Pool Report: Obama at HRC Dinner
Pool Report
October 10, 2009
Human Rights Campaign dinner
POTUS spoke at the Human Rights Campaign's 13th Annual National Dinner. He said “I will end ‘Don't ask, don't tell.'” Transcript to come.
We cannot afford to discharge people from our ranks with critical skills, he told the black-tie clad crowd of 3,000.
Obama said in light of everything that is facing the gay community—a community that has stood behind him—he came to them with a simple message: “I'm here with you in that fight.”
"My commitment to you is unwavering," Obama said.
He said he was going to work toward recognizing same-sex marriages and expanding employment non-discrimination, even as he fights wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, sees the country through the economic crisis and pushes through health care legislation.
Obama acknowledged there were critics in the crowd who said he hasn't done enough yet to address issues facing the gay community, but said, “Do not doubt the direction we are headed and the destination we will reach.”
“We have made progress and we will make more,” Obama said.
Obama garnered a huge round of applause when he referenced the House's widening of hate crimes legislation to include violence based on sexual orientation.
The administration is addressing the continuing problem of HIV/AIDS, he said.
The motorcade left the White House at 7:38 p.m. and arrived at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center at 7:44. Your pooler could see about 50 protesters in front of the convention center.
HRC President Joe Solmonese introduced Obama. Solmonese nearly led with Obama's recent Nobel Prize win a day prior.
“We have never had a stronger ally in the White House. Never,” Solmonese said.
Obama, wearing a dark suit and black tie led off with a joke: “It is a privilege to be here tonight to open for Lady Gaga.”
Several standing ovations drowned out Obama's speech.
He talked about Matthew Shepard, who was killed 11 years ago in Wyoming because of his sexual orientation. Shepard's parents, Judy and Dennis, were on hand to accept the first Edward M. Kennedy National Leadership Award by Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-RI.
POTUS spoke for nearly 25 minutes. Motorcade left the convention center at 8:39 p.m. for an uneventful 6 minute ride. The streets were lined with on-lookers, a few holding signs and rainbow flags.
Special guests at the dinner included musical actor Gavin Creel, singer Lady Gaga and cast members of the television show Glee. Tickets to the dinner were $250.
Marjorie Korn
Reporter
The Dallas Morning News
