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Clinton Moves
Toward Middle on Gay Issues and More in Dem Debate

Clinton Moves
Toward Middle on Gay Issues and More in Dem Debate

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If there was any doubt that Sen. Hillary Clinton is already running as a general election candidate, it can be put to rest after last night's Democratic debate in Hanover, N.H. In one telling exchange, she responded to a question about whether elementary-school curricula should include a story about two princes (i.e., a same-sex couple) living happily ever after by saying that "with respect to your individual children, that is such a matter of parental discretion." Clinton then avoided addressing the issue of sexual orientation in grade school altogether.

If there was any doubt that Sen. Hillary Clinton is already running as a general election candidate, it can be put to rest after Wednesday night's Democratic debate in Hanover, N.H.

In one telling exchange, she responded to a question about whether elementary-school curricula should include a story about two princes (i.e., a same-sex couple) living happily ever after by saying, "With respect to your individual children, that is such a matter of parental discretion." Clinton then avoided addressing the issue of homosexuality in grade school altogether.

Her comments stood in stark contrast to those of former senator John Edwards and Sen. Barack Obama, who both essentially endorsed teaching such a story to students moments earlier.

Responding to the direct question "Would you be comfortable having this story read to your children as part of their school curriculum?" Edwards said, "Yes, absolutely." Although he later added the caveat "Second grade might be a little tough," he basically stuck with the principle of reading the story in a grade school setting.

Obama followed suit, albeit not quite so directly.

"I feel very similar to John," he said. "The fact is, my 9-year-old and my 6-year-old I think are already aware that there are same-sex couples. My wife and I have talked about it. One of the things I want to communicate to my children is not to be afraid of people who are different, because there have been times in our history where I was considered different, or Bill Richardson was considered different."

Clinton, however, in a cagey political diversion, left the matter up to individual parental discretion, then ended her answer on a pro-gay up note. "I think that this issue of gays and lesbians and their rights will remain an important one in our country," she said. "And I hope that -- tomorrow we're going to vote on the hate-crimes bill, and I'm sure that those of us in the Senate will be there to vote for it."

Adding protections for LGBT people to the federal hate-crimes law -- a measure that the Senate passed Thursday -- has the support of 68% of American voters, according to a Gallup Poll conducted in May. That means hate crimes is a safe, independent voter-friendly reference -- and something LGBT citizens are highly focused on.

Clinton's answer to the question was consistent with the entirety of her debate performance, as she started to more toward more moderate positions -- palatable to the general electorate -- on other hot-button issues too, including leaving combat troops in Iraq, how to approach relations with Iran, and how to pay for Social Security.

The Associated Press has stories here and here. (Kerry Eleveld, The Advocate)

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