In the 2008 Presidential race as with any other races throughout the years, one of the most important underlying issue is marriage equality and civil rights. Candidates like Hillary Clinton made it clear that gay rights is a necessity, but was far from stating her glorious plans. Just recently as i’m sure many of you had heard, John Edwards, although not quite for gay marriage yet, probably slightly due to his southern uprising, showed his support for civil unions.
His wife however, Elizabeth Edwards, stated at a news conference before the gay parade to the sound of cheering crowds, ”I don’t know why someone else’s marriage has anything to do with me, i’m completely comfortable with gay marriage.” Elizabeth Edwards also mentioned that her husband believes in ending the Pentagon’s ”don’t ask, don’t tell” policy and commented ”the military is already sexually integrated,” to laughter and applauses.
Presidential hopeful John Edwards was shocked and never knew his wife supported gay marriages. John said he respects his wife’s opinion. ”A lot of people I love and care about feel the same way Elizabeth does,” he said. ”I’m very strong about ending discrimination against gay and lesbian couples.”
”But I’m not quite where Elizabeth is yet,” said John Edwards.
If there is any hope for gay rights and marriage rulings, and with the great influence of his wife, I think John Edwards may be the man to lead the way. Hillary isn’t so far behind either. Sources say that she started a GLBT committee of a select 65 GLBT leaders from around the community. Let’s see how this plays out and hopefully one of them becomes our next gay supporting President of the United States.