A Stitch in Haste

Leave it to gay Democrats generally, and the Human Rights Campaign specifically, to botch this one:

For the first time the leading candidates for the presidency will hold a televised debate devoted solely to LGBT issues.
...
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.

Melissa Etheridge?

No journalists. No bloggers. No non-partisans, perhaps from Lambda Legal or PFLAG. Melissa Etheridge.

Given that we already don't have "debates," just joint press conferences, one can hardly underestimate just how shallow and choreographed this media-driven smiley-faced photo op (sorry, "debate") will certainly be.

Which, incidentally, is precisely why the event (sorry, "debate") is being held in Los Angeles — not, as we are told (wink-wink), "because of the state's early primary election." If that were the case, then why not have it in San Francisco where it belongs?

Finally:

"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.

The last time MTV tried to moderate a presidential campaign event, we got "Boxers or briefs?" Perhaps this time Etheridge can ask Clinton whether she and Bill ever used a strap-on. Or whether Edwards, if he were gay, would prefer to date a twink or a bear?

Absolutely pathetic.

More thoughts from Citizen Crain.

Related posts here, here and here.