About the Gingrich and gay-marriage kerfuffle (video)
Here are some headlines on blogs and websites today concerning something Newt Gingrich said in Iowa:
- Newt Gingrich tells gay Iowa man Scott Arnold: You’re better off voting for Obama
- Newt Gingrich to gay Iowan: Vote for Obama
and the most to-the-slanted-point:
Now here is the exchange that prompted those headlines:
Transcript, for those who can’t or don’t want to watch the video:
Questioner: My question is, is how do you plan to engage with such a large community of people who, on this one specific issue, do not support you? [They] may agree with you on the other parts of what you stand for — but how do you plan to engage and get the vote of gay Americans and those who support them?
Gingrich: I think for those to whom the only issue that really matters is the definition of marriage, I won’t get their support. I accept that that’s a reality. On the other hand, for those to whom it’s not the central issue in their life, if they care about job creation, if they care about national security, if they care about a better future for the country at large, then I think I’ll get their support.
Questioner: So what if it is the biggest issue?
Gingrich: Then I won’t get their support.
Questioner: How do we engage if you’re elected? Then what, what does that mean?
Gingrich: Well then you engage in every topic except that.
Questioner: Except it’s most important (some crosstalk).
Gingrich: Well, if that’s most important to you then you should be for [Barack] Obama.
Questioner: I am, thank you.
Gingrich: It’s perfectly legitimate. I think that’s perfectly legitimate.
A couple of points:
First, “Gingrich doesn’t want the gay vote,” and variations thereof, are misleading. What Gingrich clearly said is that he doesn’t think he deserves or will get the vote of those Americans for whom gay marriage is the No. 1 issue in this election. This is news?
Second, it’s not entirely clear to me that there are as many people who fall into this group — i.e., gay marriage is their most important issue — as the questioner in the video lets on. Gallup polling over the past few months suggests less than 1 percent of respondents think “gay rights issues” — which presumably comprise more than just gay marriage — are atop the list of problems facing the country. Given that an estimated 3 percent to 4 percent of Americans self-identify as gay, you would think the issue would register on such a poll if a substantial proportion of this population felt it was the most important issue that made them single-issue voters, as opposed to an important issue they’ll weigh along with other important issues. As with other sub-populations, gay Americans are affected by most of the same problems as everyone else. (I acknowledge there may be a difference between “most important issue facing the country” and “most important issue to me,” but this was the best polling I could find on the topic. Feel free to share another poll result in the comments thread.)
What these reports do accomplish, however, is further branding one candidate — and, by obvious extension, his party — as being “anti” a whole group of Americans. And it’s done by some of the same people who will, within days if not hours, wring their hands about the polarization of Americans politics.
Sigh.
– By Kyle Wingfield
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246 comments Add your comment
MarkV
December 21st, 2011
4:48 pm
Report (-: You Whine )-: Thee Magnificent!!! mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin… @4:45 pm
I thought this blog cannot sink any lower – this post shows that there is no limit of depravity.
Aquagirl
December 21st, 2011
4:50 pm
Have fun you little ugly tart.
That’s it—you’re off my Blessed Solstice Kwanzaa & Festivus card list.
That Black Guy
December 21st, 2011
4:52 pm
marauder
December 21st, 2011
1:37 pm
Circa 1964
Black Person “Will you support equal rights for my family and I”
George Wallace “If that’s your main issue vote for my opponent”
Sigh
Yeah, because those to issues are EXACTLY the same. EXACTLY!!!
FDA
I Report (-: You Whine )-: Thee Magnificent!!! mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
December 21st, 2011
4:57 pm
Let’s all join in with the cranks at the AJC in blubbering over the loss of one of their most favorite whackjobs-
Weeping members of North Korea’s elite filed past the body of Kim Jong Il, which was draped in red cloth and surrounded by stony-faced honor guards and dozens of red and white flowers. -Urinal
An assault rifle aimed at your head will make a lot of people weep on cue, morons.
I Report (-: You Whine )-: Thee Magnificent!!! mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
December 21st, 2011
4:58 pm
You like that giant rump, eh, Markie?
Aquagirl
December 21st, 2011
5:01 pm
You like that giant rump, eh, Markie?
No, unless “FDA” stands for the Federal agency, I believe That Black Guy is the one proposing to hit ‘dat.
Jimmy62
December 21st, 2011
5:02 pm
Fresh Prince: I never equated anything, you put words in my mouth. If you kill 20 people, and I kill 1, we are both murderers, but that does not mean we are equivalent in our murdering. 20 is obviously a different degree than 1.
From the dictionary:
big·ot·ry [big-uh-tree]
noun, plural -ries.
