Carl Paladino's 'homophobic' speech: The fallout
The Republican candidate for governor of New York creates a storm by denouncing gay marriage and 'dysfunctional homosexuals.' Can his campaign survive?

The video: In the New York gubernatorial race, Republican Carl Paladino has already raised eyebrows by threatening to "take out" a persistent reporter and admitting he'd forwarded allegedly racist emails. But his latest outburst could be truly damaging: In a speech to Orthodox Jewish leaders in Brooklyn, Paladino said he was opposed to gay marriage and did not want children "brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is a... valid and successful option." Reportedly, his prepared speech included a similar remark that was not delivered ("there is nothing to be proud of in being a dysfunctional homosexual"). After Paladino's Democrat opponent, Andrew Cuomo, accused him of "stunning homophobia," the construction magnate, who's trailing in the polls, submitted to a hard-hitting interview on NBC's "Today" this morning, insisting that he opposes gay marriages, not homosexuality in general. (Watch Paladino's interview with Matt Lauer below)
The reaction: "Well, this should just about end the New York governor's race," says Isaac Chotiner at The New Republic. Thanks to this "smear," Paladino is "toast." If the Republican Party is sincere about "reaching out to voters beyond their generally homogeneous base," says Steve Benen at Washington Monthly, it ought to condemn this kind of "old-fashioned gay-bashing." This doesn't even make sense on a tactical level, says Dave Weigel at Slate. Surely a "successful businessman" like Paladino would be better off focusing on the "unemployment rate and the weaknesses of Andrew Cuomo" than attacking gays?
-
Ghislaine Maxwell: angling for a Trump pardon
Talking Point Convicted sex trafficker's testimony could shed new light on president's links to Jeffrey Epstein
-
The last words and final moments of 40 presidents
The Explainer Some are eloquent quotes worthy of the holders of the highest office in the nation, and others... aren't
-
The JFK files: the truth at last?
In The Spotlight More than 64,000 previously classified documents relating the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy have been released by the Trump administration
-
'Seriously, not literally': how should the world take Donald Trump?
Today's big question White House rhetoric and reality look likely to become increasingly blurred
-
Will Trump's 'madman' strategy pay off?
Today's Big Question Incoming US president likes to seem unpredictable but, this time round, world leaders could be wise to his playbook
-
Democrats vs. Republicans: which party are the billionaires backing?
The Explainer Younger tech titans join 'boys' club throwing money and support' behind President Trump, while older plutocrats quietly rebuke new administration
-
US election: where things stand with one week to go
The Explainer Harris' lead in the polls has been narrowing in Trump's favour, but her campaign remains 'cautiously optimistic'
-
Is Trump okay?
Today's Big Question Former president's mental fitness and alleged cognitive decline firmly back in the spotlight after 'bizarre' town hall event