Back in the Saddle

Blazing Saddle or "The Saddle" as it is known to the locals, is a downtown hot spot and, as everywhere, political talk flowed freely on Tuesday night (yes, I'm still catching up on some postings).

Christopher Diebel, a local and Obama's state LGBT co-chair, was there talking up his candidate and telling them that Obama held a gay-specific, 300-plus person event here in Des Moines to discuss LGBT issues. "My job tonight and every night is to remind people that he was the only one to do that here in Des Moines." After asking around, it does appear that Obama is the only front-runner who personally attended a large-scale gay event here specifically to discuss LGBT issues. (I am still trying to confirm with Edwards/Clinton people and will let you know if this is not true. Edwards did do an event with openly gay state Sen. Matt McCoy but gay issues were not the main topic of conversation according to those present).

Diebel says he chose to support Obama because gay issues are his "biggest issues" and he believes Obama will fight hardest for LGBT rights.

Diebel, like other Iowans I've spoken with, understands why none of the big three Dems have come out in favor of marriage equality. He's been on several statewide candidate calls as well as national ones and notes the difference between those activists on the coasts and those in the heartland. "It's frustrating being on these calls and hearing people in New York and San Francisco screaming for marriage. Being in a battleground state and raised in the Midwest, you're going to get what's achievable," says Diebel, adding that statewide activists  "are very measured and strategic."

Diebel turned 27 yesterday. Happy Birthday, Christopher!

Comments

[Stephen Handwerk]

While I am very happy to see that Obama is finally warming up to our community after the McClurkin "issue" - I have to remind folks that John Edwards has been a solid supporter and advocate for us.

We shouldn't forget that John Edwards was the first to support the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell... He was also the first to advocate for the full repeal of DOMA (though Obama has stated that he supports this as well, now). He was also the first to come out against General Pace's comments about "morality" such.

First thing we should all realize is that ANY of these Democratic Candidates are going to be far better on all of our issues than ANY of the republican ones. But that said, I think we need to "keep it real" here.

Go Iowa, GO!

[David]

I glad this young man feels so positive about the Senator but i have experinced the Hatred of the the kind of Christians that the senator stood on stage with and called his campaing to find out if he would condem this hate but got no answer worth repeating and asked if i sent a video that i took of the most vulgar and hateful things said to me and my partner in our own yard by a Black Christian women who supports him what was said was things no person should ever have said to them i maybe to old to think positive about Obama but feel the senator would be fine with this just to get elected.