The Political Whore

By Lorna Bracewell
PoHo contributor

In a presidential proclamation issued on Monday, President Barack Obama officially recognized the month of June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month.

LGBT Americans have made, and continue to make, great and lasting contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American society. During LGBT Pride Month, I call upon the LGBT community, the Congress, and the American people to work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The president’s call for equality and his acknowledgment of the many contributions LGBT people have made to America’s culture, society and politics despite being culturally, socially and politically marginalized are truly moving. However, I can’t help feeling slightly ambivalent about the whole thing. Here’s why:

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The poli sci minds at UVA have a good roundup of the presidential hopefuls four years out, and even before Obama is sworn in. Here’s the intro to the red list:

Here’s the worst kept secret in politics: Presidential campaigning never ends. For periods of time it becomes quieter–a little subtler–but it never stops. Every morning 100 senators, 50 governors, quite a few grandees in the House of Representatives, and an assortment of corporate titans all hear their Rice Krispies shouting “2012!” “FORM A PRESIDENTIAL EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE!” and “RUN … YOU’RE THE ONE!”

Democrats will shush Snap, Crackle, and Pop, pleading with them to instead say, “2016!” Republicans on the other hand, will pour another bowl, and ask the three sirens of Battle Creek, Michigan, to repeat what they just said.

Of course, Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee are already doing battle for the hearts and minds of the social conservatives for 2012. (Kee-rist, you can’t even turn on the TV without seeing Mitt comment on the auto bailout or anything he is asked.) And Sarah Palin, La. Gov. Bobby Jindal, and Tim Pawlenty from the 2008 Veep race are mentioned, of course. Newcomers to the GOP list include Miss. Gov. Haley Barbour and SC Gov. Mark Sanford. Bubbling under is Cong. Eric Cantor, a darling of the right. Others: Former Md. Lt. Gov. Michael Steele (also seeking the RNC chair), New Jersey’s Chris Christie, and Va.’s Bob McDonnell.

Not a very inspiring list, huh Republicans? Where’s the great white hope that will lead the GOP out of the woods and back into the hearts of centrist voters?

What a monumental screw-up at the Joe Biden speech at the Sun Dome in Tampa this morning. The guy that the Obama-Biden campaign brought in to introduce Biden is a Republican who went over to the Dem side for this election because of the tanking economy. Only problem is that Jim Piccalo Piccillo introduced Biden as … John McCain!

Rush and the former president bump into each other at Kobe Club Steakhouse. Clinton makes time with Rush’s date. Limbaugh’s account here.