Obama Challenges Homophobic Christians

This is big. Senator Obama stood up for gay rights and gay dignity in front of a crowd in Beaumont, Texas that was apparently hostile to the idea, and said flat-out that homophobia is not Christian. It was reported by Ben Smith on Politico, as follows:

"Obama's rally in Beaumont today was the highest-energy of this Texas swing, with a crowd that was about three-quarters black cheering at almost every turn.

An interesting moment came when he was asked a question about LGBT rights and delivered an answer that seemed to suit the questioner, listing the various attributes — race, gender, etc. — that shouldn't trigger discrimination, to successive cheers. When he came to saying that gays and lesbians deserve equality, though, the crowd fell silent.

So he took a different tack:

"Now I’m a Christian, and I praise Jesus every Sunday," he said, to a sudden wave of noisy applause and cheers.

"I hear people saying things that I don’t think are very Christian with respect to people who are gay and lesbian," he said, and the crowd seemed to come along with him this time.

The moment reminded me of a conversation I had recently with a senior figure in the national gay rights movement, who noted that Obama's deference to some black Christian discomfort with homosexuality — his refusal to dump the "ex-gay" gospel singer Donnie McClurkin from a tour — angered some gays and lesbians; but conversely, that his ability to sell gay rights in the black church is unique and appealing."

Trust me, people, Beaumont, Texas is not exactly a place that celebrates diversity and when the crowd grew silent, it was apparent that they weren't on board the gay welcome wagon. But he did not back down and he challenged homophobic beliefs in religious terms. I have been, and remain, a Hillary supporter, but this makes me feel, dare I say it, hope for a potential Obama presidency.

Obama Reaches Out to Gays

Senator Obama is conspicuously reaching out to gay voters in the form of a targeted ad buy in gay publications in Ohio and Texas, including tomorrow's Dallas Voice, and in an "open letter to the LGBT Community." The letter says, in part,

"Americans are yearning for leadership that can empower us to reach for what we know is possible. I believe that we can achieve the goal of full equality for the millions of LGBT people in this country."

Towleroad has published the full text of the letter and you can read it here.

After Hillary got 60% of the gay vote in California, I said that Obama needed to do some serious fence-mending with us to demonstrate that he feels we are a constituency worth fighting for. It looks like he's doing it.

Obama Bungles Sister Souljah Moment

Obama and Hillary had their 20th or so debate last night in Cleveland and it was mostly uneventful. There was, however, one moment that stood out. Obama has recently been endorsed by Louis Farrakan, the notorious anti-semite, and he was asked if he would reject that endorsement. His response was weak and waffly. He said that he has consistently denounced "Minister Farrakan" (as if a hate-monger deserves the honorific of "minister") and stressed his support of Jewish people and Israel. Obama was then asked again, specifically if he would reject Farrakan's endorsement and Obama prattled on about not having the power to tell someone he can't think he's a "good guy." He did not reject Farrakan.

Hillary pounced and told a story of an unsolicited endorsement she received from a hate group during her Senate run. She rejected it firmly and believes there's a difference between "denounce" and "reject." Obama acted petulant and put-upon and tried to make a bit of a joke out of it and said "OK, I reject and denounce." Brian Williams, naturally, made a little joke about it to make Obama look good and went to commercial.

This was very telling. A hate-monger must be rejected and marginalized forcefully and this wasn't just an issue for "Jewish Americans" as Obama said, but an issue for all Americans. Why was Obama hesitant to speak out against a demagogic figure like Farrakkhan? Why does he want to leave himself wiggle room with that one? What does he hope to gain? A President Obama will have to stand firm on very controversial positions. Will he be able to do this? A President Obama must represent all Americans. Will he be able to do this? These are now legitimate questions.

He's alienated the gays to appease a hate-monger in religious garb, and now he's alienated the Jews for the same apparent reason. Who's next?

I'm not alone in my opinion.

Who Was That Cutie Singing at the Oscars?

You know you want to know. At our house, everyone in the room said "WHO IS THAT!" at the same time.

Mystery solved by the intrepid sleuths at Out in Hollywood: It's talented musician Jon McLaughlin.

You're welcome.

Last Week for Hillary?