1. stubborn and complete intolerance of any creed, belief, or opinion that differs from one’s own.
2. the actions, beliefs, prejudices, etc., of a bigot.
Interestingly, it doesn’t include color or sexual orientation, merely creed, belief, and opinion. That surprised me.
Jimmy62
December 21st, 2011
5:03 pm
Kgray: Please show us where Bush and Cheney lied about WMDs. The world is waiting.
phillistine comeback
December 21st, 2011
5:03 pm
I think the “I report guy”, who steals his material from other sources is as funny as the stuff he steals, and he deserves a round of applause, someone should give him a cookie.
phillistine comeback
December 21st, 2011
5:05 pm
Bush and Cheney: lies about WMDs: rocket tubes, the mushroom cloud, and any reference to intel that they themselves invented, moron.
You revisionists can ESAD.
I SAID ESAD!!!
Bush and cheney are traitors and should be treated as history always treats traitors.
Hilarious
December 21st, 2011
5:06 pm
Hey Jimmy, how about some reading comprehension?
COMPLETE INTOLERANCE is not the same as turning someone down for a date because you think that your opposing political views of another person is a good reason not to DATE them.
Are you completely insane, or just inane?
COMPLETE INTOLERANCE is not in the same hemisphere as turning someone down for a date.
You right-wingers play the victim card waaayyyy too much.
Aquagirl
December 21st, 2011
5:10 pm
stubborn and complete intolerance of any creed, belief, or opinion that differs from one’s own.
If you think being turned down for a date qualifies as “stubborn and complete intolerance” then you officially qualify for Drama Queen status.
I Report (-: You Whine )-: Thee Magnificent!!! mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
December 21st, 2011
5:10 pm
This is pretty sick-
Plans for coal plant spurs protests in China……….Riot police used tear gas in an attempt to disperse the protesters at the highway in the town of Haimen in Guangdong province-Urinal
But when you go to a credible news agency, this is the lead-
A tense standoff between rebellious villagers and local officials in this fishing town on China’s eastern coast appeared to come to an end Wednesday, though the tentative agreement did not untangle allegations of official corruption and land grabs.
So why do the goons at the AJC overlook the protest against an oppressive government but report on the coal plant?
Do they have no issues with an oppressive government?
That Black Guy
December 21st, 2011
5:19 pm
quick work break
December 21st, 2011
3:06 pm
Uh, Ms Dazy: No real black person would use that name, so…comment dismissed.
QWB, what constitutes a “real black person”?
When were you elected to determine such?
Jimmy62
December 21st, 2011
5:20 pm
It’s a difference of degree, not kind. And I never tried to play the victim, you guys just keep writing that. I think there are political bigots on all sides, and it’s sad how people let political differences dehumanize people who think differently.
I am not pro-life (not comfortable with abortion either, but I’m not prepared to ban it), but the people who are strongly pro-life truly believe that a fetus is a life, and thus abortion is murder. I can’t look down on someone for being against an action they feel is murder. But I certainly look down on those who take it as far as violence and bombing and such, as they are also dehumanizing the other side. Sometimes it is hard to remember that people with differing opinions are people, too, and most likely good people, but I try to rise above and remember that when I have differences with someone. Unfortunately most people cannot look past a single differing opinion to the person inside, be they a libertarian, a homosexual, a Muslim, or think Jay Leno is actually funny.
Jefferson
December 21st, 2011
5:23 pm
Who you folks gonna start loving on next ?
Fresh Prince of Belfast
December 21st, 2011
5:30 pm
Jimmy62
December 21st, 2011
5:20 pm
It’s a difference of degree, not kind. And I never tried to play the victim, you guys just keep writing that.
No one on earth is going to consider being rejected by a girl (gee, who wouldn’t want to date you) on the same level as being discriminated because of skin color (et al). Your refusal to admit this to yourself and your continued posting just reinforces the idea that you are driven by victimhood. Find someone who has been a real victim of bigotry and tell them about your first world bourgeoisie woes; they’ll laugh in your face, just as we all are now.
Just drop it already, good lord.
MarkV
December 21st, 2011
5:32 pm
I Report (-: You Whine )-: Thee Magnificent!!! mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin…@ 4:45 pm
I was tempted to ask “Where are you, Kyle? “ but on second thought, I do not think the above poster should be admonished or banned, but rather that any post of his should be given the following postscript:
Warning: Submitted by a certified low-life.
Fresh Prince of Belfast
December 21st, 2011
5:33 pm
That Black Guy
December 21st, 2011
5:19 pm
QWB, what constitutes a “real black person”?
When were you elected to determine such?
When were you elected to question others’ electability?
