November 1, 2008

(full disclosure: I proudly work for the Courage Campaign)

Frankly, I am not surprised in the least that they went there. African-Americans tend to be more conservative on GLBT equality issues than much of the rest of the Democratic coalition. The Yes on 8 campaign is fighting for every vote and thought that they could gain from misrepresenting Obama's position on Prop 8.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden both oppose Prop 8. The Yes on 8 campaign sent a mailer above to untold thousands of African-American voters in California, featuring large pictures of Obama and the quote that "I'm not in favor of gay marriage..."

The quote is real, Obama and Biden oppose marriage, BUT refuse to take away rights from Americans. Here is the statement they released in reaction to the mailer:

"Senators Obama and Biden have made clear their commitment to fighting for equal rights for all Americans whether it's by granting LGBT Americans all the civil rights and benefits available to heterosexual couples, or repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' While Senators Obama and Biden oppose same-sex marriage, they support civil unions," said a statement issued by campaign spokesman Ben LaBolt. "Senator Obama has already announced that the Obama-Biden ticket opposes Proposition 8 and similar discriminatory constitutional amendments that could roll back the civil rights he and Senator Biden strongly believe should be afforded to all Americans."

Now the question is will more people hear about Obama's real position on Prop 8 than will read the mailer? It is up to us to help spread the word.

I am sitting in the No on Prop 8 headquarters in San Francisco. This place is just buzzing with energy and flooded with volunteers. There were 300-400 people here for just one of four trainings that will be held here this weekend (see pic below). Mayor Gavin Newsom choked up when he spoke to the volunteers. This is the final few days of a battle he helped start four years ago and one we can finally win on Tuesday.

BTW my colleague Lucas is at "The Call" the supposedly huge gathering of evangelicals in San Diego against Prop 8 (and 4 for that matter). They were talking about getting 71,000 people in Qualcomm stadium. Lucas says it looks like about 7,000 people are there and a steady stream are heading for the exits.

You can help us win. Respond to the mailers by making sure we have the cash to get the message out to voters that Obama opposes Prop 8. Donate via ActBlue now.

Sign-up here to volunteer. We need every single person that can help talk directly to voters. There is a special netroots sign-up form. Don't forget to say that Crooks and Liars sent you.

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