa Campaign Headquarters before speaking to the Polk County Democratic dinner. Afterward, Rep. Kucinich will meet with Des Moines area leaders in the Black and Latino communities, as well as teachers and school parents at a home reception."
GRAHAM
As expected, Senator Graham proposed a stimulus plan yesterday that immediately died in committee. But now, since the proposal is on the record, Graham can use it for a while on the stump.
And that's what the Herald's Frank Davies expects him to do:
"The Florida Democrat's two-year proposal would let the average taxpayer keep $765 more a year by not taxing the first $10,000 of earnings. In an effort to help financially strapped states, the plan would temporarily increase federal funding of Medicaid costs by $40 billion." LINK
"The proposal would also include tax relief to small businesses and extend some unemployment benefits to laid-off workers."
"The estimated cost of Graham's plan, $255 billion over two years, would be offset by suspending two tax cuts enacted in 2001 ? the reduction of the top three tax rates on earnings between 2004 and 2006 and further reductions in the estate tax beyond 2006."
We'd note that Graham offered a similar plan in 2001.
The Christian Science Monitor's Marlantes writes that several Democrats are angling to become the "security" candidate-- and mentions Senator Graham prominently. LINK
LIEBERMAN
Remembering that no one has really explored the depths and breadth of Joe Lieberman's support for what many see as the great civil rights issue of our time, check out what the Wall Street Journal 's Jackie Calmes slips into the "Wire":
"Washington Mayor Williams's new support of vouchers for private schools boosts Bush's $75 million plan to try them in the capital and some other cities. Virginia Rep. Davis holds hearings Friday with Williams and other D.C. Democrats who've dropped opposition. House leaders want to write a bill by next month. Gregg's Senate legislation faces a filibuster. Democrat Lieberman, who co-sponsored a bill that Clinton vetoed, and then backed off his endorsement in the 2000 campaign, says he'd support Gregg measure."
The Associated Press writes up Hadassah Lieberman's solo trip to Columbia, South Carolina.LINK
The Hartford Courant's David Lightman has been working on his tan this week with all the hours he clocked in Florida.
He followed Joe Lieberman to Miami yesterday: LINK
"You might think that "Viva Lieberman!" would be a standard political rallying cry in this city's Cuban community."
END OF PART ONE |
