**UPDATED: Video.**
Another highly contentious attempt to reach the LGBTQ community. Obama spoke for over twenty minutes, with Michelle at his side, to a room crowded with leaders of the gay community. With his charm full-on, he reiterated his promises to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” DOMA, ENDA, and promised Hate Crimes legislation will be passed. He mentioned Stonewall, HIV/AIDS, and issues like that which Lt. Dan Choi is suffering through, gay Arabic translators being fired in the military.
“It’s good to see so many friends and familiar faces.”
“I will not only be your friend, but an ally who fights with you and for you.”
“It’s important to consider the extraordinary progress we have made.”
“It’s not for me to tell you to be patient. But I say this: We have made progress.”
“I expect, and hope, to be judged not by words but by promises my administration keeps.”
“I’ve called on Congress to end the so-called Defense of Marriage Act.”
I’d have to say from a PR standpoint it was a success. We’ll see if his words match his actions.
But comments like, “That real, transformative change never begins in Washington,” remind us that he may or may not keep his renewed promises; regardless, the work will always be left up to us.