Caroline Bucks Barack, Hillary On Gay Nups

[cboy4]

Caroline Kennedy Expresses Support for Gay Marriage

(The Politico) Caroline Kennedy's spokesman provided seven answers to eight questions Ben and I submitted on a wide array of political and policy questions.

Many of the answers were relatively vague and politician-y, but she did make some news: She supports gay marriage -- bucking her mentor Barack Obama and possible predecessor Hillary Clinton.

"Caroline supports full equality and marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples," wrote spokesman Stefan Friedman.

She also dissed Clinton's Oct. 2002 vote authorizing the Iraq invasion: "Caroline opposed the war in Iraq from the beginning. She supports President-Elect Obama's plan to work with our military leaders to begin a responsible withdrawal."

The question she didn't answer? "Will you commit to supporting your party's nominee for mayor against Michael Bloomberg in 2009? Did you back the mayor's efforts to suspend term limits?"

Not surprisingly, Kennedy completely supports the no-new-taxes approach of Gov. David Paterson, lavishing praise on the man who controls her fate.

"Based on what she's read about the budget released a few days ago, Caroline believes that Governor Paterson's budget appropriately includes both revenue increases and budget cuts while still protecting the most vulnerable. On the issue of where to cut or what revenue to increase, she leaves that up to the governor and the legislature. Governor Paterson was one of the first elected officials in the nation to sound the alarm about our fiscal crisis and he has led the charge to get Washington to give aid to the New York because we have been hit so hard by the financial meltdown."

And she gave a relative free hand to Israel in dealing with Iran's nuke program.

"Caroline Kennedy strongly supports a safe and secure Israel. She believe Israel's security decisions should be left to Israel."


Copyright 2008 POLITICO

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/12/20/politics/politico/thecrypt/main4679792.shtml

[Ian David]

1. As far as I'm concerned, NOW she's qualified. n/t

[cboy4]

2. It's refreshing to hear such honesty and read a Democrat speak

her mind instead of collapsing under stupid peer pressure!! :thumbsup:

[Smarmie Doofus]

3. It would have been instructive to ask her if she voted for the Democratic...

>>>>The question she didn't answer? "Will you commit to supporting your party's nominee for mayor against Michael Bloomberg in 2009? Did you back the mayor's efforts to suspend term limits?">>>>>



... nominees in the NYC general elections for mayoralty in 2001 and 2005. Records indicate that she skipped the DEM primary in 2005 ( her candidate was not running? ) but voted in the general elections in both 2005 and 2001 ( republican Bloomberg won both. Bloomberg appointed Caroline to her public school "Director of Fundraising"( that's what Ms. Kennedy means when she says she's been an 'education advocate') gig during his first term... and his deputy mayor Sheekey is furiously lobbying on Caroline's behalf.)

I think we're supposed to be supporting *Democratic* candidates here on DU.

[LostinVA]

4. I am very glad she said this, one question -- has she ever said this before or attended Pride events

NOT snarking on Carolina at all. I do like her.

[Smarmie Doofus]

5. I have been posing this very question on other threads;

so far... the answer appears to be "no".

It is a very good question and a legitimate one. To NOT ask it, in fact, would be foolish and irresponsible.

[LostinVA]

6. I am wondering why, with no public history of advocacy, she came forwrad now

As I said, I DO like Caroline Kennedy, and I DO think she is pro gay rights. I'm just wondering why now? Wanting the Senate seat? Protesting Warren?

[bluedawg12]

7. She's throwing her hat in the ring and answering questions

whereas befor she struck me as very private.

It does seem that gay marriage is relevant at least in NY, it was one of eight questions.

Good for her, she is a prominant Catholic, she's bucking the Church big time.

Let's hope this is a sign which way the wind is blowing in NY legislature.

[LostinVA]

8. Haruka and I just had a conversation about NY not having gay marriage yet

It's WEIRD. Especially since they recognize marriages made her in NJ and in CT. I know Upstate NY is kinda nuts, but lots of areas in NJ and CT are also nuts.

As Is aid, I wasn't snarking.

I kinda wish Carolina would go to Albany instead of DC.

[bluedawg12]

13. She may steel the spine of NY State Dems

and having an openly pro same sex marriage in the US Senate is what we would hope for.

[Smarmie Doofus]

10. We can do more than hope. We can be more skeptical.

>>>>Let's hope this is a sign which way the wind is blowing in NY legislature.
bluedawg12 >>>>>>

Caroline's mentor.... one M. Bloomberg.... dropped 500,000 $$$ this past election cycle grand on the State Senate GOP Committeee to keep that body in GOP hands. The GOP members of the senate are the reason ( the *biggest* reason) why there is no marriage equality in NYS. Bloomie is currently lobbying furiously for Ms. Kennedy.

If people are supporting Caroline Kennedy because they think it's going to advance marriage equality....... well, they are going about it the hard way.

[Smarmie Doofus]

9. Wanting the senate seat.

Paterson is nominally pro-gay and very nominally pro-marriage. In NY , DEM hopefuls pay lip service to GLBT issues.... solidifies the primary vote ( largely progressive and GLBT).... then slither away to a safer place for the general.

Caroline's following that paradigm... even though the whole idea is to avoid a primary fight altogether.

[bluedawg12]

12. I am not for or against Caroline - I am pro her open support for gay marriage.

[Jamastiene]

11. Way to go, Caroline!

:applause: