Tag: 2020

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Sen. Kamala Harris Announces 2020 White House Run

U.S. Senator Kamala Harris of California (D) announced today she will seek the Democratic nomination for president in 2020.
Sen. Kamala Harris announces her 2020 presidential candidacy

U.S. Senator Kamala Harris of California (D) announced today she will seek the Democratic nomination for president in 2020.

Harris chose to embrace the symbolism of announcing her candidacy on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

A former prosecutor and California Attorney General, she has been in the Senate since January 2017.

The 54-year-old told viewers of Good Morning America, where she made the big announcement, “My entire career has been focused on keeping people safe. It is probably one of the things that motivates me more than anything else.”

I find Harris to be smart, articulate, and experienced. I don’t think there’s a question she’s qualified. I look forward to seeing her at the early debates and hear what she has to say in regard to what a Harris administration would look like.

As attorney general in California, she refused to defend Proposition 8, the state’s hideous ban on same-sex marriage. She also refused to certify a “Kill the Gays” ballot initiative that would have instituted the death penalty for homosexuality.

When the Supreme Court finally made marriage equality the law of the land in 2015, Harris officiated the wedding of Prop 8 plaintiffs Sandy Stier and Kris Perry.

Upon joining the Senate, she co-sponsored the Equality Act, legislation that seeks to bar anti-LGBT discrimination under federal law.

Rick Zbur, executive director of Equality California told the Los Angeles Blade, “We’ve known her since she was the DA in San Francisco, and then of course, when she as attorney general was more engaged than any attorney general has been with us in the LGBTQ community.”

There was a blemish on her LGBTQ record when in 2015, while Attorney General of California, she signed off on some briefs that sought to withhold gender confirmation surgery for transgender prison inmates that had been prescribed while serving out their sentences.

Today, at Howard University, she told the Washington Blade’s Chris Johnson, “It was an office with a lot of people who would do the work on a daily basis, and do I wish that sometimes they would have personally consulted me before they wrote the things that they wrote?” Harris said. “Yes, I do.”

“But the bottom line is the buck stops with me, and I take full responsibility for what my office did,” Harris said.

Harris went on to say she helped coordinate an agreement with the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation to set up a process where transgender inmates could obtain transition-related care, including gender reassignment surgery.

Several of Harris’ Senate colleagues will be in the hunt for the Democratic nomination as well.

Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts have both formed exploratory committees.

Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Cory Booker of New Jersey, and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota are also eyeing the race.

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Democratic Presidential Hopeful Tulsi Gabbard Apologizes Again For Her Anti-LGBT Past

Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard posted a new video today on YouTube in yet another attempt to clear the air regarding her anti-LGBT activist past.

Gabbard announced her candidacy for the 2020 Democratic nomination for president last week.

She’s clearly very concerned about her anti-LGBT comments coming back to bite her in the backside now.

Via YouTube:

Aloha. In my past I said and believed things that were wrong, and worse, hurtful to people in the LGBTQ+ community and their loved ones. Many years ago, I apologized for my words and, more importantly, for the negative impact that they had. I sincerely repeat my apology today. I’m deeply sorry for having said them.

My views have changed significantly since then, and my record in Congress over the last 6 years reflects what is in my heart: A strong and ongoing commitment to fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. I know that LGBTQ+ people still struggle, are still facing discrimination, are still facing abuse and still fear that their hard-won rights are going to be taken away by people who hold views like I used to.

That cannot happen, because every single American deserves to be treated equally – by their fellow Americans and under the law. I will continue to fight for LGBTQ+ people, whether they’re in school or serving in uniform, trying to get healthcare, taking care of their family, or looking for a home. I grew up knowing that every person is a child of God, and equally loved by God. I have always believed in the fundamental rights and equality of all people.

But I also grew up in a socially conservative household, where I was raised to believe that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. For a period of my life I didn’t see the contradiction in those beliefs. While many Americans may be able to relate to growing up in a conservative home, my story is a little different because my father was very outspoken. He was an activist who was fighting against gay rights and marriage equality in Hawaii – and at that time, I forcefully defended him and his cause.

But over the years as I grew up, I formed my own opinions based on my life experience that significantly changed my views — at a very personal level in truly having aloha, love, for all people, and making sure that every American, regardless of sexual orientation, is treated equally under the law. I look forward to being able to share more of my story and experiences growing up – not as an excuse – but in the hopes that it may inspire others to truly live aloha; to love and care for others.

When we deny LGBTQ people the basic rights that exist for every American, we are denying their humanity – denying that they are equal. We are also creating a dangerous environment that breeds discrimination and violence. When we divide people based on who they are or who they love, all we are doing is adding fuel the flames that perpetuate bigotry and hatred.

I’m so grateful to my friends and loved ones, both gay and straight, who patiently helped me see how my past positions on these issues were at odds with my values, my aloha, and that they were causing people harm. I regret the role I played in causing such pain, and I remain committed to fight for LGBTQ equality.

I’m posting this because I do believe we can evolve. And, I believe we should embrace the concept of forgiveness.

That said, Gabbard is not my choice for president. But I felt it fair to share her remarks.

Regarding her past, check out this report from CNN:

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard in the early 2000s touted working for her father’s anti-gay organization, which mobilized to pass a measure against same-sex marriage in Hawaii and promoted controversial conversion therapy.

Although Gabbard’s positions on LGBT rights have shifted dramatically in more recent years (she signed a 2013 amicus brief supporting Edith Windsor’s challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act), the extent of Gabbard’s past anti-gay activism has already drawn criticism from prominent Democrats and will likely be a major issue for her as she seeks the party’s nomination.

Gabbard’s father Mike was a prominent anti-gay activist in Hawaii. He was also the director of Stop Promoting Homosexuality and also served on the steering committees of the National Campaign to Protect Marriage and the Hawaii-based coalition, Save Traditional Marriage. He also once hosted an anti-gay radio show, Let’s Talk Straight Hawaii.

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New Poll: 57% ‘Definitely Will Not Vote’ For Donald Trump In 2020

Donald Trump

More bad news today for Donald Trump as a new poll from PBS NewsHour, NPR and Marist shows 57% say they will ‘Definitely not’ vote for Trump in the 2020 presidential election.

On the other end of the spectrum, only 30% said they will ‘definitely’ vote for Trump.

According to Lee Miringoff, the director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, “The president has had his base and not much else.”

Trump’s approval rating shows exactly that as 39% of those polled approve of the job he’s doing versus 53% who disapprove. This has been pretty much the average for the two years Trump has been in the White House.

When it comes to possible Democratic candidates, it’s very early to get a decent read but 76% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning Independents said they had a favorable view of former Vice-President Joe Biden.

Sen. Bernie Sanders garnered 57% favorable approval, and 53% see Sen. Elizabeth Warren in a positive light.

When it comes to the current government shutdown, 54% of respondents said they blame Trump, while 31% blamed congressional Democrats.

Full results of the new poll can be found here.

Click over to NPR for additional insight into how folks are viewing the 2020 presidential race.

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News Round-Up: January 16, 2019

• InstaHunk Danny 'Tree Man' Jones acknowledges the challenges of trying to post 'engaging' content even when it's freezing outside.
(image via Instagram/DannyJones)

Some news items you might have missed:

• InstaHunk Danny ‘Tree Man’ Jones acknowledges the challenges of trying to post ‘engaging’ content even when it’s freezing outside.

• Vanity Fair reports that Donald Trump’s lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, “hates” his job and expects the report from Special Counsel Robert Mueller to be “horrific” for Trump.

• New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has announced she will run for president in 2020. Gillibrand has been an LGBTQ ally for years fighting for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” opposing Trump’s transgender military ban, and pushing for federal LGBTQ protections.

• On the flip side, 2020 presidential hopeful Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii began her candidacy with an apology tour saying she’s really, really sorry for her long history of homophobia. #ByeFelicia

• Popular animated series Family Guy has announced the show will be ‘phasing out’ gay jokes.

• Chuck Holton, NRA-TV host, told viewers, “Men were meant to be dangerous” in response to the new Gillette ad I reported on yesterday that calls on men to ‘step up’ as role models for young males.

• Sweet video from INTO – “Old Gays Look Back At Their Younger Selves.”

“You look like a real jock.”
“Do I? I was pretty queer.”

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Former HUD Secretary Julián Castro Officially Announces Run For White House

From CNN:

Former secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julián Castro officially announced his presidential bid in San Antonio, beginning a campaign that will look to turn his uniquely American immigrant story into a direct repudiation of President Donald Trump.

“I’m running for president because it’s time for new leadership, it’s time for new energy, it’s time for new commitment to make sure the opportunities that I had are available to every American,” Castro told the crowd.

“There is a crisis today. It’s a crisis of leadership. Donald Trump has failed to uphold the values of our great nation,” said Castro.

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Out Mayor Of South Bend Considers 2020 White House Run

Mayor Pete Buttigieg (image via Flickr/Edward Kimmel – CC license)

With the 2018 midterm elections in the rearview mirror, political pundits can’t wait to start wondering aloud who may run for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Former Vice President Joe Biden, Sens. Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, Bernie Sanders and Rep. Beto O’Rourke are just some of the names being floated.