From Marc Ambinder in The Atlantic via Andrew Sullivan:

"Advisers figure that a loss in Texas is as likely as a win in Ohio; a large number of staffers appear to be willing to quit en masse next Wednesday if there’s a split decision and Clinton gives notice that she intends to fight for another month."

Obama is now ahead in Texas and gaining in Ohio. She should be preparing that graceful exit.

Don't Tease Me

Josh Romney, one of Mitt Romney's 37 square-jaw sons, said that his father might re-enter the race for the Republican nomination if McCain's campaign falters. If only.

Oscar Snubs

Forget the people who weren't nominated, what happened to Charles Nelson Reilly, Robert Goulet, and Brad Renfro in the memorial segment? Leaving out Lois Nettleton was bad enough, but Lancelot?

Bless them, though, for including Lois Maxwell (Miss Moneypenny!), Kitty Carlisle Hart, and Suzanne Pleshette.

International Oscars

Naturally I watched the Gay Super Bowl last night. We sipped on milkshakes and blue Slurpees and snacked on Baguettes as we watched probably the most international group of Oscar winners ever.

But first, of course, fashion.

I loved LOVED all the ladies in red: Helen Mirren who managed to be regal and sexy at once. America's Sweetheart Katherine Heigl; the luminous Anne Hathaway; Julie Christie: Darling herself in a stunning garnet cocktail dress, and of course, polished Ruby Dee.





But my favorite of all the glamorous ladies? Tilda Swinton!

That's right, the newest Supporting Actress winner in a black toga straight out of some ancient pagan bacchanal, no make up, flaming red hair and piercing green eyes is my best dressed. Why? Tilda and Diablo Cody are the first women with their own looks to show up at one of these things in years. Tilda dared to dress as she wanted, not as some Hollywood stylist dictated. The look, pared with her stunning performance and her irreverent acceptance speech worked beautifully.

On to the show! I thought it went very well considering Jon Stewart had 10 days to put it all together. There could have been more focus on the 80th anniversary, but hey, time was tight.

The women kept us guessing and the biggest surprise of the night was probably Tilda Swinton's Supporting Actress win for Michael Clayton, although not everyone was surprised. Ruby Dee was considered the front runner after her SAG win, and Cate Blanchette was an early favorite. Ruby seemed shocked when the name was announced. Not Lauren Bacall jaw-dropping shocked and certainly not a bad sport, but one could tell she was less than thrilled.

Marion Cotillard became the first Best Actress winner from a foreign language film since Sophia Loren in 1962. It's official: Oscar is obsessed with bio-pics. If Jamie Foxx, Reese Witherspoon and Philip Seymour Hoffman didn't prove that point, Marion drove it home. Not that she was undeserving. Her performance in La Vie en Rose was stunning. I was hoping for a Julie Christie victory for her more subtle approach to a very different character in Away From Her, but Marion certainly earned it. Besides, I loved that she was so thrilled to win.

His Spanish Hotness, Jarvier Bardem took the Supporting Actor trophy, as expected, sexily walked to the podium, and he thanked his mother in sexy Spanish. He also kissed his mother on the mouth like 25 times, but I won't speculate on that.

Daniel Day-Lewis won Best Actor for his strong performance in a movie I really didn't like, There Will be Blood, but I'll just think of it as delayed recognition for his mouth-to-mouth champagne toast in My Beautiful Launderette.

So, that's a French woman, a Scott, a Spaniard and an Irishman all taking the acting awards. On top of that, it seemed like every technical award went to someone who apologized for his poor English. Is this an interesting commentary on the state of Hollywood movies or recognition of a global industry? Discuss among yourselves.

For me, the most charming moment of the night came when best original song was awarded to Irishman Glen Hansard and Czeck Markita Irglova for the lovely song "Falling Slowly" from the wonderful film Once. After being played off by the overly-eager orchestra, Jon Stewart brought Irglova back out for a moving speech about art. Lovely.

Best Picture was No Country for Old Men, a movie I haven't seen because I don't like extreme violence. Sue me.

