January 02, 2004

YEAH, THAT'LL PLAY WELL IN MIDDLE AMERICA:

Gay community gave Dean an early boost (THOMAS B. EDSALL, 101/02/04, Washington Post)

Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean's record-setting fund-raising first took off in large part because of an outpouring of support from the gay community.

With just one exception, every fund-raiser Dean attended outside Vermont in 2002 was organized by gay men and lesbians, as were more than half the events in the first quarter of 2003, Dean advisers say.

"The early foundation of Governor Dean's presidential campaign -- both in fund-raising and organization -- was built by the support of the LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender] community around the country," said Dean finance director Stephanie Schriock.


Could he position himself any further out of the mainstream?

Posted by Orrin Judd at January 2, 2004 12:02 AM
Comments

No wonder he wants "God, guns and gays" to be off limits. There is a fairly predictable strategy Dean can be expected to use -- Waffle on the substantive issues, and if Bush presses for specifics, accuse him of homophobia.

Posted by: Dave Sheridan at January 2, 2004 04:29 AM

Will this even be an issue if Dean's the nominee ?

Everyone knows that Dean supports gays, and he was Governor when Vermont passed the civil union legislation...
How much further could he be tarred by this ?

Posted by: Michael Herdegen at January 2, 2004 05:20 AM

Michael
Will Christian Fundamentalism be an issue? We already know that Bush has supported some issues supported by Christian groups... How much further could Bush be tarred by this?

With due respect, when the election starts Bush will be joined at the hip with Falwell, Robertson, or any other appropiate demon. And you ask how much further Dean can be tarred! Of course Republicans have too much class to demogogue such issues. Huh?

It makes no difference if Bush's campaign mentions homosexuals or if Bush's allies mention gays because Democrats I assure you will accuse Republicans in general and Bush specifically of homophobia from the git go.

Posted by: h-man at January 2, 2004 06:47 AM

This might explain why Dean has not released his records as governor (though actually there is a principle there worth fighting for). Dean was not particularly thrilled about civil unions at the time and, given his penchant for shooting his mouth off, might have said something that would not thrill his current supporters.

Posted by: David Cohen at January 2, 2004 07:35 AM

Michael:

His campaign has been secretly funded by gay activists. That's at least unusual.

Posted by: oj at January 2, 2004 10:08 AM

Mr. Judd;

To answer your question, he could become a libertarian or take up Wicca.

Posted by: Annoying Old Guy at January 2, 2004 10:39 AM

AOG:

Don't give him any ideas.

Posted by: Jeff at January 2, 2004 12:16 PM

oj:

His fund raising events were ORGANIZED by queers... That's not the same as providing all contributions.

Also, isn't this just the standard support from a well-served constituency ?
Edwards raised almost all of his early money from fellow trial lawyers, Bush from business contacts and family friends...

Posted by: Michael Herdegen at January 2, 2004 09:34 PM

Michael:

The "well-served constituency" is exactly the point.

Posted by: oj at January 3, 2004 12:19 AM
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