That Black Guy
December 21st, 2011
5:35 pm
Aquagirl
December 21st, 2011
5:01 pm
You like that giant rump, eh, Markie?
No, unless “FDA” stands for the Federal agency, I believe That Black Guy is the one proposing to hit ‘dat.
No Aquagirl, my post was in response to marauder. I was calling him a “intercourse low intellect posterior”.
As to The First Lady, well, not my type. Too, uhh, tall.
Aquagirl
December 21st, 2011
5:36 pm
Unfortunately most people cannot look past a single differing opinion to the person inside
Perhaps you should be so generous to this unnamed woman who turned you down for a date. Seriously, she said she didn’t want to date you, and you label her a bigot? Assuming she was telling the truth she probably thought “do I want to launch a relationship where we’ll butt heads over politics?” Not everyone is James Carville and Mary Matalin.
I dunno if you ever considered this Jimmy, but sometimes we don’t tell men the truth about breakups if we think they’re gonna be all butthurt. Maybe she thought you were dull or had bad breath. Maybe she just wasn’t that into you. If you’re pulling the “bigot!!1111!!!!” card I can see why she’d give a reason most people wouldn’t turn into a plight of persecution.
That Black Guy
December 21st, 2011
5:43 pm
Fresh Prince of Belfast
December 21st, 2011
5:33 pm
When were you elected to question others’ electability?
Fresh, please show me where I questioned QWB’s eligibility to be elected to a fictitious position.
My question to him/her pertained to his/her authority to tell someone whether or not they were a “real black person”.
What defines a “real black person”?
That Black Guy
December 21st, 2011
5:45 pm
Jimmy, gotta agree with Aquagirl. For a true example of bigotry, see gm’s posts.
I Report (-: You Whine )-: Thee Magnificent!!! mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
December 21st, 2011
5:49 pm
Oh, don’t blubber, Markie. Liking that big ole butt is nothing to be ashamed of.
You go girl!
Aquagirl
December 21st, 2011
5:50 pm
Poor Jimmy and his terrible first-world problem.
http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/first-world-problems
Fresh Prince of Belfast
December 21st, 2011
5:55 pm
That Black Guy
December 21st, 2011
5:43 pm
What defines a “real black person”?
It’s the antithesis of Herman Cain
Fresh Prince of Belfast
December 21st, 2011
6:02 pm
The worst part of gay marriage is that once it’s legalized WASPs will have to find some other stupid thing to get upset over.
The horror, the horror….
That Black Guy
December 21st, 2011
6:04 pm
Fresh Prince of Belfast
December 21st, 2011
It’s the antithesis of Herman Cain
I don’t understand. If a “real black person” = the exact opposite of Mr Cain, that would mean a “real black person” is:
White
female
young
poor
northern
uneducated
faithful to their partners
democrat
I don’t know about anyone else, but that would make no sense.
Can you elaborate?
That Black Guy
December 21st, 2011
6:07 pm
Fresh, I have an honest question. Why do you post here? Is it to exchange ideas and viewpoints? Is is to argue the merits of your opinions? Is it to antagonize those with opposing positions? Is it something that I did not list?
I’m not trying to be funny, I am honestly curious.
saywhat?
December 21st, 2011
6:10 pm
When the person or persons who turn down jimmy62 for a date (I am somehow sure there are plenty, and will be plenty more) write legislation telling him who he can and can’t marry or share insurance benefits with, whether or not he can or can’t join the military, etc, THEN he can complain about intolerance.
The fact is, tolerant or not, MOST people don’t want to be around libertarians, because they tend to be self-centered jerks. Just because I am willing to tolerate one doesn’t mean I have to date one.
Fresh Prince of Belfast
December 21st, 2011
6:15 pm
That Black Guy
December 21st, 2011
6:04 pm
Fresh Prince of Belfast
December 21st, 2011
It’s the antithesis of Herman Cain
I don’t understand. If a “real black person” = the exact opposite of Mr Cain, that would mean a “real black person” is:
White
female
young
poor
northern
uneducated
faithful to their partners
democrat
I don’t know about anyone else, but that would make no sense.
Can you elaborate?
Yeah, you’re humorless and predictable. Next
waterstim
December 21st, 2011
6:17 pm
All of you liberals and gays (don’t mean to be redundant) are doing your best to ruin this country. It won’t be long before there won’t be anymore bailouts and the chickens will come home to roost. Welcome to the wienie roast folks! Have a wonderful evening!
That Black Guy
December 21st, 2011
6:21 pm
Fresh, sorry, I didn’t know you were trying to be funny. Usually it is obvious when someone is attempting to be funny or they add a
smiley.