I was thrilled to see the Best Documentary Short go to Cynthia Wade and Vanessa Roth for Freeheld, the story of terminally ill Laurel Hester and her fight to secure pension rights for her partner. There was another rainbow moment when Joe Roth, accepting his Best Picture Oscar as a producer of No Country for Old Men, thanked his partner and call him "honey." Now, if we could just get one of the actors to do that.

Monday's Man: Daniel Day-Lewis

The handsome Irish actor won his second Oscar last night, and a knighthood from Queen Helen in the process. Frankly, I wasn't thrilled with There Will Be Blood, but he was amazing in it.

Of course, my favorite DDL film was an early one: My Beautiful Launderette. Champagne has never been so erotic.

Dallas Police Officer Killed in Hillary Clinton Motorcade

A Dallas police motorcycle officer was killed while participating in the motorcade escorting Senator Clinton to today's Dallas rally. Senior Corporal Victor Lozada was killed at about 9:15 AM when his motorcycle hit a curb on the Houston St. Viaduct.

Sr.Cpl. Lozada, 49, was a 20 year DPD veteran and is survived by his wife and 4 children.

Sr.Cpl. Lozada was in the rear of the procession and Senator Clinton did not know about it until the rally was over. She proceeded on to a rally in Fort Worth, but told the assembled crowd that she must cancel due to the tragedy. She then turned around and returned to Methodist Hospital in Dallas where she met with the officer's family and the Dallas police chief.

Live Blogging the Hillary Rally!

As I was sitting here in my office, my husband called from the Hillary Rally and held his phone up so I could hear it all. I pounded out highlights and here they are:

It's bedlam!  The people are going
crazy for Hillary!

Yes We Can!  Yes We Can!  Yes We Can!

She's looking good in a long blue trenchcoat, light
blue scarf and gloves.  Naturally, I got the fashion report.

HIL A RY!  HIL A RY!  HIL A RY!

"I am so happy to be here."  Wild cheers.

She's got some local political heavy hitters with her.

some guy:  "I LOVE YOU HILLARY!"

"It's about what we can do together."

She registered Texas voters 35 years ago in her first
political job.

Shared values.

Heroes:  Barbara Jordan and Ann Richards (BIG CHEERS)

More Ann Richards, more cheers.

"It's not about me or my opponent, it's about what we
can do together."

Some girl:  I LOVE YOU HILLARY!

"25% of Texans don't have health insurance.  It's a
moral outrage."  BIG CHEERS!

"Get the insurance companies out of the way and we
will finally have universal health care."   HUGE
cheers.

"Our veterans" etc. I cheered.

"Clean, green jobs..."

"The wealthy and well connected have had their
president for the last 7 years."

"Promises into action and words into action."

Wonderful people she's met across this wonderful
state, like that man in San Antonio who's loosing his
house, etc.

"Give me not just your vote but your trust."

"Moratorium on foreclosures."  big cheers.

More on health care.  Her plan covers everyone.
Gigantic cheers.

YES WE WILL!  YES WE WILL!  YES WE WILL!

$3000 Prescription co-pay is morally wrong."  INSANE
CHEERS, INCLUDING ME SITTING IN MY OFFICE!

Election in Pakistan, embassy burning in Serbia, etc.
President has to be ready and prepared in a
split-second.

She knows a lot of world leaders, etc.

Women's rights are human rights.

Big credibility with the military.

I am ready on Day 1.  Big Cheers

How to early vote.  How to caucus.

If you will stand up for me, I promise you I will
stand up for you every single day.  WILD CHEERING!
INSANE CHEERING!  And she's off - shaking hands while
Dolly sings "9 TO 5."  I guess Dolly's a Hillary girl!
I told my hubby to go shake her hand!

That's it - hope you enjoyed it.

Update:  Click here for a video of her speech.  

Hillary in Dallas!

A few days ago I wrote that Hillary seemed to be ignoring Dallas while concentrating on the Rio Grande Valley, and would not be here until February 29. Well, somebody on her team figured out how delegate selection works in Texas and she's in Dallas this morning. In fact, she's having a rally at my husband's building! He has some meeting or something, but I told him to blow it off and go to the rally. When else will Hillary Clinton come to you?

