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| Mike Gravel was initially not invited to participate in next week's presidential candidates forum on gay issues. Organizers later reversed course and the former Alaska senator, who supports same-sex marriage, will join six other Democrats for the televised event. (Photo by Mary Ann Chastain/AP) |
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HOME > NEWS > NATIONAL NEWS
By: JOSHUA LYNSEN COMMENTS
 
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NAACP, rather than by objective reporters,” Signorile wrote on his blog.
Gay author and commentator Andrew Sullivan also opined against Etheridge’s inclusion, dismissing her as a “rich rock star” whose panel seat could go to someone more qualified to grill the candidates.
Fisher defended Logo’s move to include the singer among the forum’s panelists.
“Melissa Etheridge is a cultural icon for LGBT Americans and is a passionate advocate, as well as somebody who can speak to many of the issues we face culturally and personally,” he said. “And we certainly hope as well that she can help attract a larger audience.”
Solmonese said the panel’s three members represent different audience interests.
“Some critics aside, I think the decision to have me put forward questions from HRC seems like a logical one,” he said. “And the decision to have Melissa Etheridge, someone who is out and speaking to a completely different group of LGBT Americans and talk to them about a completely different life experience than I might, is really a welcome choice by Logo.”
Solmonese said all three panelists, along with the moderator, would strive “to do the best we can” and make the program as informative as possible.
“To the extent that we can, we hope to give people a better sense of who these candidates are and how they might take some of their policies and move them forward if they were to become president of the United States.”
HRC has said it invited Republican candidates to join, but they either didn’t respond or declined to participate.
“I think it’s a missed opportunity for the community and also for the Republican candidates that they’re not participating, because I do think it would be good,” Capehart said.
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