Obama and the "Reformed Gay"

The latest controversy surrounding Obama highlights a disturbing element in American politics. Why is it that Obama thinks he can campaign with someone who offends homosexuals? Is it because he knows that no matter what he does, most homosexuals will still vote Democratic? Perhaps this explains why you can't find too many Democrats supporting too many gay rights initiatives, including gay marriage.

We see this pattern repeating itself in American politics. If gays are going to predominantly support Democrats, no matter what, then 1) why should Republicans do anything for them, since there is no way they are getting gay support, and 2) why should Democrats do anything for them, since there is no way they're not getting gay support.

Let's repeat this:

If African-Americans are going to predominantly support Democrats, no matter what, then 1) why should Republicans do anything for them, since there is no way they are getting African-American support, and 2) why should Democrats do anything for them, since there is no way they're not getting African-American support.

If Hispanics are going to predominantly support Democrats, no matter what, then 1) why should Republicans do anything for them, since there is no way they are getting Hispanic support, and 2) why should Democrats do anything for them, since there is no way they're not getting Hispanic support.

Fortunately for Hispanics, the Republicans still think they are in play. But if and when it becomes obvious they are not, don't be surprised to see Republicans stop being concerned with Hispanic issues. Cubans are predominantly Republican, so we see Republicans more than Democrats supporting Cuba-American positions regarding Cuba -- including trade barriers, though most Republicans have to know that trading with Cuba would have had the actual result the Cuban-Americans desired.

If different groups let each party know they were not party-loyal, they might get more of what they want done. This is a purely pragmatic argument on my part, as there are many things I don't think should be done, regardless of who supports it. But those issues are for future posts.