Posted on 07/09/2004 12:26:13 AM PDT by The Bandit
WASHINGTON - Here's a political reality check - Southern-style. When John Kerry chose John Edwards to be his running mate, Democrats predicted that the presence of the North Carolina senator on the ticket would increase its appeal in the Republican South.
In the coming days, though, Senate Republicans are working to ensure that Kerry and Edwards cast votes that could alienate voters in the Bible Belt, Florida Panhandle and other Southern bastions. The legislation: a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriages.
No other social issue carves a wider divide between the North and the South than gay marriage. Not abortion. Not gun control. In the South, where as many as two-thirds oppose same-sex marriages, voters say they are far less willing to back a candidate that feels differently.
The Democratic ticket's Southern bounce could hit a speed bump.
Gay marriage, says Merle Black, a professor at Emory University in Atlanta, "goes to the heart of (Southern voters') cultural beliefs. They really believe marriage should be between a man and a woman."
While Kerry and Edwards oppose gay marriage, they argue that it is an issue that should be left to the states to decide. Both senators say they would vote no on the proposed constitutional amendment.
(Excerpt) Read more at mercurynews.com ...
Take it from a Florida Cracker. There's a lot more to being Southern than accident of birth.
While Kerry and Edwards argue that [Gay marriage] is an issue that should be left to the states to decide. Both senators say they would vote no on the proposed constitutional amendment.
After releasing their statement, neither Senator could not be reached for comment. A spokesperson for the campaign explained that they were indisposed.
If the Democrats wanted to compete in the South they wouldn't have chosen the most extreme left wing candidate to ever win a major party nomination in American history.
But then again, maybe the thinking is that Edwards can sue their way to victory in Florida. It almost worked for the Gore camp last election.
I heard Rush talking about the ehem, closeness between Edward/skerry. That is the first image I've seen. Yikes!
Newt Gingrich made a good point on Fox News tonight with Greta Van Susteren. He said that Joe Lieberman, being Jewish, probably got Al Gore 150,000 votes in FL in 2000 from the Jewish population in the state. But, that vote will not be there for the Dems this time espceially since The Prez is well liked by the Jewish community b/c of his strong stance for Israel.
Good point.
Pity they don't believe that abortion is an issue that should be left to the states to decide.
I have news for the dimocats, we vote Republican. We have no use for the dnc( communist party USA). A Southern Cracker and proud to be one. Let's Roll, Bush Cheney 2004.
"He said that Joe Lieberman, being Jewish, probably got Al Gore 150,000 votes in FL in 2000 from the Jewish population in the state. "
So more convicts and dead people will have to vote 3 and 4 times.
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