I drove by there this morning and there was a huge, excited crowd, waiving signs, honking horns, all this on top of her debate performance in Austin last night that I thought was solid, smart, articulate, and passionate. Here's a clip worth watching. She was also very gracious to Obama, seemingly aware that she may not win that and the unity of the Democratic party is of utmost importance.

Maybe I've been too quick to write her off. There's life in that campaign still and there are plenty of Texans who love her. She's got an uphill climb to be sure, but it's still possible. Hey, Huckabee is counting on a miracle, why not Hillary?

Obama Wins Democrats Abroad

Who knew they had a primary? Dem expatriots in various countries voted and, no surprise, Obama won in a landslide. This makes 11 in a row. Hillary won big in Israel, the Dominican Republic and the Philippines, for what it's worth. 7 delegates were at stake, which means Obama now has over 1200 pledged delegates.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Part II

Pictured above are alleged paramour Vicki Iseman and Cindy McCain (who began her relationship with John as the other woman). Does the old guy have a type or what?

Imagine, a Republican sex scandal that doesn't involve boys! No wonder he's getting the nomination, he's the only straight guy they've got left.

Thank God he supported that Arizona constitutional amendment to "defend marriage."

Prairie View Students March for Voting Rights

Watch this amazing footage of students from Prairie View A and M marching for the right to vote in Waller County, Texas.



Prairie View is a historically African-American college in predominantly white Waller County. This year there was only one early voting site in the entire county, at the county courthouse, miles from the university campus. In previous years, there were 6 early voting sites throughout the county. You may recall that, in 2006, many voter registrations from Prairie View students were somehow not processed denying the students the right to vote. They will not be denied again.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

The front page of today's New York Times reported that John McCain had an allegedly improper relationship with lobbyist Vicki Iseman (pictured) a few years ago. Both deny a romantic relationship yet McCain's staff was reportedly alarmed enough to intervene and try to block her access to the Senator. McCain is also alleged to have done favors for her client as chairman of the Commerce Committee.

A spokesman for the McCain campaign made the rounds of the morning news shows today spouting the usual BS about the NY Times being the "most liberal paper in America" so naturally they would go after a true-blue conservative like McCain. Never mind that the paper endorsed McCain for the GOP nomination. If this limp response is the best his war room can come up with, he needs a new team.

This isn't the first time McCain has been the subject of ethics allegations or rumors of infidelity. I admire McCain greatly, but he is not the God-like figure, immune to earthly temptations that his campaign would have us believe.

Give it a Rest, Senator

It's over, Hill. You know it, I know it, the American people know it. So, have a drink, take a breath, take the high road and bow out gracefully. It's been a good ride and you should be proud. Spend the next chapter of your life as an elder stateswoman.

By the way, this has got to be my favorite Hillary picture ever.

Obama in Dallas

The front-runner is here in Dallas today, speaking at Reunion Arena at noon. I drive past the arena on my way to work each day and this morning, people were already arriving at 8:15. I would like to go, but have to work and besides, it looks like it'll be a madhouse. We'll see how Hillary does here, if she ever shows up.

Obama's Perfect 10

Last night Obama racked up wins in the Wisconsin Primary and the Hawaii caucus, making it 10 wins in a row. His margins of victory were substantial and he continued to make inroads into Hillary's traditional base of blue-collar workers, women, and low-income voters. Hillary is now faced with the Herculean task of winning Texas and Ohio by gigantic margins just to achieve delegate parity. She needs a fresh approach and a dramatic, New Hampshire-style turn-around, yet her speech in Ohio last night offered nothing particularly new.

McCain also won the two states plus the Republican caucus in Washington state. In his acceptance speech, he stressed his experience and toughness, and hit directly at Obama's perceived weaknesses in those areas. He's moved past Hillary and has begun his fall campaign against Obama.

However, even with all of Obama's wins, it's unlikely that he will go into the convention with enough pledged delegates to cinch the nomination, meaning the power rests with the super-delegates. An ugly floor fight could develop and if Hillary somehow managed to pull out the nomination over the clear front-runner, it would divide the party so badly that McCain could sail into the White House, just like Nixon in '68. So, my hope is, as much as I admire Hillary, if she looses in Texas and Ohio, she'll bow out gracefully and allow the party to unite around Obama.

