Posted on 04/24/2015 1:41:02 AM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
It seems the New York Times has gotten itself all worked up because Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz attended an event in his honor at the Manhattan apartment of — gasp! — “two prominent gay hoteliers.” (Apparently one cannot simply be a ‘hotelier’ these days — a sexual identifier is required.)
It’s obvious that Times reporter Maggie Haberman thought she had found the smoking gun that would tarnish Cruz’s conservative credentials forever when she reported that he’s not a hateful bigot or something. ”Mr. Cruz said he would not love his daughters any differently if one of them was gay,” she wrote, adding that “He did not mention his opposition to same-sex marriage, saying only that marriage is an issue that should be left to the states.”
CNN gave that statement the pretzel treatment and interpreted it to mean, ”His remarks seemed to signal a softening of his beliefs on same-sex marriage.” A spokeswoman for Cruz said in a statement later that the senator had “stated directly and unambiguously what everyone in the room already knew, that he opposes same-sex marriage and supports traditional marriage.”
“[T]he juxtaposition of Mr. Cruz being the guest of honor at a home owned by two of the most visible gay businessmen in New York City was striking,” a seemingly shaken Haberman wrote.
If you’re a left-leaning reporter who believes that the only reason half of Americans oppose same sex marriage is because they’re hateful bigots who are acting out of raw animus, events and statements like this cause you all kinds of cognitive dissonance and consternation. All good leftist reporters believe in the deepest recesses of their hearts that mean-spirited Republicans who disagree with the push for same sex marriage never, ever associate with gay people — unless they’re snooping around in their bedrooms.
But Haberman persisted, asking Ian Reisner, one of the hosts of the event, about the possible “dissonance” between his gay activism and being at an event for Cruz. “Reisner said that while he does not agree with Cruz on social issues, the two men do agree on national security and Israel. “Ted Cruz was on point on every issue that has to do with national security,” he said.
Though this may be difficult for some reporters to grasp, there are a lot of people for whom gay marriage is not the Great Litmus Test of the Ages (especially considering that it’s likely a done deal but for Justice Kennedy signing on the dotted line in June).
This may come as a surprise to reporters at the Times, but Senator Cruz — like most Republicans — has gay friends (and supporters) and he’s willing to engaging in dialogue with people with whom he disagrees. And guess what? This is not newsworthy.
Mati Weiderpass, one of the event’s hosts, expressed a similar sentiment on his Facebook page after apparently receiving some backlash:
Mati Weiderpass added 5 new photos.
New York University
Fireside chat with Senator Ted Cruz, his wife Heidi, and Kalman Sporn, along with Chef Anton Washington from KTCHN Restaurant, Kendall, Tyrone, Mark, and Yvette. It seems my informal dinner with the Senator has created a back lash. So there is no misunderstanding, I support gay marriage 100%. I have been a major supporter of gay causes and gay charities for two decades. People on both sides of the aisle need to be able to communicate with one another even when they ideologically disagree. As a Captain in the Army I worked tirelessly for the repeal of "Don't ask, Don't Tell". While serving on the Board of Directors for the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network I needed to reach across the aisle to make that happen. The fact that Senator Cruz accepted the invitation to my home was a step in the right direction towards him having a better understanding of who I am and what I believe in. We spent most of the time talking about national security issues and in particular the challenges from ISIS, Iran, and defense of Israel -- these are issues for which we did find common ground. However, I did not shy away from the opportunity to ask the Senator about social issues, in particular marriage equality, and made it clear that I completely disagree with him on that issue.
But — but — Republicans are evil! Especially Conservative Republicans! Didn’t anyone tell the saintly gay hoteliers that? The horror!!! /sarc (... if I have to say that!)
(On a very aside note, I mentioned on a Facebook page tonight that I thought it was misguided to rename the SF “rainbow” tunnel after Robin Williams, in that it served to make suicide seem a little more acceptable. I got SO much backlash ... but my favorite slam was: “You must be a Republican!” Laughed and laughed at that one!)
It’s who we are.
And this is suppose to somehow make a difference? We have to deal with them every day...known and unknown.
It’s good that we choose honor. But let’s give Ted some wiggle room to win the election. You can keep your honor and still make gestures that will get you a little extra needed support.
Ted has hinted that he is open to a path to legal, but not citizen status. He’s not saying its written in stone. He’s open to it. Good strategy.
He’s not lying or wiggling. If he wins the White House he’ll be the president of everybody. Believe it or not, there are “gay” people in Texas, the state he currently represents. President Reagan knew all kinds of “gay” people, since he was governor of California, worked in Hollywood for decades and was a union president there.
It must be shocking to the Left to learn that Conservatives don’t hate or fear gay people
Coming out of Hollywood, I’m sure Reagan had many gay friends.
What say you?
“If Ted Cruz does something, it’s always horrible.” — New York Times
This is about as shocking to them as a black who won’t be Democrat - rare and scandalous, close to treason.
Ron and Nancy were very close to Rock Hudson, among others.
It wil be fun watching the media try to pin Cruz
They’re so used to pols who say they’re conservative but who are liberal at a low price The media has never seen conservative. They don’t know it. Not the pols not the voters
Popcorn
Cruz didn't make any vague gestures, and was entirely consistent with his view of the politics of so-called "same-sex marriage". He believes that, politically, the question belongs to the states, as the subject is never mentioned in the US Constitution. His personal disbelief in "same-sex marriage" is immaterial to his political views on it.
I'm glad he is showing he has the ability to be friendly with those that may oppose some of his beliefs, while maintaining consistency with those core values.
Have a great day, FRiend!
extremely fiscally conservative
The Cruz fans blasted Walker for a wedding reception, but; this is so much different. Amazing.
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