Gingrich: Vote for Obama

A gay man claims Newt Gingrich told him to vote for Obama.

A gay man claims Newt Gingrich told him to vote for Obama.

Jason Clayworth, Des Moines Register (“Newt Gingrich to gay Iowan: Vote for Obama“):

Newt Gingrich told a gay man and longtime resident of Oskaloosa here today that he should vote for President Obama.

“I asked him if he’s elected, how does he plan to engage gay Americans. How are we to support him? And he told me to support Obama,” said Scott Arnold, an associate professor of writing at William Penn University.”

Arnold, a Democrat, said he came to the event at Smokey Row coffee house with an open mind. But he wanted to ask Gingrich about how he would represent him as president after reading past comments the former U.S. House Speaker as made about gay and lesbians.

“When you ask somebody a question and you expect them to support all Americans and have everyone’s general interest,” Arnold said. “It’s a little bit frustrating and disheartening when you’re told to support the other side. That he doesn’t’ need your support.”

Now, the only evidence we have that Gingrich said this is the word of one person–a self-professed Democrat–who we’ve never heard of. But the account seems plausible. And, frankly, it’s the right advice: If gay issues are your driving concern, the Democrats are your better bet.

FILED UNDER: 2012 Election, US Politics, ,
James Joyner
About James Joyner
James Joyner is Professor and Department Head of Security Studies at Marine Corps University's Command and Staff College. He's a former Army officer and Desert Storm veteran. Views expressed here are his own. Follow James on Twitter @DrJJoyner.

Comments

  1. superdestroyer says:

    The real question is what will happen to gay activist when the U.S. becomes a one party state and the black and Hispanic voters inside the Democratic Party no longer feel the need to cater to militant homosexuals?

    Or will the homosexual block inside the Democratic party become more powerful in the coming one-party-state since they are generaly affluent, educated, and very active in politics?

  2. Peter says:

    @superdestroyer:
    “…when the U.S. becomes a one party state”

    Sure. With a majority in the House, 47 senators & 29 governors, the GOP is on the verge of disappearing.

  3. DRS says:

    Superdestroyer: the pharmacy called. Your meds are ready to be picked up.

  4. de stijl says:

    @superdestroyer:

    To call you a one trick pony is an insult to ponies, tricks, and natural numbers.

  5. Franklin says:

    @de stijl: Heh, are you suggesting he’s an irrational number?

  6. legion says:

    @Franklin: I think ‘imaginary’ is also a good description…

  7. James H says:

    @legion: The square root of -1 objects.

  8. Rob in CT says:

    As long as he doesn’t divide by zero, I think we’ll be ok.

    Anyway, whether Gingrich said it or not it’s true. The Dems are the clearly better choice if you’re concerned about gay rights, though they are a long way from perfect (“my position on that is evolving”).

  9. Vast Variety says:
  10. David says:

    If gay rights are important to you, vote dem. this also in, water is wet and the sun rises in the east. Check back later for your late breaking news.

  11. MM says:

    @de stijl: Superdestroyer is an e gimmick mule.

  12. OzarkHillbilly says:

    @de stijl: Heh.

    @Franklin: Ha!

    @legion: Hee, hee, hee….

    @James H: Ha,ha, ha haahee…..

    @Rob in CT: HA HA HA HO HO HO HEEE HEEE HEEE….

    Comment thread of the year, right there!

  13. AJ says:

    There is other evidence that this was said……http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7392399n&tag=mncol;lst;3