Why is This Man Smiling?

Oil closed above $100.00 a barrel for the first time ever.

Goodbye to Love

The Carpenters house in Downey, California is going to be torn down and turned into a McMansion. The owners are tired of fans showing up and taking pictures. It's the home where Karen and Richard Carpenter lived with their parents, and where Karen collapsed before dying in 1983. Richard Carpenter sold it in 1997 after his mother died the previous year.

Can't some rich fan buy it and turn it into a museum?

Hillary and Obama in Dead Heat in Texas

According to the latest CNN poll. Hillary had been ahead by 10 points, but that has withered away as Obama has racked up win after win. Considering Obama's smart Texas campaign strategy vs. Hillary's campaign that can't even get yard signs to Dallas, I believe he'll win the Lone Star State and effectively halt Hillary's campaign. Early voting starts today.

It Was Only a Matter of Time

The perfect marriage of man and product: Matthew McConaughey and Dolce and Gabbana's latest fragrance.



It always helps to play to your strengths. Via Towleroad.

Jesus vs. Ursula

Juice With Junior has summed up the Presidential race more succinctly than I ever could. Go read it.

Who's Advising Hillary?

I was amazed to read this clip from a Washington Post article on Andrew Sullivan's blog:

"Supporters of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton are worried that convoluted delegate rules in Texas could water down the impact of strong support for her among Hispanic voters there, creating a new obstacle for her in the must-win presidential primary contest.
Several top Clinton strategists and fundraisers became alarmed after learning of the state's unusual provisions during a closed-door strategy meeting this month, according to one person who attended.
What Clinton aides discovered is that in certain targeted districts, such as Democratic state Sen. Juan Hinojosa's heavily Hispanic Senate district in the Rio Grande Valley, Clinton could win an overwhelming majority of votes but gain only a small edge in delegates. At the same time, a win in the more urban districts in Dallas and Houston -- where Sen. Barack Obama expects to receive significant support -- could yield three or four times as many delegates."

They "became alarmed?" They just "discovered" that Texas has a convoluted delegate selection process? This is hardly a recent development and anyone with a passing interest in Texas politics and an internet connection could have found all this out any time. Could it possibly be that Hillary's campaign built a strategy around winning Texas or bust before figuring out how delegates are selected? I've always been impressed by Hillary's tight, wired campaign that I felt reflected her leadership style, deeply knowledgeable and prepared for any eventuality, so surely the WaPo must be using some license in characterizing her aides as "alarmed." Surely.

Then I looked at the campaign schedule. There was an Obama rally at Fair Park in Dallas on Saturday featuring a slew of prominent Texas elected officials. He wasn't there, but it generated a huge amount of local coverage. He will be in Dallas on Wednesday after swings throught San Antonio and Houston on Tuesday. This is smart planning. Any experienced Texas pol can tell you that the key to winning the Texas delegate race is to focus on the Senatorial districts in the big urban areas of Houston, San Antonio and Dallas. Michael Dukakis found this out the hard way in 1988 when several Dallas delegates out-maneuvered him and cost him the state. Texas didn't matter so much to him then, but it's critical to Hillary today.

So, where's our girl? I called her Dallas campaign office today, an office, by the way, that doesn't even have yard signs ("We hope to have some by Wednesday or else I'm driving to Austin to get some myself"). I decided to check a more knowledgeable source. According to the Dallas Morning News, she'll make her first visit to Dallas on February 29. February 29! According to her website, she's been to El Paso and will be in Hidalgo (!) and Brownsville (!!) on the 19th. That's it. Are they kidding me with Hidalgo? She's fooling around in El Paso and the Valley as if her vaunted appeal to hispanic voters will carry the day for her. It won't. She needs to focus on San Antonio, Houston and Big D.

Yes, Bill came to nearby Richardson this weekend to speak at an African Methodist-Episcopal convention and that's fine and all, but it couldn't compete with the Obama rally with so many of Dallas' most popular political figures and it was no substitute for the real candidate.

Hillary needs to shake-up her staff ASAP, as in today, or she stands an excellent chance of loosing Texas to a smarter more focused campaign. That would be Obama's.

