New initiative may help shore up Obama’s base
In a speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council this week, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton signaled a vocal new place for the U.S.–in the worldwide battle for gay rights. “Some have suggested that gay rights and human rights are separate and distinct,” Clinton said in Geneva, according to the New York Times, “but in fact they are one and the same.” The speech coincided with a new memorandum on the same topic by President Barack Obama. Some believe the initiative could be an attempt by the administration to shore up a key portion of its base ahead of next year’s presidential election.