David Hardt uncommitted, not necessarily undecided
April 25th, 2008 
As a follow-up to my story in today’s Voice about gay Dallas superdelegate David Hardt, I think it’s important to note that while Hardt hasn’t committed to vote for either Clinton or Obama, that doesn’t mean he hasn’t decided whom he supports.
Although I didn’t specifically ask him this, I think it’s safe to assume that Hardt voted in the Texas primary for one of the two candidates. But for whatever reason, as a superdelegate, Hardt has simply chosen not to reveal his preference. For example, Hardt may think remaining uncommitted puts him in a better position to influence the race, or he may not want to commit to a losing candidate. Of course, this applies not only to Hardt but to all of the uncommitted superdelegates, which is why this story explains that Harry Reid, Howard Dean and Nancy Pelosi may write a letter “demanding that superdelegates make their endorsements public.”
April 25th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
While I did choose whom to vote for in the Texas Primary, that does not necessarily reflect who I will vote for as a super delegate.
I have my personal choice, but I was elected to represent hundreds of thousands of people. As such, my super delegate vote represents hundreds of thousands of people, not just my own choice. The same holds true for all super delegates. Super delegates need to take into consideration the people that elected them and their voices and also what’s in the best interest of the Party.
I was originally an Edwards supporter, and quite honestly I can still cast my vote for him as a super delegate, but I won’t do that because it’s not in the best interest of the Party, nor what my constituents want.
April 26th, 2008 at 1:00 am
I know this is a very important decision for all the superdelegates. I wish I could say that everyone will be happy with the decisions of all but that will not be the case. There are going to be people that are unhappy with the final decision. Therefore, it is up to the superdelegates to consider the issues our nation faces; i.e., economy, jobs, rising cost of gas, war, foreign relations, etc., and make the choice that is best for the country.
Mr. Hardt is in an extremely difficult position since he is a member of the gay community, which reporters have stated that Obama is not acknowledging them or meeting with them as he does others. On the other hand, he has to think about his organization Young Democrats of America, who are probably overwhelmingly for Obama. Therefore, it comes down to this. Overall, who has the experience, the dedication, the fight and the passion to be able to win in November so we can start to get this country back to the stature it once had as well as once again have a country where the middle class have a place.
Several things I have heard today: I don’t like Clinton. She is weak for staying with her husband after all he did to her and that scandal.
My answer: I find that makes her stronger. A weak person would have thrown in the towel on this race already. A weak person would not have, per her interview on a talk show, sat down with a minister, discussed the problems in her marriage, her feelings,etc. Although, she knew it was not going to be easy and that the press would be hitting her left and right with it, she chose her belief in marriage, which was for her family to stay together. This took a strong woman, not a weak woman. This is a woman who stands up for her beliefs regardless of what others say. It is this strength the country needs.
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Another thing I heard: Young people are for Obama and if he is not nominated, then they will not come out to the polls. This is a risk but also it is a risk to have Clinton supporters not only show up at the polls but to vote for McCain. Believe me, I know many that would do this. Many of them do, however, there are many young people who do not look at all the issues. Many might not know the whole impact of our economy, other countries, etc. and there might be older people in the same place. I believe young people will vote, if not this year, then the next time when they learn more about the process. T
When I was taking an education class at TCU, we studied elders for Indian tribes and discussed how young people today do not look at older people as do the tribes. Traditionally, Indian elders have occupied an important, revered position in tribal life. Age has been equated with wisdom and experience. It is the superdelegates wisdom and knowledge that is needed to make this decision, even if it is one that is not agreed upon by all young people.
Mr. Hardt said,
“As such, my super delegate vote represents hundreds of thousands of people, not just my own choice. The same holds true for all super delegates. Super delegates need to take into consideration the people that elected them and their voices and also what’s in the best interest of the Party.
He has his answer there. He will be representing the middle class, blue collar workers, gays, youngs, and many others. Hillary has won the biggest states. Excluding the delegates for Florida and Michigan but yet looking at the popular vote, Hillary is actually the person that the majority of the people want.
As a delegate in Texas, I was very disappointed in the system. There were many elderly that were unable to attend precinct conventions and many that left before the county convention before their vote was counted. After 8 hrs, their bodies just could not take it. I will not go into how and why I know this. There are other examples but I will say that the caucus needs to be thrown out. It is not a true presentation of the candidate the people really desire. It is a screening. It is a choice of the people who could get there.
I believe if Mr. Hardt searches his heart he will find that he needs to endorse Senator Hillary Clinton.
April 26th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Why do so many white gay folks want the Tonya Harding of politics to win? I don’t get it!