Monday's Man: Ryan Reynolds

I saw the new romantic comedy Definitely, Maybe over the weekend and it definitely could have been better and was maybe worth a matinee price. It starred Ryan Reynolds who is certainly cuter than cute, but in scenes with strong actors like Rachel Weitz and Kevin Kline, he tended to disappear. Klein, by the way, was still totally doable despite playing a scraggly alcoholic college professor.

Sadly, Ryan showed no skin save one nicely-toned arm. That might have made it worth full-price.

John Lewis Switches to Obama

Georgia Representative John Lewis, the eminent civil rights leader, endorsed Hillary in October. He has now switched his allegiance to Obama. His endorsement carries with it a great deal of moral authority and will resonate deeply with voters. It was a serious blow to Obama when he backed Hillary and it's an even bigger blow to Hillary now that he's changed sides.

During the height of the furor over Bill Clinton's racially-tinged comments after the South Carolina primary, Hillary cited Lewis' endorsement often as a key to shoring up support among African-Americans.

Lewis said of Obama: “Something is happening in America, and people are prepared and ready to make that great leap.” Lewis further said that, as a superdelegate, he could “never, ever do anything to reverse the action” of the voters of his district, who overwhelmingly supported Mr. Obama.

What's That Humming Sound?

The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has just overturned Texas' archaic ban on sex toys. Citing Lawrence v. Texas, which overturned sodomy statutes, the court said that controlling what people do in the privacy of their own homes because the state is morally opposed to a certain type of consensual private intimate conduct is insufficient justification for the law.

God bless Texas.

David Groh Dead at 68

David Groh, the actor best known for playing Rhoda's handsome husband, has died of kidney cancer at the age of 68.

His many TV credits include JAG, Melrose Place and Hunter. His Broadway credits included Twilight of the Golds in 1993.

I remember Julie Kavner as Rhoda's sister Brenda swooning over his "great chest with a medallion in the middle." She wasn't alone.

Concerned "Women" Unmask Homo Agenda!

Ever since I came out I've been wondering one thing: where, oh where is my copy of the homosexual agenda? You know, our plan for destroying the moral fiber of America, pasting rainbows on the Constitution and making Like a Virgin the national anthem? Finally, it's been revealed and by none other than Concerned Woman Matt Barber (pictured)!

Those crazy gals at Concerned Women for America apparently need a man to speak for them, and their choice is homo-obsessed Matt. Here's what he had to say on Townhall.com (warning, don't follow the link unless you have a strong stomach):

"As previously stated, glamorizing and normalizing homosexual conduct in our public schools is a full time endeavor. But the schools represent only one field of battle in the war over America’s body, mind and soul.

"With the aid of a willing mainstream media and a like-minded Hollywood, societal desensitization has been largely achieved. Blockbusters like Tom Hanks’ Philadelphia, the late Heath Ledger’s Brokeback Mountain, and television programs like Will and Grace and Ellen represent a modern-day fairy tale, creating a dishonest and sympathetic portrayal of a lifestyle which is emotionally, spiritually and physically sterile."

When I saw Tom Hanks dying of AIDS in Philadelphia and Heath Ledger's anguish in Brokeback Mountain, "fairy tale" wasn't exactly what came to mind.

There's more fun, too. As "authority," concerned woman Matt quotes some alleged document called the "1972 gay rights platform" and some other alleged document from the 1987 March on Washington. Naturally, he brands us all every word since we all think alike and our thinking hasn't changed a smidge since '72. Do I even have to explain how false and intellectually lazy this is?

I frankly have pity on this guy. He's presumably straight yet so obsessed with homosexuality that he devotes his life to promoting myths that most of America stopped believing somewhere around 1995. He spends his life cursing the incoming tide yet thinks we're the ones living a "sterile lifestyle."

Obama Sweeps Potomac

Obama won big in the DC, Virginia, and Maryland primaries last night, and he now has a lead in pledged delegates. Even Hillary's superdelegates are starting to waiver. She needs a victory in Wisconsin next week and big victories in Texas and Ohio on March 4. Here in Texas, she's polling ahead right now, but March 4 is almost 3 weeks away and Obama has momentum. Hillary does not. If she looses in Texas and Ohio, the pressure on her to bow out will be intense. If she wins, then she's back in the race, but but it will still be an uphill climb.

