By the time this column comes out, we will have the all of the party nominees in place for November. As was recently stated at an LGBT fundraiser for Hillary Clinton, “This one is for all the marbles.” Sadly, too true and too frightening. The Republican nominee seeks to turn back so many of the social, and economic, gains made under the past two Democratic administrations. Yes, there are still more to make, but let’s not turn back. Certainly, the LGBTQ community has much to fear—from the potential Supreme Court nominees, to reversal of human and civil rights protections, and don’t even think about preserving a woman’s right to choose.
We are faced with a very bright line come November. The differences between Secretary Hillary Clinton and “the Donald” are stark indeed.
I have been dismayed over the course of this election that more has not been made of how truly progressive a candidacy Hillary Clinton offers. She would be the first female President and one of, if not the, most qualified candidates for this office in recent history. She is also a longtime champion of human and civil rights, with a record to prove it, and was an early champion of healthcare reform. Remember that before Obamacare there was Hillarycare.
I am still confounded that people say Hillary is the “establishment” candidate. A progressive, outspoken woman with a history of fighting for good causes, speaking truth to power, and someone who, if elected, will let every young girl know that she can aspire to whatever she wishes, just doesn’t seem “establishment.” It appears that the tens of millions of dollars spent on denigrating her over the years have somehow successfully taken hold in the minds of far too many.
Thus, it seems only fitting to use this column to point out what kind of leader Hillary has been for our community. Recently Lieutenant Governor Newsom posted his recollection of the time he courageously came out in favor of same sex marriage:
“In 2004, after I ordered the city clerk to give same-sex couples marriage licenses, I quickly became a pariah in the Democratic Party. I was accused of endangering Sen. Kerry’s campaign for president, my speech at the national convention was cancelled, and most hurtful, major Democratic candidates and elected officials—some of whom were my friends—refused to be photographed with me or even be in the same room with me. I was being demonized by the left and the right. Only one major figure in the Dem party was willing to be photographed with me: Hillary Clinton. In 2004, we did an event together down at Delancey Street in San Francisco. I’ll never forget that moment—that when I was being attacked for my position on same-sex marriage and what we did in San Francisco, she was willing to stand with me in public when no one else was. #ImWithHer”
Hillary Clinton’s response:
“Thank you for this, Gavin. It’s a funny thing about progress: the fight can feel hardest in the loneliest moments, but you’ll never be alone on the right side of history. We still have so much work to do, and so many more victories to win—from ending discrimination to eradicating transphobic violence to ensuring every young LGBT person can live out the bright future they deserve. I was proud to stand with you then, and I’m even prouder to have you with me now.”
That is the definition of leadership. We all need to stand with her now.
Trump has been doing what is commonly referred to as “projection” and has called Hillary a “liar” and “unqualified.” Say no more—really? From a reality TV star?
So come November, regardless of where one stands during this Primary season, we cannot hold back. We must participate and vote, for too much is at stake. For those Sanders supporters who are disappointed, recall the early days of collegiality between Hillary and Bernie, how she contributed to his Senate races, how each has highlighted that they are far more similar to each other and are diametrically the opposites of Trump.
Let’s go forward to November united in the goal of safeguarding our rights yet still working to improve our system: to fighting/overturning Citizens United, to protecting our immigrants, preserving the Supreme Court, supporting our children—and creating a brighter future for all of them—and putting the U.S. in a position of respect throughout the world.
I am stunned that “mainstream” Republican leadership has united behind Trump without much questioning. There is not enough room in this column to address the frightening specter of a Trump Presidency. Dan Rather offered a brilliant analysis following Trump’s recent attacks on the press—not a partisan issue, but one of protecting and supporting a free and critical press. Hillary nailed it when she warned against Trump not only being unprepared, but also “temperamentally unfit to hold an office that requires knowledge, stability and immense responsibility.” The list goes on and on.
Democrats and Independents must unite behind our nominee. We must come together to make history by electing Hillary Clinton. The bottom line is good, decent people cannot sit back on this one. Indeed, it is “for all the marbles.”
Leslie R. Katz is a former member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, was the co-author of the City’s Equal Benefits Ordinance, has served on the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee (as Chair, and as a general member), and serves on the California Democratic Party’s Executive Board. She is an attorney with a government law, policy and strategy practice, with a focus on emerging technologies.
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