NOTE FROM JOHN: The word in the gay grapevine is that the DNC and the White House are telling everyone who will listen that there's going to be a BIG announcement Monday on gay rights. Huge, even. Just how huge? Well according to Joe's post below, not so huge at all. Surprise!
At the beginning of today's press briefing, Robert Gibbs announced "He [meaning the President] will attend an event at the White House recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of LGBT Americans. Invited guests include families, volunteers, activists, and community leaders." Later in the briefing, Gibbs once again slammed the door on any hopes for presidential announcements on DADT or DOMA. So, if you're at the big gay White House party on Monday to honor LGBT Pride Month, just smile pretty for the cameras. It's a photo op, although there may not be a phote line. (And, yes, we know many of you who are going are fully prepared to talk policy. Sure.)
From the transcript:
Q You spoke about that it's going to be a salute to the accomplishment of gay and lesbian Americans. Is this a sign that the President is feeling political heat from this group, that he felt that he should schedule this?No. Got that. A one-word answer: No.
MR. GIBBS: No, this is an event scheduled around Pride Month.
Q Around Pride Month? And this is the first time that the White House has done that sort of event here.
MR. GIBBS: This will be the first time we've had Pride Month while we're in the White House.
Q I was just wondering what -- are we to expect any substantive announcements on the two issues that that community has right at the forefront right now -- Defense of Marriage and "don't ask, don't tell"?
MR. GIBBS: No.
Now, that contradicts an earlier one-word answer on repealing DADT that Gibbs gave in January. Back then, the one-word answer was "yes."
Hey, we got the proclamation talking about DOMA and DADT. And, there is the party. Isn't it ever enough for the gays???
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