First Lady Michelle Obama, San Antonio
Mayor Juan Castro, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Chicago
Mayor Rahm Emanuel were among the Democrats endorsing gay rights in
their Democratic National Convention speeches.
But while the four are examples of
politicians who want to show their support for the gay community,
they are coming under some criticism for avoiding use of the words
“gay” or “lesbian.”
“If proud Americans can be who they
are and boldly stand at the altar with who they love, then surely,
surely we can give everyone in this country a fair chance at that
great American dream,” Michelle Obama said.
She added: “Barack knows the American
Dream because he's lived it … and he wants everyone in this country
to have the same opportunity, no matter who we are, or where we're
from, or what we look like, or who we love.”
Castro: “When it comes to letting
people marry whoever they love, Mitt Romney says, 'No.'”
Emanuel: “Whose leadership, whose
judgment, whose values doe you want in the White House when that
crisis lands like a thud on the Oval Office desk? … A person who
wanted to keep 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell?' Or a president who believes
that who you love should not keep you from serving the country you
love?”
Patrick: “Today, with Labor at the
table, we've made the reforms in our pensions and benefits systems,
our schools, our transportation system and more that Mr. Romney only
talked about. And today in Massachusetts, you can also marry
whomever you love.”
It must be noted that Obama, Emanuel
and Patrick in particular are strong supporters of gay rights.