President Obama can't seem to escape the heat over "don't ask, don't tell." While speaking at a California fundraiser for Barbara Boxer, he was repeatedly interrupted by activists from the gay-rights group GetEQUAL who demanded the policy's immediate repeal. Obama patiently, at times smilingly, repeated his promise to let gays and lesbian soldiers serve openly, but the shouting continued. Conservative commentators see a double standard: "Guess President Obama couldn’t tell the [hecklers] to sit down and shut up," says Michelle Malkin in her blog. "Because that would be, you know, intolerant and hateful and all the things he accuses the Tea Party movement of every day." Gay-rights activists are divided: Some say the heckling might help urge Obama to follow through with his promise; others worry that the activists will hurt their cause by looking ungrateful and rude. Watch a clip from the event:
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Continue reading for free
We hope you're enjoying The Week's refreshingly open-minded journalism.
Subscribed to The Week? Register your account with the same email as your subscription.
-
5 tips to save on heating billsThe Explainer Follow these expert recommendations for a cozy and cheap winter
-
Should you fire your financial adviser? 4 signs it's time to say goodbye.
The Explainer Breakups are never fun, but you have to protect your wallet
-
The daily gossip: Man arrested in connection with shooting of Tupac Shakur, an OceanGate movie is in the works, and more
Feature The daily gossip: September 29, 2023
-
Dianne Feinstein, history-making Democratic US senator, dies at 90
The Explainer Her colleagues celebrate her legacy as a trailblazer who cleared the path for other women to follow
-
Will the cannabis banking bill get the Senate's green light?
Talking Point The SAFER Banking Act is advancing to the US Senate for the first time, clearing a major hurdle for legal cannabis businesses. Does it stand a chance?
-
Trump surrenders in Georgia election subversion case
Speed Read
-
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries chosen to succeed Pelosi as leader of House Democrats
Speed Read
-
GOP leader Kevin McCarthy's bid for House speaker may really be in peril
Speed Read
-
Are China's protests a real threat for Beijing?
opinion The sharpest opinions on the debate from around the web
-
Who is Nick Fuentes, the white nationalist who dined with Trump and Kanye?
Speed Read From Charlottesville to Mar-a-Lago in just five years
-
Jury convicts Oath Keepers Stewart Rhodes, Kelly Meggs of seditious conspiracy in landmark Jan. 6 verdict
Speed Read
