Elizabeth Edwards scheduled to speak at Gay Pride event- her appearance is seen as breaking barrier

[Kadie]

SAN FRANCISCO

Elizabeth Edwards scheduled to speak at Gay Pride event
Presidential race hopeful's wife seen as breaking barrier

Carla Marinucci, Chronicle Political Writer


Friday, June 22, 2007


Elizabeth Edwards' scheduled appearance Sunday at a major San Francisco Gay Pride event represents a first for a major presidential candidate or spouse -- one that activists said reflects the growing clout of gay and lesbians as voters and their continued move into the political mainstream.

Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards, is scheduled to speak Sunday morning at the Alice B. Toklas Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Democratic Club breakfast at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. Organizers say it marks the highest level of presidential campaigning at the annual Gay Pride Parade.

"It certainly is another barrier falling,'' said author and gay activist David Mixner, a Clinton administration adviser who backs Edwards in the 2008 race.

"There's been a taboo on any (candidate)-related Gay Pride events,'' he said, with major presidential hopefuls steering away because the event has been viewed largely in the mainstream media as a no-holds-barred celebration of the gay lifestyle.

more...
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/06/22/BAG14QK14L1.DTL

[shadowknows69]

1. Bravo

But It would have been nice to have John Handle this one himself.

[Lex]

2. No other candidates wives are speaking, or candidates themselves?

Well, at least EE is speaking!

[shadowknows69]

3. Hey agree completely

But it would have been a bolder statement IMO or they should have appeared together.

[yardwork]

5. It would be even bolder if some of the other Democratic candidates showed up.

Or even sent their spouses. I can't believe that the first reaction to Elizabeth Edwards's ground-breaking appearance is to complain that her husband didn't come, too! Let's pause to note that NO OTHER DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE OR THEIR SPOUSE HAS EVER SHOWED UP FOR ANY GAY PRIDE EVENT.

Now, instead of griping about John, let's take a close look at what this all means.

And by the way, thank you, Elizabeth. The woman is dying of cancer but she found time in her schedule to reach out to gay people. I appreciate it very much.

[Lex]

6. Thank you, yardwork.

That is exactly it.

:hi:

[yardwork]

7. Righto!

:toast:

[shadowknows69]

8. Peace guys and gals

I'm not the enemy, just throwing it out there. I heartily applaud the woman. Edwards was my first choice in 2004, well after Dennis, and he may well be again.

[yardwork]

12. Well ok, but we're both gals

:toast: to you too, shadowknows69.

[nickinSTL]

9. "major" candidates...

Elizabeth Kucinich will be speaking at the St. Louis PrideFest this Sunday.

Good for Elizabeth Edwards, too.

[shadowknows69]

10. Sweet

I can't wait until the rethugs are slipping enough in the 2008 polls so they have to make some "Gay Friendly" appearances somewhere.

[Lex]

11. That would be great.

Hope to see that happen! :pals:

[gratuitous]

4. Heck, she could have come to Portland last week

But she would have had to wait her turn behind the Mayor, the Chief of Police, a former governor and the current governor to say nice things about the sexual minority community and its supporters.

Side note to timid Democrats: Watch how many votes Edwards wasn't going to get anyway that this doesn't cost him, and take careful note. Supporting the political base that supports you isn't pandering and it isn't going to cost you one vote you wouldn't otherwise have gotten - it's good political sense to pay attention to the people who do cast ballots for you instead of neglecting them.

[dsc]

13. I admit I am impressed

I remember seeing high ranking politicians in a gay pride parade for the first time and I felt so amazed. For someone growing up in a small town and feeling like he was the only gay person on planet earth I just couldn't believe I was seeing people running for governor, Congress, and the state legislature actually asking for our votes. Sometimes symbolism matters. This is one of those times. Elizabeth, you did good.

[Lex]

14. I agree.

I :loveya: EE!