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Carol just noted that Obama is talking about Faith today. This, of course, is an attempt to put Rev. Wright behind him -- and to attempt to woo some Evangelical voters. Will it work? His job just got a bit tougher. David Brody has some Obama pro-gay fliers here and here and here and here.
Obama is walking a fine line, and trying to play both sides of every issue. In this instance, he wants to appeal to pro-gay activists -- without turning-off Evangelicals. The question is; can he get away with it?
Like a guy trying to juggle two girlfriends, my suspicion is this will catch up to him. But who knows? So far, he's been able to do a pretty good job of pulling it off.
Of course, Obama has made the argument that it is not inconsistent at all to be pro-homosexual rights, as well as an Evangelical Christian. Brody explains why Obama's two messages to two different audiences may cause him trouble in the future:
"Look, I understand that Obama is saying ALL people should be treated with respect. That’s not the issue. Evangelicals also believe ALL people should be treated respectfully. Rather Obama’s next challenge may be defending his liberal positions as part of his Christian narrative."
The problem with Obama's position is that he is not merely encouraging everyone to "just get along". He is, instead, actively courting the radical political pro-gay political movement, while also attempting to appeal not just to "religious" voters, but to conservative Evangelicals. As an example of the former, Brody includes this letter from Obama to Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Democratic Club -- where he congratulates "all of you who have shown your love for each other by getting married these last few weeks":
Dear Friends,
Thank you for the opportunity to welcome everyone to the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club's Pride Breakfast and to congratulate you on continuing a legacy of success, stretching back thirty-six years. As one of the oldest and most influential LGBT organizations in the country, you have continually rallied to support Democratic candidates and causes, and have fought tirelessly to secure equal rights and opportunities for LGBT Americans in California and throughout the country.
As the Democratic nominee for President, I am proud to join with and support the LGBT community in an effort to set our nation on a course that recognizes LGBT Americans with full equality under the law. That is why I support extending fully equal rights and benefits to same sex couples under both state and federal law. That is why I support repealing the Defense of Marriage Act and the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy, and the passage of laws to protect LGBT Americans from hate crimes and employment discrimination. And that is why I oppose the divisive and discriminatory efforts to amend the California Constitution, and similar efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution or those of other states.
For too long. issues of LGBT rights have been exploited by those seeking to divide us. It's time to move beyond polarization and live up to our founding promise of equality by treating all our citizens with dignity and respect. This is no less than a core issue about who we are as Democrats and as Americans.
Finally, I want to congratulate all of you who have shown your love for each other by getting married these last few weeks. My thanks again to the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club for allowing me to be a part of today's celebration. I look forward to working with you in the coming months and years, and I wish you all continued success.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
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