April 27th, 2008 at 1:20 am
Just read this. Mr. Hardt should also.
http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/04/26/open-letter-to-all-lgbt-community-members-and-supporters/#more-2308
OPEN LETTER TO ALL LGBT COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS
By AdriennecloseAuthor: Adrienne Name: Adrienne A
Email: susanunpc@gmail.com
Site:
About: See Authors Posts (1) on April 26, 2008 at 9:44 AM in Barack Obama, Civil Rights, GLBT, Hillary Clinton
Dear Friends,
We are at a crossroads in the Democratic nominee selection process. The race between Senator Barack Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton is tight, and our votes greatly matter. Our voices matter. It is our responsibility to choose the candidate who will best respect our community and will best represent our community’s interest in both the political sphere and in the public sphere.
After an extensive review of both candidates, it has become clear that Senator Hillary Clinton is the candidate that we should endorse for the Presidential nomination.
Both Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have stated that they support Civil Unions. And their stated positions are fairly similar as for what they would seek to achieve to improve the lives of LGBT Americans. (Besides the fact that Senator Obama has now back-pedaled in his stand to get rid of “don’t ask, don’t tell,” in the military, whereas Senator Clinton has stood fast in her position to get rid of it.)
However, as has often been stated, “the proof is in the pudding.”
Promises are one thing. We have all seen politicans promise the moon and deliver very little. So we have to look at behavior. That is what we can best make our judgment on. In effect, “who walks the walk.”
There are many situations that are very troubling surrounding Senator Obama.
Since we have no substantial political record on which to assess him, we must look at what his behavior has told us.
Has Barack Obama stood up for gay rights when it could have cost him something politically? The answer is no.
Has the Illinois Senator stood by the gay community when others attacked it? The answer is no.
Here is a brief overview of the Senator’s failure to “walk the walk.”
–Donnie McClurkin– In 2007 gospel singer McClurkin was part of Obama’s campaign. McClurkin has said that he’s “in a war against the curse of homosexuality.” And that, “God delivered me from homosexuality.”
In PR manipulation, Obama expressed disagreement with McClurkin’s views but failed to disown him. John Araovsis wrote in AmericaBlog at the time, “This is new. And it’s terribly unnerving. I mean, we’re to believe that the fact that Obama, alone among Democratic candidates, is willing to openly welcome bigots into his campaign makes him the best candidate for voters concerned about civil rights. And the corollary, the worst candiate for someone who cares about civil rights is the candidate who actually stands up against the bigots. So the best way to promote tolerance is to tolerate and embrace intolerance?” He called that logic “wacked.”
–San Francsco Mayor Gavin Newsom– Obama asked that his picture not be taken with Mayor Newsom. According to Former Mayor Willie Brown, Obama conveyed to him that, “he would really appreciate it if he didn’t get his photo taken with my Mayor. He said he would really not like to have his picture taken with Gavin.” This was at a time when the issue of gay marriage was making headlines in California.
Subsequently, Mayor Gavin has endorsed Hillary Clinton for President. Gavin stated that “his conversation with Hillary on civil rights for the LGBT community shared a ‘depth’ and ‘understanding’ that Obama does not share.” Senator Clinton has had her picture taken with Mayor Newsom, she has also appeared with him on camera numerous times.
–Reverend James Meeks– Chicago-based Reverend Meeks is well-known for his virulent anti-gay remarks made both privately and from the pulpit. He is a close friend, a political ally, and Obama has gone to him for spiritual counsel. According to gaywire.com, “Meeks has reportedly blamed ‘Hollywood jews for bringing us Brokeback Mountain’ and actively campaigned to defeat SB3186, an Illinois LGBT nondiscrimination bill.” Obama has neither disowned Meeks, nor stated Meeks’ continued anti-gay remarks are inappropriate.
–The “Blank Spot” on the page– A gay newspaper in Pennsylvania recently ran an interview with Senator Clinton. The newspaper left a large blank area in their paper symbolic of the place where Obama’s interview would have run…. had he bothered to give them an interview. This is just one instance of Obama’s repeated pattern of denying interviews to LGBT newspapers and media outlets.
–Donald Young– In 2007, the choir director of the Trinity United Church of Christ, Donald Young was found murdered. The media services director of the church said in response to the murder, “Young did live an openly gay lifestyle; that was his choice.” This is of course Trinity Church, Obama’s chosen church, home of the Reverend Wright.
–Donna Brazile– It is clear that Donna Brazile’s political commentary continually favors Senator Obama. That is why we include her statement in this discussion of Senator Obama’s credibility in the gay community. In an interview with Joshua Lynsen of the Washington Blade, DNC chair Howard Dean talked about gay delegates. According to Lynsen, “He [Dean] acknowledged a proposal by gay DNC member Garry Shay of California to add gays to the party’s affirmative action guidelines for selecting convention delegates triggered a contentious internal debate. Dean said some influential individuals within the DNC Black Caucus such as Donna Brazile opposed the plan because it was seen as ‘an affront to the civil rights movement.’”