Top Beagle

For the first time in its history, the Westminster Kennel Club has awarded Best in Show to a Beagle. Uno from Columbia, MO took the blue ribbon last night. His handler called him "a merry little hound." Indeed.

Texas and Ohio Make or Break for HRC

The New York Times is reporting that the Clinton campaign is coming to terms with the fact that Texas and Ohio on March 4 are crucial to her campaign. "She must win comfortably or she's out" said one anonymous superdelegate who has pledged to Hillary.

Texas is not a winner-take-all state, but rather has a complex system of apportioning the delegates. She would have to win big for it to make the sort of difference she needs. After 5 losses last weekend and 3 probable losses in Virginia, Maryland and DC today, I don't know if the math is there for her anymore.

On the up side, it's exciting to think that my vote will actually count this year. As a Texas Democrat, I've been in the wilderness for a while. This year, we're making a difference.

Ones Flock to Hilton Opus

It could not possibly have escaped your notice that noted thesbian Paris Hilton's new film, a profound comment on the human condition called The Hottie and the Nottie, premiered this weekend. Well, the box office numbers are in and, hold on to your Barbie weaves, it did double digit business! That's right, Hottie rocketed to a average of $76.00 per screen! At $10.00 a pop, that means that absolutely ones and twos came to the art house to check out this masterpiece. That includes Dallas where La Diva appeared at the premiere. I can't believe I missed it! Maybe I can luck into a spare seat if I get there early.

Roy Scheider: 1932-2008

Roy Scheider has died at the age of 75. The handsome, wiry actor appeared in more than 60 films and received Oscar nominations for The French Connection and All That Jazz, though he's surely best known for playing Chief Brody in Jaws.

Obama Beats Clinton

At the Grammys! As if winning Louisiana, Washington, Nebraska, Maine and the US Virgin Islands weren't enough, Obama won a Grammy last night. He beat out Jimmy Carter, Maya Angelou, Alan Alda, and to add insult to injury, Bill Clinton in the spoken word category. What's next? An Oscar for best campaign video? We're looking at an Obama movement that's building verses a Hillary campaign that's peaked. Maybe.

Hillary replaced her campaign manager over the weekend which could reflect desperation and a further slide, or it could mean fresh blood and a new approach. There's no time to waste because
Obama now has a slim lead over Hillary in the delegate count for the first time. The Potamac Primaries are tomorrow and he is looking good in Virginia, Maryland and DC. Texas and Ohio on March 4 may well prove decisive. That means my vote counts and I can't wait.

Monday's Man: Edward Burns

My husband and I had "date night" this weekend (I know, I know, "date night." Please, don't start). So, what do any self-respecting queers do on a date night? Go to a romantic comedy, of course. There's kind of a romantic comedy drought right now, so we went to 27 Dresses which was OK, not great. What WAS great about it, though was Ed Burns, improbably, as Mr. Wrong.


Seems like Mr. Right to me.

Evil Endorses Stupidity

James Dobson, leader of hate group Focus on the Family and egomaniac par excellence has now endorsed, you guessed it, Mike Huckabee for President. Thank God that Dobson has spoken so we now know who to vote for.

One little problem. Huckabee's already lost. A little late, aren't we Jimbo? Have you not been paying attention? Are you counting on Divine Intervention?

Dobson has been part of the hard right campaign against the McCain candidacy, weeping and wailing and knashing his teeth because McCain supports stem cell research, doesn't want to round up all the Mexicans and ship them back home, and doesn't hate homos enough (although he's not exactly gay positive). Dobson is joined by fellow poisons-on-society Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter and their various flying monkeys in preaching the gospel of anybody-but- McCain. The only trouble is, nobody's listening. The more they rant, the more people vote for McCain who is now the obvious nominee. Isn't it delicious?

I'm no McCain fan, mind you. He wants the war in Iraq to go on forever and he supported a damnable Constitutional amendment in Arizona to "protect marriage" (the only one that failed at the ballot box). To say he's not a conservative is a bizarre distortion of conservatism, but then again, the entire Republican revolution has been a bizarre distortion of conservatism.

