Scott Brown on DADT, "reflects well on the White House's commitment to making repeal happen."

[Clio the Leo]

(for point of clarification, the quote in this thread's title is from Greg Sargent, NOT Scott Brown, I realize it's a bit confusing.)

Scott Brown comes out in favor of DADT repeal
By Greg Sargent

This is potentially important. The statement just out from Senator Scott Brown's office:

"I have been in the military for 31 years and counting, and have served as a subordinate and as an officer. As a legislator, I have spent a significant amount of time on military issues. During my time of service, I have visited our injured troops at Walter Reed and have attended funerals of our fallen heroes. When a soldier answers the call to serve, and risks life or limb, it has never mattered to me whether they are gay or straight. My only concern has been whether their service and sacrifice is with pride and honor.

"I pledged to keep an open mind about the present policy on Don't Ask Don't Tell. Having reviewed the Pentagon report, having spoken to active and retired military service members, and having discussed the matter privately with Defense Secretary Gates and others, I accept the findings of the report and support repeal based on the Secretary's recommendations that repeal will be implemented only when the battle effectiveness of the forces is assured and proper preparations have been completed."

A few quick points on this. First, it shows beyond doubt -- as I thought would happen -- that Robert Gates's handling of this whole affair was calibrated precisely to give GOP moderates the cover they needed to support repeal. Specifically, Gates' repeated assurances that he would have control over the pace of implementation shrewdly removed one of the last pretexts GOP moderates had to oppose lifting the policy.

Second, it shows that Gates has been actively working these moderates behind the scenes, offering them personal reassurances. This seems to reflect well on the White House's commitment to making repeal happen. Third, this could open the door for other GOP moderates to step forward and do the same.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/plum-line/2010/12/scott_brown_comes_out_in_favor.html

[pinto]

1. Kick. I think this dance, from all quarters, is coming to a conclusion.

:kick:

[terrya]

6. Yes.

It's just about over.

I THINK repeal will happen. Scott Brown said he supports repeal...but that's not quite the same thing as saying he would vote for cloture on any filibuster. I'm going to put my optimist hat on and agree with you that this tortuous process is just about finished. Brown's statement of support should help other Republicans (Kirk, Collins, Snowe, Lugar, Voinovich) jump on board. I think Lieberman is correct when he said he has the 60 votes now.

[stray cat]

2. Brown and Susan Collins - new progressive and american heroes?

[AlinPA]

4. That is funny.

[nevergiveup]

3. The old homophobic fart from Arizona will likely not let this come to a vote.

If they someway manage a vote then DADT is history.

[AlinPA]

5. There will not be a vote. The republicans will stop anything and everything. nt