WHAT THE GAY GROUPS REALLY THINK

I got an email this morning that channels what the big gay organizations really feel about the gay-baiting Montana Democratic ad:

I think you’re coming across pretty partisan on this one, Andrew. Baucus is a co-sponsor of ENDA and has a 57 percent pro-gay voting record which is quite impressive given that he’s from Montana. The only Republican west of the Mississippi to equal his score is Gordon Smith … from Oregon, of course. After him, there isn’t a remotely close second. If this ad helps put the last nail on the coffin (which was practically sealed shut to begin with) for Mike Taylor (who is another social conservative a la Grassley or Brownback) then it should be celebrated. This is why HRC/NGLTF, etc. isn’t saying anything. And it’s obvious to anyone that Republicans would practically foam at the mouth for such juicy footage if it existed. The ad was not a mischaracterization of Taylor (not all hairdressers are gay, if that’s what poor, poor Republicans want to infer, then that’s much more revealing, doncha think?), and Baucus is hardly on an anti-gay tirade. It’s politics as usual.

Notice that my position that gay-baiting is wrong, period, is described as “pretty partisan.” Notice how running a gay-baiting ad is okay if it helps elect people who support some aspects of the gay organizations’ agenda. Actually, it’s not just ok – it’s to be “celebrated.” Still no word from HRC or NGLTF. This confirms their status as front-operations for the Democrats, even when it means condoning anti-gay bigotry. But how can HRC still criticize Jeb Bush for his ugly comments lately when they don’t object if a Democrat does far worse? One group has actually taken a principled stand, the Stonewall Democrats. Their executive director, a decent man called Chad Johnson, said the following: “Any gay-baiting tactic is contrary to the fundamental principals [sic] of the Democratic Party. As gay Democrats, we are required to hold all levels of our party accountable regarding gay and lesbian equality.” Hey, Chad, I’m afraid you forgot which party you’re in. Meanwhile, for every sleazebag bigot who wants to smear an opponent, the sluice gates have just been opened – wide.