Obama Shills for Yes on 8 in Mailer?
The Yes on 8 campaign has sent out a mailer featuring on one side a grinning Barack Obama's image, with his wife Michelle laughing lovingly in the background, and a quote from him opposing gay marriage. Needless to say, the Obama campaign should denounce the use of Obama's image and quote to urge a Yes vote, while he should also personally speak out this weekend encouraging a strong NO NO NO vote.
On the other side are four big block quotes from black male Christian pastors, along with headshots of each, all grinning. Guess what? They're all against gay marriage.
At the bottom of that side, in a large yellow box reads as follows:
"Senator Joe Biden affirms his and Barack Obama's support for traditional marriage - 'Barack Obama nor I support redefining from a civil side what constitutes marriage. We do not support that.' - Sen. Joe Biden, VP Debates [sic] 10-02-08."
The editor of the Bay Area Reporter, Cynthia Laird, has posted a story about the mailer, with reactions from all sides, that is a must-read. Here's a snippet, but click here to read the entire piece:
The No on 8 campaign has been increasing its outreach to the African American community, which is expected to vote overwhelmingly for Obama. Many African Americans, however, have traditionally had conservative views on same-sex marriage. Some black leaders, however, such as former San Francisco Supervisor the Reverend Amos Brown, have been outspoken in urging blacks to vote against Prop 8.
Obama needs to personally and publicly respond to this use of his image to promote hate. It is not enough that his campaign issue a statement, or that he appeared on the Ellen show weeks ago to state his opposition.
ReplyDeleteGiven his huge lead in California, Obama has no basis for not making a loud declaration against Proposition 8.
This is a tragic campaign of lies. Obama has stated his opposition to Proposition 8. I'm a gay man, and a strong Obama supporter.
ReplyDeleteI agree he needs to respond to these allegations. Still, if he responds too early to this mischaracterization of his position, it could backfire in the swing states.
My guess is that Monday evening, Obama will make a strong statement in California opposing Proposition 8--this will give the Karl Rove type idiots no time to foment dissent among the undecideds.
If he does not make that strong Monday-night statement, however--and if the California proposition were to pass--I'd be very, very disappointed.