It's our turn on Feb. 5

By Diane Silver

The newest Hope & Politics column glories over the new-found power of our vote and mulls our options, comparing Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards on LGBT issues. (And yes, I also discuss Dennis Kucinich.)

As far as I'm concerned, none of the Republicans are worth even the time of day from any LGBT voter. Among the top Democrats, the differences are slight on our issues, but potentially significant.

Today's Must Read: Judging the best presidential candidate for gays

By Diane Silver

Kerry Eleveld has posted the best analysis I've seen, yet, on whether Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama or John Edwards would make the best president for LGBT Americans. Eleveld is the news editor of The Advocate. She frames the question in an interesting way.

The question for LGBT voters seems not to be which of these candidates is more supportive of gay issues – they have all conducted more LGBT outreach than previous politicians in their shoes. It’s more a matter of which candidate one believes will achieve the best results – the strategist, the bridge-builder, or the journeyer.

A serious Democratic allergy to using the "marriage" word for same-sex couples

By Diane Silver

The Human Right Campaign's newly released survey of Democratic presidential hopefuls has generally good news for lesbian and gay couples.

One lingering pain in the rear remains, though. That's the continuing aversion of candidates to the use of the word "marriage" for same-sex couples. Only Rep. Dennis Kucinich is willing to own up to supporting full-fledged marriage for us.

On the other hand, everyone from Hillary Clinton to John Edwards and Barack Obama is supporting full rights and fairness under the law in every other way.

Generally, I think this is good news, but is there any other reason to back away from the word "marriage" except for political cowardice? I expected more from Obama.

The full survey results can be found on the HRC site.