My advice to Dobson, Rush and Coulter? Keep on preaching, baby. You become more irrelevant every time you open your collective pie-holes. These fat emperors (and one skinny empress) have no clothes and America finally seems to be noticing.

The Mittens are Off: Romney is Out

Mittmentun is officially dead. Romney is dropping out of the presidential race today. Now he can go back to Massachusetts and give more money to Planned Parenthood and perform gay weddings, like he always wanted to.

Breaking: Ted Haggard Still Queer

In a shocking development, New Life Church has announced that Rev. Ted Haggard has "prematurely" left his "spiritual restoration" program that was seeking to make a real he-man, lady-lovin' stud out of the fallen sinner. "The process of restoring Ted Haggard is incomplete" a church spokesman actually said without laughing.

Aren't these the same "Christians" who declared Rev. Ted "completely heterosexual" after 3 weeks at straightways camp last year? Well, maybe not completely completely, just kinda completely.

How many times does this guy have to get slapped around before he finally gets the point? Ted, honey, I'll cut to the chase: You're GAY. Grow up and deal with it.

Ledger's Death Ruled Accidental

Towleroad is reporting that the autopsy results are in and Heath Ledger's death has been ruled an accident. He died from an accidental overdose of prescription medications.

Super Tuesday for Democrats/Gays Turn it Out for Hillary

The results of Super Tuesday are in and Hillary and Obama are practically deadlocked. Hillary scored impressive wins in California, Massachusetts (despite the Kennedy endorsements of Obama), New Jersey, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Arizona and Arkansas. Obama won in Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota and Utah.

But remember that Democratic delegates are awarded proportionally, so both candidates won many delegates in each state. The bottom line is Hillary came away with 825 delegates and Obama with 732, with some left to be counted. 2,025 are needed to win. There is no clear front runner.

I think Obama's hype got ahead of reality a bit, but this was still a solid night for him. He posted big gains in states where Hillary had double digit leads just a few weeks ago. Meanwhile, Hillary has proven again what a slugger she is.

Gay voters in California turned out overwhelmingly for Hillary. 60% voted for her while 25% went with Obama. If Obama doesn't attempt some fence-mending with us, I believe it will demonstrate that he doesn't view us as worth fighting for.

For me, the really big news is the massive turnout nationwide for Democrats. Approximately 15 million people voted Democratic verses just shy of 9 million for the Republicans. All the enthusiasm this year is for the Democrats and that's good news for America.

Speaking of Republicans, it was a very good night for John McCain. He won several big winner-take-all states including California, New York and New Jersey. Romney managed to take seven states including obvious wins in Massachusetts and Utah. McCain's delegate count now stands at 615 with 1,191 needed to win. Romney has 268 delegates and the Huckster, 169. Mathematically, I don't believe anyone other than McCain can win the GOP nomination. Mittmentum is dead.

The press has been having orgasms over Huckabee this morning after he won 5 states. He scored the hillbilly vote in West Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Arkansas. This makes me even more grateful that he didn't win my home state of South Carolina. In fact, the Palmetto State seems positively urbane and sophisticated compared to all the shit-kickers who voted for Jesus, I mean Huckabee. It is not a big surprise that he has some strength among white, rural, southern Republicans, but he has no chance in hell of threatening McCain's domination. Huckabee is like a less-popular George Wallace.

This morning, the Huckster was on all the morning news programs falling all over himself singing the praises of McCain. He can't love McCain enough, in a Godly heterosexual way, of course. It could not be more obvious that he's trolling for the VP slot. I suppose there's some logic to Huckabee helping McCain with the Bible-thumpers, but I believe he would hurt more than help. For one thing, McCain has demonstrated that he can win in the south after South Carolina, Florida, and Oklahoma, so he doesn't really need him. Who else are the Jesus freaks in Alabama going to vote for anyway? Hillary? Obama? Huckabee has no strength anywhere else and, in fact, he scares more people than he attracts all across the north-east and the west. Huckabee would be a drag on the ticket and McCain should look elsewhere.

Now it's on to the Washington, Louisiana and Nebraska in 3 days; the Potomac primaries in Virginia, DC and Maryland next week, and Texas and Ohio on March 4.