Obama for four more years. So the American public has voted and they have said “we want someone who cares about building the middle class.” What I love is the difference in the vote can be attributed to the LGBT community.
The LGBT vote is 5 percent of the electorate. Given that the Republican Party has made it clear that they do not support LGBT equality, that 4-5 percent of the electorate that supported Obama because of his outstanding record on LGBT issues made the difference.
I know that it could also be said that other groups put Obama over the top; African Americans, women, Latinos or young voters. A case could be made for all these groups, but I want to make sure that the Republicans understand that 80 percent of the electorate who self-identified as LGBT voted for Obama.
Over the next several weeks and months, you will be hearing one word on the political front; demographics. The demographics for the Republican Party are not good. They hate LGBT people, have crazy candidates who have dated views about women’s reproductive rights, and do not have modern policies about undocumented workers and immigration.
All of these things spell disaster for the national Republican Party going forward. They need to regroup and figure out how they can appeal to the LGBT community, progressive women and “minority” groups. Otherwise, “Hey, hey, hey goodbye,” for the foreseeable future.
The mayoral race also produced a progressive winner, Congressman Bob Filner. Filner will move San Diego forward and represent the “minorities” that now make up a majority of the city; Asians, Latinos, women, African Americans and the LGBT community.
Isn’t it interesting that Obama and Filner both won with the same coalition? Demographics. That is what will change America going forward. Thank goodness. Those who have been oppressed will now have the ability to influence government to implement fair and just policies.
It has taken us more than 200 years to get here but we are finally here. Every vote in America counts. Those who have been disenfranchised for a host of reasons over the centuries made their voice heard; loud and clear.
Unlike those who oppressed us, we will make America a place where the American dream can be realized by everyone. We will ensure that those who need a hand up, get it. We will approach civic and federal budgets through a balanced approach: revenue enhancements and reduced spending. We will ensure LGBT equality.
America has spoken. San Diego has spoken. It is a new day with a new horizon. A horizon where all are treated equally. Demographics; a word we will all come to love.
Thank you to the San Diego LGBT community for being engaged, you definitely made a difference.
STAMPP CORBIN
PUBLISHER
San Diego LGBT Weekly
Thank you Stampp for a great editorial. I still feel a little intoxicated over the results, can’t help it, won’t apologize.
The other day one of the Doctors that I work with asked me if I thought the R party would change their strategy to include the LGBT community and in turn win some elections. I had to say I doubt that they would ever do that.
So now we move on into a brighter future, one I must say I thought I would never see.