Presidential Candidates In First Ever Gay Debate
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff Posted: July 10, 2007 - 1:00 pm ET
(Los Angeles, California) For the first time the leading candidates for the
presidency will hold a televised debate devoted solely to LGBT issues.
The one-hour event will be held on August 9 and broadcast on gay network
LOGO at 9:00 pm ET (6:00 pm ET) and through live streaming video at
LOGOonline.com.
Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards have confirmed they will
participate. Several other Democratic candidates also may join the debate.
The debate will be conducted with a live audience in Los Angeles. On the
panel questioning the two Democrats will be Human Rights Campaign president Joe
Solmonese and singer Melissa Etheridge.
The debate was put together by LOGO and HRC.
"In the 2008 presidential election, issues of concern to the LGBT community
have already been at the forefront of the national conversation, said
Solmonese.
"From the repeal of Dont ask, Dont Tell to the recent signing of a
civil unions bill in New Hampshire, there is no doubt that voters will demand
answers to important questions affecting our community."
The panelists in a statement said they plan to cover a range of issues
including relationship recognition, marriage equality, workplace fairness, the
military, hate crimes, HIV/AIDS and other important issues.
The LGBT vote is considered a decisive electoral force and according to exit
poll data make up approximately 4 percent of the voting population.
Los Angeles was chosen as the site for the event because of the states early
primary election, on February 5th, 2008.
"We're honored to give the presidential candidates an historic opportunity to
share their views directly with the LGBT audience," Brian Graden, President,
Entertainment, MTV Networks Music Group, and President, LOGO said in a
statement.
"This forum continues MTV Networks tradition of engaging vital niche
audiences with voting and the electoral process."
In addition to questioning by Solmonese and Etheridge people will be able to
pose their own questions through LOGOonline.com and HRC.org.
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