Dean Misstates Party Platform on Gays

[im10ashus]

By CALVIN WOODWARD, Associated Press Writer

Democratic chairman Howard Dean mischaracterized his party's platform on gay rights in an interview courting evangelicals, then set the record straight Thursday when an advocacy group called him on it.

Dean told Christian Broadcasting Network News that the 2004 Democratic platform declares "marriage is between a man and a woman" — just one of the points he made in reaching out to religious conservatives who are largely hostile to the party.

But the platform does not define marriage that way, and his remarks prompted the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force to return a $5,000 donation from the Democratic National Committee.

Dean later acknowledged his misstatement, but the group sent back the money anyway. "We need for Governor Dean to demonstrate real leadership on our issues," executive director Matt Foreman said in an interview, "not to equivocate depending on the audience."

link:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060511/ap_on_re_us/democrats_gays;_ylt=AuSdbHGcDVR0G3hK4svCShmyFz4D;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA--

[Debi]

1. Wow, this is the first time I've seen a post about this

:eyes:

[Jacobin]

2. Trying to be reasonable about all this

I understand why gay marriage is a single issue with some.

My single issue is IraqNam.

Who am I to quibble with other single issue voters? I just would like for the world to be around for us to be able to discuss things like gay rights. That's all.

[im10ashus]

4. Well, I hadn't seen anything on here about it.

But then again, I don't spend 24/7 here. Sue me. ;-)

[Debi]

7. Okay, I'll need your full name/address/place of employment

and social security number. Oh, forget that - I'll just give the NSA a call!!! :P

[im10ashus]

LMAO!!!

:rofl:

They probably already have a file for me. As many calls as I have made to politicians voicing my concerns, they are most likely already on to me.

:hi:

[Debi]

10. At least all of us at DU will be in the same cell! n/t

[katinmn]

13. Thanks. This is the first published news story I've seen about it.

[Robbien]

3. Say one thing to the Christian group and then say exactly the opposite

Oh I misspoke when talking to the Gay hating Christians because I wanted their vote/money.

To you Gay lovers, I like gays, now give me your vote/money.

[Jacobin]

5. He's done more than just 'saying things', in fairness

As governor, I seem to recall that he pushed through civil unions, but correct me if my memory has faded.

[Robbien]

8. Then if he agrees with that why is he telling gay-haters he agrees with

them?

Oh yeah right. He misspoke.

[Jacobin]

9. He screwed up

However, I don't think that makes it appropriate to pretend he's only 'talked' about gay rights and has done nothing.

[Debi]

12. But that removes the anger and then it's just no fun n/t

[emulatorloo]

11. You are going to have a tough time convincing me Dean is anti-gay

He has a long record and history to the contrary.

[LittleClarkie]

15. He's a person. He fucked up. Such is life.

If people think he's anti gay, then they haven't been paying attention. I run into the same problem with Kerry all the time. Criticism of someone you don't really take the time too look at in depth.

[LittleClarkie]

6. That's what I was looking for

He misspoke. And he knows he misspoke. Alrighty then.

[emulatorloo]

14. quote of What dean actually said

His dumb statement italics, the heart of the matter in bold

"The Democratic Party platform from 2004 says that marriage is between a man and a woman," Dean told Robertson. "That's what it says. I think where we may take exception with some religious leaders is that we believe in inclusion, that everybody deserves to live with dignity and respect, and that equal rights under the law are important."

http://365gay.com/Newscon06/05/051106dean.htm