Gore shakes things up: the vice president looks to gay men and lesbians for support in November and beyond - speech at Sep 19, 1998 Human Rights Campaign Fund dinner - Brief Article

With President Clinton facing the possibility of impeachment proceedings, gay and lesbian activists may have gotten a glimpse of the political future at the September 19 Human Rights Campaign dinner in Washington, D.C. Vice President Al Gore addressed the group, declaring that "all people, regardless of sexual orientation, should be able to be a part of a loving relationship and raise a family without fear of recrimination or discrimination."

Gore received several ovations from the well-heeled attendees, who paid a minimum of $250 each to be on hand for the event, which included a silent auction and a VIP reception.

Tipper Gore, who introduced her husband, and poet Maya Angelou also received enthusiastic welcomes. At last year's HRC dinner, Clinton became the first president to address a gay audience.

Gore's appearance was part of a concerted White House effort to mobilize the Democratic Party's core constituencies in time for the November congressional election. On the same night that Gore attended the HRC dinner, Clinton thanked a large audience at the annual dinner of the Congressional Black Caucus for "standing up for me and understanding the true meaning of repentance and atonement."

Even though gay groups have criticized Clinton for his role in the Monica Lewinsky scandal, they have generally backed the president during this period of mounting political troubles for him. "We're a reliably supportive group," said David Smith, HRC communications director and senior strategist. "There's no question that what happened was reckless and wrong, but the president has been there for gay and lesbian people, and it would be fair to say that most gay people are standing by the president."

In his speech Gore made no mention of the scandal enveloping the White House, focusing instead on touting the president's record on gay- and AIDS-related issues. "That is why we ended, by executive order, policies that discriminated against gays and lesbians in our federal civilian workforce," he said, his voice rising. "And never forget this: We are one of the most successful administrations in history, not in spite of that diversity but because of it."

COPYRIGHT 1998 Liberation Publications, Inc.
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