Overview: We as members and supporters of the LGBT community want a candidate who will stand up for us and not tolerate anti-gay behavior and statements. Senator Clinton has consistently stood by our communtiy, given interviews to gay newspapers and media, and not tried to create some weird world where bigotry and hate are valued parts of some nebulous “discussion.”
In fact there is no room for dialogue with those who are intractable in their position of hatred and disdain for LGBT people. Senator Clinton knows this, and it makes us very uncomfortable that Senator Obama does not.
Therefore we ask that you join with us in supporting Senator Hillary Clinton in her journey to become our next President of the United States.
Thank you,
Adrienne
April 27th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Lyn,
Your message is propaganda, pure and simple. It fails to mention that Clinton will throw the LGBT under the bus when it is politically expedient to do so. I can see it now — some right-wing group talks about how Obama is too gay-friendly — Clinton then chides Obama for being progressive then slams beers and does shots with homophobic folks in a straight bar. A stretch? Hardly. Let’s not be a single-issue community. Hillary is a vile, evil person who has done nothing to better the cause of the average American. She has hoodwinked many in the gay community. We must not reward her win-at-all-cost Rovian tactics that are severely fracturing the Democratic party and the chances for a Democratic win in November. She will not win — African-Americans, independents, and youth WILL NOT vote for her under any circumstances — at least Obama has a chance to win.
I am OK if white gay men and women support Clinton because they think she is the better candidate. I can’t fathom how any one could possibly see it, but I will give them the benefit of the doubt. What I find sad is that I am guessing that many in the gay community do not support Obama because he is black (well, bi-racial). Gays can pretend to be progressive and enlightened, but when you get right down to it, there are some racist gay people in our community. They would never date a black person; they segregate themselves from gay people of color; they would never vote for a black person.
As Americans, every person has a right to associate and vote for whomever they choose. I am not saying that every white GLBT person who supports Clinton is racist — hardly. But there are quite a few of you who are using flimsy reasons to justify not supporting Obama. For those of you, at least be honest to yourself about why Obama is not your candidate.
April 29th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Oh my Goddess,
Give me a break…
“Obama hates gays and is anti gay… and when he gets in office, he’s gonna go out of his way to make life hell for gays….”
That is just nonsense… if you prefer Hillary over Barack, great…. but don’t lie through your teeth and say that Obama is anti gay…
I mean, Obama actually has a section on his website about LGBT rights.. .Hillary does not….
Obama spoke about gays when he addressed a mainstream audience at Reunion Arena… but Hillary only talks about gays when she is talking to them and pandering to them…
Obama will be the best president for LGBT Americans…. He wants to repeal DOMA… Hillary, whose husband signed it, only wants to repeal parts of it….
GIVE ME A BREAK….
I never understood how so many gay “leaders” got caught up in the pro gay BS of Clinton…. Obama has, and will do more for gay rights than the Clintons could ever dream of….
April 29th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Mz B sez: I mean, Obama actually has a section on his website about LGBT rights.. .Hillary does not….
Actually, just to correct an error here, Clinton does have a very in-depth section on her Web site dealing with LGBT issues and the candidate’s stance on those issues.
I think it is safe to say both Obama and Clinton are - by WAY far - more “friendly” toward and responsive to the LGBT community than any other presidential candidate ever.
April 29th, 2008 at 11:12 am
Really???
I have been to her site bunches…just left there…
if she has a section… it is hard to find… cause I have never found it…
Obama’s is right there under the PEOPLE section…very easy to find…
I love Hillary, but I don’t kid myself into thinking she will be better on our issues than Barack… I really feel that Obama will stick his neck out more for us….
I am just afraid Hillary will say anything she has to… it seems she always has…
But Barack will actually do stuff for us, not just stroke the egos of our gay “leaders” and the “gay media elite”
I mean, if the Clintons will throw their own gay friend David Mixner under the bus, well, then they’ll sell anybody out…
April 29th, 2008 at 11:31 am
That being said, If Hillary is the nominee, I’ll be out there with bells on trying to get her elected…
I just don’t know if the Hillary supporters can say the same about Barack…
April 29th, 2008 at 11:46 am
“Really???
I have been to her site bunches…just left there…
if she has a section… it is hard to find… cause I have never found it…
Obama’s is right there under the PEOPLE section…very easy to find…”
I can’t tell you exactly where the link is because I haven’t been to the site in awhile. Burt it is there. I used it to read up on the candidates before interviewing Clinton.
I actually felt like the LGBT sections for both candidates were not so easy to find. I think Clinton’s is under “issues,” but I can’t recall for certain.
April 29th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
There is no way on this planet that I will ever support Clinton — why is the gay community enamored with this charlatan?
May 8th, 2008 at 6:22 am
[…] sealed the nomination for Obama. Hardt didn’t respond. Maybe he’s still miffed about this post in which I said that just because he’s uncommitted doesn’t mean he’s undecided. […]