Rachel Maddow puts Obama's feet to the fire on DADT (video)

June 10, 3:14 AMInternational LGBT Issues ExaminerKelvin Lynch

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                                           Rachel Maddow

Rachel Maddow took President Obama to task in a big way for his lack of advocacy on gay rights, particularly the Pentagon's 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' policy. 

Maddow repeatedly called Obama "President Fierce Advocate", referring to his statement as President-elect that he would be a "fierce advocate for gay rights," while actively opposing repeal of DADT as president.

Maddow further illuminated President Obama's hypocrisy on DADT by referring to yesterday's US Supreme Court's refusal to review a case challenging the constitutionality of the law.  She said the president argued that DADT was "rationally related" to protecting military unit cohesion.

Referring to the US Supreme Court's refusal to hear the DADT case, Maddow said:

"Does this mean DADT has been ruled definitively constitutional?  No.  The Supreme Court has yet to test the law.  Does this mean there has been some new federal precedent set on DADT? No.  Is this a huge loss for those seeking to overturn DADT? Actually it is not.  Most of the people on the front lines to overturn this policy didn't think that this specific case was the case they would be able to use to end the policy."

"So why is this a big deal?" asked Maddow. 

She then aired statements by candidate Obama quoting him saying DADT was outdated, and saying, "Anybody who is willing to serve our country and die on a battlefield for us are patriots, that's the criteria for whether or not they should be able to serve in our military."  And "I will work for a full repeal of DADT ... that work should have started long ago.  It will start when I take office. America is ready to get rid of DADT.  All that is required is leadership."

Maddow then showcased statements Obama has made after being elected:

"I think that it is no secret that I am a fierce advocate for equality for gay and lesbian Americans.  It is something I have been consistent on, and something I intend to continue to be consistent on during my presidency."

Maddow then presented evidence that President Obama has not delivered on the promises he made to the LGBT community as candidate or President-elect Obama.  She said the President has neither used his executive power to repeal DADT, nor has he pushed Congress to do anything about it. 

Maddow then demonstrated that  "President Fierce Advocate" has failed to show the leadership as Commander-In-Chief to put a moratorium on military dismissals under DADT; to the contrary, he has proactively refused to intervene.

Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ), who is co-sponsor of a bill to repeal DADT, appeared to back up Rachel:

Maddow jokingly said, "I wonder what [President Obama's] record would be like if he weren't such a 'Fierce Advocate' for gay rights?"

Congressman Holt said, "America is ready for change on this policy.  It can come on a temporary basis from the White House, or a more permanent basis from Congress.  One way or another, it is going to come.  Clearly it's an outmoded, outdated policy based on a fallacious view of morality, and it is leaving our country less secure."  Holt declined to direcly criticize or challenge President Obama, but said some statement from the President in favor of the bill would be helpful. 

Holt said he didn't ancitipate any backlash if the bill is put before Congress this summer, "because the pulic is way ahead of politicians on this issue."  Holt was referring to yesterday's Gallup poll showing 69% of American approve of a gays and lesbians serving openly in the military.  Holt said he supported the idea of the President issuing an executive order to halt investigations into whether or not soldiers are gay to prevent further harm to military morale, but said "we can go farther."

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