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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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New Bill Looks to Topple 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

Could prove a political headache for Obama

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(Newser) – The controversy that derailed Bill Clinton’s first 100 days is heading for Barack Obama, Politico reports, with a California congresswoman to introduce legislation today to overturn the ban on gays serving openly in the military. Obama has made no secret of his desire to overturn the unpopular “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy Clinton devised, but prefers to focus on the economy.

“Not everything will get done in the beginning,” a White House spokesman warned in January, “but he’s committed to following through.” But gay-rights advocates want Obama to act quickly, rather than playing defense. The public is open to the move, one pollster said, but it’s still risky: “It will give conservatives something to rally around.”

Barack Obama shakes hands with US troops in this file photo.
Barack Obama shakes hands with US troops in this file photo.   (AP Photo)
Ellen Tauscher looks on during a press conference in this file photo. The California congresswoman will introduce a bill to overturn
Ellen Tauscher looks on during a press conference in this file photo. The California congresswoman will introduce a bill to overturn "don't ask, don't tell."   (AP Photo)
In this file photo, Andrew Chapin of New York, takes part in a rally on Capitol Hill in Washington, supporting legislative efforts to repeal the military's
In this file photo, Andrew Chapin of New York, takes part in a rally on Capitol Hill in Washington, supporting legislative efforts to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.   (AP Photo)
In this March 23, 2007, file photo, college students take part in a rally on Capitol Hill in Washington, supporting legislative efforts to repeal the military's
In this March 23, 2007, file photo, college students take part in a rally on Capitol Hill in Washington, supporting legislative efforts to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
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American voters may feel better about the idea of openly gay soldiers and sailors, but that doesn’t mean the process of trying to change the policy doesn’t have enormous political risks. - Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute

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5 comments
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Reader32299456
Mar 2, 09 9:46 AM CST
I don't think there will be as much controversy over this as there was in 1993. A majority of Americans support this as every poll for the last 5 years has shown (except, of course, Heritage Foundation polls...). I think conservative talk radio will make a big stink over it if it passes, and overestimate its play with the American public, meanwhile the American public will more or less move on. They are experiencing a recession, and really not in the mood to get upset about social issues. When you can't pay your bills, you're not going to care whether or not gays can fight for their country. You're going to focus on paying your bills. Nor do I think this is the wrong time for this. This will not worsen our economic situation, it will only increase our security. Reply
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Derni
Mar 2, 09 9:50 AM CST
Probably not too much opposition-only the far right living with their heads in the sand wiill oppse this -as they do everything-can't they all just move to Utah? ro can't we just designate a state for them to live an ? Reply
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Caps
Mar 2, 09 10:36 AM CST
No Derni, don't send them to Utah, send them to another planet, and let them pull thier head out of thier A$$.
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Forderon
Mar 2, 09 11:28 AM CST
Like Reader said, this is the perfect time to do this from a political standpoint. People are worried about their next paycheck, they don't care about gays in the military. Obama should overturn the ban, then wait for the ultra right-wingers to make big noise and further embarrass and alienate the rest of their party. I know Clinton was only trying to protect the gays but this should never have happened. It's about damn time. Reply
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Doctor_Zaius
Mar 2, 09 7:32 PM CST
The Republicans are against this because they don't think it's fair that soldiers can come out while they have to continue having closeted gay sex in airport bathrooms. Reply
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Time for an about-face on gays in the military
New York Times

Military just catching up with public
Boston Globe

The costs of 'don't ask, don't tell'
CBS News

Openly gay troops will degrade military
WOAI 4 (San Antonio)


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