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More trouble for the No on 8 campaign. Amid accusations of a mismanaged, bungled campaign comes news the campaign had a letter from then President-elect Barack Obama speaking out against Prop. 8 - and chose not to use it.
More trouble for the No on 8 campaign. Amid accusations of a mismanaged, bungled campaign comes news the campaign had a letter from then President-elect Barack Obama speaking out against Prop. 8 -- and chose not to use it.
The letter was publicized at the time, but nothing ever came of it. Campaign consultant Steve Smith acknowledged at a recent No on 8 town hall that the campaign had the letter in hand and decided against using it -- even though the Yes on 8 campaign used words and images suggesting Obama was actually for Prop. 8
"That was a close call," Smith said. "Maybe we should have used it."
Not surprisingly, bloggers and journalists attending the town hall erupted with questions and more accusations.
Read Obama's letter on the next page.
Dear Friends,
Thank you for the opportunity to welcome everyone to the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club's Pride Breakfast and to congratulate you on continuing a legacy of success, stretching back thirty-six years. As one of the oldest and most influential LGBT organizations in the country, you have continually rallied to support Democratic candidates and causes, and have fought tirelessly to secure equal rights and opportunities for LGBT Americans in California and throughout the country.
As the Democratic nominee for President, I am proud to join with and support the LGBT community in an effort to set our nation on a course that recognizes LGBT Americans with full equality under the law. That is why I support extending fully equal rights and benefits to same sex couples under both state and federal law. That is why I support repealing the Defense of Marriage Act and the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy, and the passage of laws to protect LGBT Americans from hate crimes and employment discrimination. And that is why I oppose the divisive and discriminatory efforts to amend the California Constitution, and similar efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution or those of other states.
For too long, issues of LGBT rights have been exploited by those seeking to divide us. It's time to move beyond polarization and live up to our founding promise of equality by treating all our citizens with dignity and respect. This is no less than a core issue about who we are as Democrats and as Americans.
Finally, I want to congratulate all of you who have shown your love for each other by getting married these last few weeks. My thanks again to the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club for allowing me to be a part of today's celebration. I look forward to working with you in the coming months and years, and I wish you all continued success.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