Maybe you should try another joke. I promise I’ll laugh.
Fresh Prince of Belfast
December 21st, 2011
6:34 pm
That Black Guy
December 21st, 2011
6:21 pm
Fresh, sorry, I didn’t know you were trying to be funny. Usually it is obvious when someone is attempting to be funny or they add a
smiley.
Maybe you should try another joke. I promise I’ll laugh.
lol, sorry. I knew I should’ve put *rimshot* on the end of that.
Aquagirl
December 21st, 2011
6:37 pm
or they add a smiley.
God, no, not the emoticons. RUN! HIDE THE CHILDREN!
That Black Guy
December 21st, 2011
6:56 pm
Aquagirl
December 21st, 2011
6:37 pm
or they add a smiley.
God, no, not the emoticons. RUN! HIDE THE CHILDREN!
There is no hiding from the emoticonites, WE ARE EVERYWHERE
That Black Guy
December 21st, 2011
6:56 pm
BOO
Jos. A. Mustich, CT USA
December 21st, 2011
7:08 pm
Sorry, who?
Onward to full civil and marriage equality rights now. Period. Case closed.
Cheers, Joe Mustich, CT USA
Marriage Officiant & Justice of the Peacfe.
@@
December 21st, 2011
7:38 pm
Questioner: Except it’s most important
More important than people not being able to find a job!!??!! Kinda self-absorbed, isn’t he?
Just the other day, I heard of a new segment within the population. If gay, transgendered, lesbian, bi-sexual and heterosexual isn’t enough…
there’s bi-curious.
Don’t know what that one means…don’t want or need to.
The fact that gay couples wanna hold out for a word (marriage) makes me wonder if their target isn’t The Church. A lot of heterosexual couples were united thru civil unions.
In the early Christian era, there was no such thing as marriage…more or less a mutual agreement. No fancy ceremony, religious or otherwise.
Fresh Prince of Belfast
December 21st, 2011
8:01 pm
@@
December 21st, 2011
7:38 pm
Questioner: Except it’s most important
More important than people not being able to find a job!!??!! Kinda self-absorbed, isn’t he?
Just the other day, I heard of a new segment within the population. If gay, transgendered, lesbian, bi-sexual and heterosexual isn’t enough…
there’s bi-curious.
Don’t know what that one means…don’t want or need to.
You’re admitting you want to stay ignorant, and are seemingly boastful about it.
Go back to your cave.
nelson
December 21st, 2011
8:12 pm
The attorney General was delighted to announce the Bank of America will have to shell out several hundred million to Blacks that had been discriminated against, as if all whites the bank was playing on the up and up. And, of course the timing of the announcement just before Christmas, politics pure and simple, Transparency in government the populace is waiting.
@@
December 21st, 2011
8:12 pm
Prince:
You’re admitting you want to stay ignorant, and are seemingly boastful about it.
Ignorant!!??!! Howz’bout indifferent.
Would you like to remain ignorant about what my husband and I do in the bedroom? I sure hope so, ’cause I ain’t tellin’.
@@
December 21st, 2011
8:14 pm
I’m guessing Prince is bi-curious seein’ how he wants to know about all things sexual.
schnirt
@@
December 21st, 2011
8:29 pm
For the Ron Paul supporters hereabouts.
USAToday is opening up an old wound.
Paul’s story changes on racial comments
It was inevitable.
td
December 21st, 2011
8:32 pm
SouthGaDawg
December 21st, 2011
3:34 pm
I personally want two or three wives but the law and social morals does not allow this type of choice.
@@
December 21st, 2011
8:48 pm
I know polygamy is verboten, but will exceptions be made for bi-sexuals? Will they get to have a gay AND straight marriage?
Taft Punk
December 21st, 2011
11:25 pm
@@
December 21st, 2011
8:14 pm
I’m guessing Prince is bi-curious seein’ how he wants to know about all things sexual.
You’re a conservative, please explain why my sexual orientation is important to you.
Or maybe, deep down, you’re curious yourself?
Tony
December 22nd, 2011
4:56 am
For those who keep asking if there are any gays/lesbians who would consider voting for Gingrich, I think there are certainly many stupid, self-loathing gays and lesbians who might have voted for him and other Republicans. Let’s just hope that Newt’s comments helped keep a few of those people away from the ballot box.
Lil' Barry Bailout (Revised Downward)
December 22nd, 2011
5:50 am
Don’t know about the primary, but come November there are certainly many gay/lesbian voters who will put their love of country ahead of their own pet causes and vote for the Republican, be it Newt or Romney.
HadIt
December 22nd, 2011
6:08 am
I’m an atheist and I’m a better Christian than Newt.