Blogging…Clinton
10:36pm A lawyer, mother, First Lady and Senator, Hillary Clinton is almost as multi-faceted as Madonna. And everyone knows how much we LOVE Madonna. Long considered to be a strong supporter of LGBT rights within her husband’s administration, Hillary’s first public words on the subject came during her campaign against, then Senate candidate, Rudy Giuliani. In December 1999, the New York Times reported that Hillary told supporters that the 'don't ask, don't tell’ policy, intended to make it easier for gay men and lesbians to serve in the military, had been a failure. (BTW….for those of you watching the GOP debates….read the whole NYT piece and check out Rudy’s reaction to Hillary). In every campaign she has run, Hillary has championed the rights of lesbian and gay service members, and she has even gone as far as identifying “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” as the one thing she would change about her husbands Administration. President Hillary Clinton would certainly repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and so the question, to paraphrase Sen. Clinton herself, “is she your girl?” -Jason QUOTES: SOLMONESE: Senator, thank you for being here tonight. You've said in past settings like this and all across the country that you would like to repeal "Don't ask; don't tell." Now, since 2003 you've sat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, the committee that would decide this issue. Why haven't you introduced legislation to repeal this policy? CLINTON: Well, Joe, first, thanks for doing this and thanks for everybody being here and having this forum. I think the very simple answer is we didn't have a chance with the Republican Congress and George Bush as president. And I want to get it done when I'm president. I want to do it and have it be successful. I don't want to try in a Republican Congress with a very negative president and have it defeated. We're talking now that we have a Democratic Congress about what steps we can take to sort of lay the groundwork so that when we do have a change in the White House, which can't happen too soon to suit me... (APPLAUSE) ... we will be able to move on that. But I just want to put it into a broader context, because it's one of my highest priorities. I came out against "Don't ask; don't tell" in 1999. It was a transitional action that was taken back at the beginning of my husband's administration, because at the time there was such a witch hunt going on. COMMENTS: Hillary takes on DADT from the top....nice!! Great responce....she addresses her history with the issue as First Lady embraces the principle of gay rights without touching any of the bad decisions and back room comprimises that Bill Clinton made. Judge them on conduct not status...that is great support Senator Clinton! Etheridge asks the hard question....what about the promises that have been made? What is different today? How are you different? Good question...perhaps I've underestimated Etheridge?!? Hillary Clinton takes on Gen. Pace, and she's right....goodbye Gen. Pace, enjoy your retierment and don't let the door hit you in the rear! On a personal note...I may still be a registered Republican but I've got to admit, Hillary....you're my girl :-) -Victor Maldonado GUEST COMMENTS: Hillary took the first shot on DADT and fired right back. She understands the issue, grasps the nuances, and realizes what’s changed over the last 14 years. The Senator made it clear that she realized ever since 1999 that DADT was no longer an acceptable compromise. Most importantly, she demonstrated the conviction and political savvy that convinces me that she can make a difference. Indeed, she seems prepared to finish what her husband started: giving all able-bodied Americans the freedom to serve. Colonel (Ret), US ArmyLabels: 2008, Hillary Clinton, presidential candidates
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