Whether developed in earnest or as a massive publicity stunt, Donald Trump’s purported intention to court the Republican presidential bid for 2012 is no secret to the media. However, according to MotherJones.com, Trump’s decision to launch his campaign in the hard-line conservative hotbed of Iowa may spell doom for his candidacy.
Despite recent and highly publicized announcements concerning his links to the Tea Party, pro-life stance on the abortion debate and skepticism regarding President Obama’s citizenship, Trump has a history of more moderate views – notable amongst which are his pro-LGBT ideas about same-sex unions and equal rights.
A mere month ago, Trump told the Des Moines Register that he is opposed to giving gay couples the same benefits as married couples. Yet in the past – and in particular, during his consideration of a presidential bid on the Reform party ticket back in 2000 – Trump voiced a very different opinion on the issue of gay rights. In an interview with The Advocate, a prominent LGBT magazine, Trump expressed his support for a “very strong domestic partnership law” that would provide gay couples the same benefits and protections offered to straight married couples.
“I think it’s important for gay couples who are committed to each other to not be hassled when it comes to inheritance, insurance benefits and other simple everyday rights,” Trump said.
That was in 2000. Now, in spite of his apparent about-face, Donald Trump is likely to face the accusations of social conservatives who may use the billionaire’s moderate past against him.
Iowa State University political science professor Dave Peterson believes that Trump will have a difficult time getting his former support for LGBT equality past key Iowans in the state’s caucus. On the other hand, Chris Barron, founder of the conservative gay group GOProud and supporter of Trump’s presumed candidacy, thinks it is too early to make a call on Trump’s chances in Iowa.
“I don’t think there is a bigoted bone in his body,” says Barron.
