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White House 0 for 2 on DADT


ROBERT GIBBS X390 (GETTY) | ADVOCATE.COM

The Advocate pushed White House press secretary Robert Gibbs Thursday for answers on “don’t ask, don’t tell” -- with few results.

Gibbs said Wednesday that President Barack Obama “is working with the Pentagon to ensure” they make progress on changing the gay ban.

Because Gibbs has repeatedly indicated that congressional repeal was the only “durable solution” to overturning the policy, The Advocate asked whether his remarks indicated “a shift in policy.”

Gibbs clarified that there was no change in White House policy and that the president is working with the Pentagon on how to overturn the policy statutorily. “The Administration continues to think that that's the only binding way to remove a policy that [the president] thinks is unfair,” Gibbs said.
 
The Advocate responded, “So in that case, are you guys in discussions with any senators at this point to introduce ‘don't ask, don't tell’ repeal bills?”
 
Gibbs said he would check with Legislative Affairs. “I don't know if one's been introduced,” he said.
 
“It has not,” The Advocate responded. “It has not, and … Senator Reid is looking for guidance [from] you guys.”
 
Gibbs: “Let me get some clear direction from [Legislative Affairs].  Again, I just want to repeat that this is a proposal that the president is supportive of doing statutorily.”
 
The Advocate: “Do you plan to set out a timeline for a repeal at any point?”
 
Gibbs:  “Let me talk to those guys about that, but again --"

The Advocate: “I mean, a timeline is something that you guys have continually said … ‘if you don't have a deadline in this town, nothing gets done.’”
 
Gibbs: “Right. You should -- I should bring you up to the Senate.”  [Laughter]

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Reader Comments
  • Name: Daniel S
    Date posted: 10/9/2009 10:53:58 AM
    Hometown: New Hope, PA

    Comment:

    Look, at this point Obama is winning Nobel Peace prizes based largely on things he is hypothetically going to do as opposed to things he has actually done. So from a White House perspective it has to seem perfectly reasonable that they can keep making empty promises about LGBT rights without having to actually do anything or make firm commitments of any kind.

  • Name: PK
    Date posted: 10/8/2009 11:05:22 PM
    Hometown: Washington, DC

    Comment:

    Has Robert Gibbs ever said the word "gay" in a press conference? He seems extremely uncomfortable whenever he is asked about us.

  • Name: Dean Van de Motter
    Date posted: 10/8/2009 9:18:57 PM
    Hometown: New York City

    Comment:

    Kerry Eleveld did a great job. Keep up the good work.

  • Name: Jet
    Date posted: 10/8/2009 8:39:43 PM
    Hometown: NYC

    Comment:

    I love that the Advocate is in the White House briefing room! Awesome! These are amazing questions you're putting to Gibbs. EXCELLENT.

  • Name: Olin Blankenship
    Date posted: 10/8/2009 7:29:05 PM
    Hometown: Bellefonte Pa

    Comment:

    I am always quick to criticize Advocate when it gets silly. This time I write to thank you for holding Gibbs' feet to the fire on DADT. It is obvious they want to pass this back and forth, doing nothing, hoping we'll go away. I will be watching Obama's address during the Washington Ralley, to see if there he says anything concrete. I'll bet not. Isn't it interesting that congress was fast enough finding 2 billion dollars to buy new cars but can't seem to get around to giving us LGBT folk our equal civil rights. Anyway Advocate, kudos on this one!



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