Obama Considers Gay Ally for Running Mate  | News | Advocate.com

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June 24, 2008
Obama Considers Gay Ally for Running Mate

The blogosphere is abuzz with speculation that Lt. Gen. Claudia J. Kennedy, a retired three-star general, is one of a dozen people under consideration to accompany presidential hopeful Barack Obama to the polls this November. According to PinkNews , Europe’s largest gay news service, Kennedy has supported campaigns to overturn "don’t ask, don’t tell."

Kennedy’s consideration for running mate could appeal to many different groups, reports PinkNews . Former supporters of Hillary Clinton could align themselves with Obama should he choose a woman as his running mate.

Kennedy’s military record is also part of the equation, as American voters have a history of electing military leaders to political positions. Kennedy served in the Army for 30 years and has a background in Army Intelligence, reports PinkNews .

According to PinkNews , Kennedy served as an adviser during John Kerry’s unsuccessful 2004 campaign and endorsed Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination this year. ( The Advocate )

Reader Comments

These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

  • Name: Kay
    Date posted: 2008-07-14 1:42 AM
    Hometown: anywhere the navy sends me

    Comment:

    Ms. Kennedy is still "legal" to run because she was born on a US military instillation in Frankfurt therefore considered US soil.


  • Name: Frank
    Date posted: 2008-07-02 11:27 PM
    Hometown: Wildwood, NJ

    Comment:

    Hmm, I really think she'd be a great VP... if it was even LEGAL for her to run! She is a likely candidate for Secretary of Defense/Joint Chiefs, etc. but she was born in FRANKFURT, GERMANY making her inelligable to run for Vice President or President.


  • Name: NJOKU MBISIKE
    Date posted: 2008-06-27 1:43 PM
    Hometown: IMO

    Comment:

    i think obama is wasting time in selecting his running mate.i think he should do it now. NJOKU MBISIKE President biotech.department,FUTO NIGERIA.08038982505


  • Name: Marlene
    Date posted: 2008-06-26 9:33 AM
    Hometown: Sacramento, CA

    Comment:

    Where is the heck does it say that she is a lesbian? Support for the end of DADT comes from gays AND our straight allies. Let's not start unbased rumors already...hell, leave that to the likes of Limbaugh and O'Reilly, because you know their feeble minds will go there anyway.


  • Name: Leonard Myron
    Date posted: 2008-06-25 3:36 PM
    Hometown: Edgewater, New Jersey

    Comment:

    Even though I am sure Ms. Kennedy would bring a host of skills and talent to the office of Vice President, the sad truth is that having a lesbian on his ticket would cost Barak Obama far too many votes which we can't afford to lose. The 'swift boaters' and the homophobic religious right community would be given ammunition that they would use at the drop of a hat. Let's not forget 4 years ago how states were lost to the Republicans due to the inclusion of gay marriage planks on their ballots. One day we will see a gay man or lesbian at the top of a national ticket, but unfortunately, that time is not now.


  • Name: Alexander
    Date posted: 2008-06-24 5:38 PM
    Hometown: Baltimore, MD

    Comment:

    Scott, how do you know she is a lesbian?


  • Name: Scott
    Date posted: 2008-06-24 4:07 PM
    Hometown: Tampa, FL

    Comment:

    There is no way on earth anyone is considering an open lesbian for the office of Vice President. I think this is just wishful thinking on the part of the author - or Obama wants to make us think he could be this open minded. Nope - not gonna happen.


  • Name: Bob Green
    Date posted: 2008-06-24 12:07 PM
    Hometown: Carmel, IN

    Comment:

    Unfortunately, the United States, like most countries, is not yet ready for a GLBT VP or President. It would guarantee a McCain victory and the further destruction of the United States in doing so. Senator Obama is undoubtedly letting us know he considers us as equals in this area, but just like the Islamic Women with headscarves not being allowed in the photo shoot behind the candidate, some things are just too controversial for a Presidential win. Look for her in an important role in his administration though. Secretary of Defense? Only Senator Obama knows for sure.


  • Name: njoku mbisike
    Date posted: 2008-06-24 10:09 AM
    Hometown: futo,nigeria

    Comment:

    how true is this news.


  • Name: Elizabeth
    Date posted: 2008-06-23 8:18 PM
    Hometown: Citrus Heights

    Comment:

    I read General Kennedy's biography (a shame that I ran into it at the $1.00 store instead of a regular bookstore) a few years ago. I'd certainly consider her a great candidate for VP.


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