Posted on 03/12/2004 6:15:52 AM PST by Tumbleweed_Connection
Gay marriage is fast becoming Sen. John F. Kerry's campaign albatross, with a firm stance on either side threatening a swath of voters that could cost him the election. At once yesterday, Kerry was out-flanked on both sides of the political spectrum. From Kerry's right, President Bush [related, bio] rallied evangelical Christians to his anti-gay marriage cause. And from his left, gay Democrats threatened Kerry with a lost core constituency if he doesn't back their ``right'' to marry. ``People are making up their minds about John Kerry [related, bio] right now,'' said Walter De Vries, executive director of the Institute of Political Leadership in North Carolina. ``It may have no impact down the line, but it could define Kerry right now.'' That is just what Republicans want, pushing Bush back on stage on an issue he largely has avoided since coming out for a federal gay marriage ban last month. ``I will defend the sanctity of marriage against activist courts and local officials who want to redefine marriage,'' Bush told the National Association of Evangelicals convention. ``The union of a man and woman is the most enduring human institution.'' Bush, rallying his right-leaning base, has defined Kerry as flip-flopping on gay marriage. Kerry has said he opposes gay marriage but backs civil union benefits for gay couples. But he hasn't staked a claim for or against the debate in Massachusetts, saying only that states should decide on their own. And, with marriages set to begin here May 17 just a few months before Kerry is nominated at the FleetCenter, the clock is ticking. Gay activists, who help make up a large portion of Kerry's base, said the Bay State senator's position could cripple him. ``How Sen. Kerry deals with the Massachusetts constitutional amendment is going to have a lot to do with how enthusiastic the gay community is going to be for him,'' said Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Foreman said gays aren't likely to vote for Bush, since Kerry is much stronger on all other gay issues. But he said they could just as easily stay home or vote for liberal Ralph Nader, costing Kerry even a few percentage points that could swing the election. The issue may also hit Kerry where it really hurts - the money train. Liberal Hollywood Democrats are incensed Kerry might back a ban in his home state. ``Democrats here want to see some distinction from Kerry on this issue - engaging more and flip-flopping less,'' said David McCuan, professor of political science at Sonoma State University in San Francisco, the West Coast epicenter of the gay marriage debate.
You know, it's really hard to get out-flanked on BOTH sides...
John Kerry would be a huge mistake if he were elected president. Vote conservative in November!
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