But how about a 36-year-old openly gay mayor from red-state Indiana?

South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, now in his second term, has announced he will not seek a third term at the end of 2019.

We keep hearing how voters want a fresh, young voice and a young, progressive mayor from middle America could certainly fit the bill.

Plus, Buttigieg is an Afghanistan veteran, a Harvard graduate and Rhodes scholar.

Not too shabby.

When Adam Wren of Indianapolis Monthly interviewed the mayor, Wren asked straight up if Buttigieg will run for president.

“I don’t know,” was the response.

But considering he trades calls with Biden, has been lauded by former President Barack Obama and keeps counsel with Obama’s former strategist, David Axelrod, it’s very possible Buttigieg might be a dark horse challenger to keep your eye on.

“He speaks the language of the heartland,” Axelrod says. “He is a very gifted guy in a very understated way.”

With no significant national profile, Buttigieg knows the odds are against him. But, perhaps, winning isn’t everything (right now).

From Indianapolis Monthly, which notes his fondness for carnival “claw games:”

Even if he runs in 2020 and loses the Democratic primary, many see him landing a plum cabinet position.

You don’t have to try too hard to imagine the former management consultant running a federal agency like the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development—or even the vice presidency. Indiana, after all, has produced more of those—six—than any other state except New York, which claims 11. “Any president would benefit from his gifts,” says Axelrod.

Buttigieg is seven years younger than John F. Kennedy was when he became president. If he runs and wins, he’d be 39 when he was inaugurated.

He has an entire political lifetime to win the plush toy of the presidency. There’s time. But you can tell he hears the electronic carnival music of running for national office getting faster in his head.

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Report: Trump Is Asking Aides ‘Is Mike Pence Loyal?’

Mike Pence (L) and Donald Trump (R)

A New York Times article reports on Donald Trump considering replacing Vice President Mike Pence with a new running mate in order to make inroads with female voters in 2020.

Apparently, the man who likes to “grab’em by the pussy” feels he’s got the evangelical thing sewn up now.

From The New York Times:

In recent weeks, with his electoral prospects two years from now much on his mind, Mr. Trump has focused on the person who has most publicly tethered his fortunes to him. In one conversation after another he has asked aides and advisers a pointed question: Is Mike Pence loyal?

Mr. Trump has repeated the question so many times that he has alarmed some of his advisers. The president has not openly suggested dropping Mr. Pence from the ticket and picking another running mate, but the advisers say those kinds of questions usually indicate that he has grown irritated with someone.

Within the White House, most people he has talked to have assured the president that Mr. Pence has been a committed soldier, engaging in activities that Mr. Trump has eschewed, such as traveling to Hawaii to receive the remains of veterans of the Korean War, or visiting parts of the globe that Mr. Trump has avoided.

But some Trump advisers, primarily outside the White House, have suggested to him that while Mr. Pence remains loyal, he may have used up his utility. These advisers argue that Mr. Trump has forged his own relationship with evangelical voters, and that what he might benefit from more is a running mate who could help him with women voters, who disapprove of him in large numbers.

One name insiders keep coming back to is Nikki R. Haley, the United States ambassador to the United Nations.

Haley has already announced her plans to leave at the end of the year. A former governor of South Carolina, Haley also enjoys a close relationship with Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner.

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Oprah Shoots Down 2020 Speculation: “That’s Not For Me”

In a new interview with InStyle, Oprah Winfrey addressed those presidential rumors that have been swirling ever since her electrifying speech at this year’s Golden Globe Awards.

I’ve always felt very secure and confident with myself in knowing what I could do and what I could not. And so it’s not something that interests me. I don’t have the DNA for it.

Gayle — who knows me as well as I know myself practically — has been calling me regularly and texting me things, like a woman in the airport saying, “When’s Oprah going to run?” So Gayle sends me these things, and then she’ll go, “I know, I know, I know! It wouldn’t be good for you—it would be good for everyone else.”

I met with someone the other day who said that they would help me with a campaign. That’s not for me.

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Elizabeth Warren Sidesteps Questions On 2020 White House Run

Will she or won’t she?

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), currently promoting her new book, This Fight Is Our Fight: The Battle to Save America’s Middle Class, dodged questions whether she plans on a White House run in 2020.

“No,” Warren told the hosts of NBC’s “Today” show. “I am running in 2018 for senator from Massachusetts.”

But when host Matt Lauer mentioned that  “a lot of people are already printing up those bumper stickers for 2020 that say ‘she was warned, she was given an explanation, nevertheless she persisted,’” Warren gave a coy, silent smile.

Watch below.